CH. 18

To make free from disease-producing organisms.

A chemical used on living objects.

Organisms that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL's), enzymes that gives bacteria immunity to both pennicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics.

Microorganisms that are capable of harming people.

Poisoning of tissues

When a pt is referred to as "septic," it means that he or she is displaying the manifestations of a systemic inflammatory state caused by widespread microbial destruction of tissues. It is accompanied by fevers, tachycardia, hypotension, and luekocytosis.

Refers to the pathologic events that result from the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in a host.

Infections that do not result in disease in individuals with properly functioning immune systems.

Are infectious agents composed primarily of proteins that cause abnormal folding of proteins in brain and neural tissues. ie. BSE- bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cows and CJD- Cruetzfeldt- Jacob Disease in humans.

Is the organisms ability to harm and to cause disease.

Relates to the vigor with which the organism can grow and multiply.

Refers to the organism's attraction to a specific host.

Patients may become infected from people who have active disease, people in the incubation portion of their disease, or people who harbor pathogens but have no symptoms of disease.

Is a term that encompasses infections contracted in all healthcare settings and is often used in place of the more commonly known term, nosocomial infection.

Refers only to hospital - acquired infection.

Refers to measures taken to control and reduce the number of pathogens present.

Refers to "sterile technique." To be sterile an object must be free from all microorganisms.

Includes handwashing with soap and water or cleansing the hands with waterless alcohol-based cleanser to prevent the spread of infection.

A chemical used on lifeless objects.

A chemical is bactericidal if it kills microorganisms.

An agent that prevents bacterial multiplication but does not kill all forms of the organism.

Refers to the complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores.

Techniques or equipment that prevents the transfer of pathogens from one person to another are referred to as "barriers" or PPE.

Refers to techniques used to prevent or limit the spread of infection.

Decreases the risk of transmission from blood borne pathogens and transmission from moist body substances.