Chapter 15 – Infection Control
15:1 Understanding the Principles of Infection Control
1. A ______is any small living organism not visible to the naked eye.
2. ______, or germs, are microorganisms that cause disease or infection.
3. The main classes of microorganisms include: ______
______
______
4. Antibiotics are used to kill ______. However, due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, some
strains of bacteria have become ______-______, which means that the antibiotic is no
longer effective against the bacteria. If a bacterium becomes resistant to several drugs, it is called multidrug resistant,
or a “______.”
5. List two examples of superbugs.
6. Ringworm, Athlete’s foot, yeast vaginitis, and thrush are caused by ______.
7. Can antibiotics kill fungi?
8. ______are the smallest microorganisms.
9. The common cold, measles, mumps, herpes, warts, and influenza are examples of diseases/disorders caused by what?
10. Under federal law, employers must provide the ______vaccine at no cost to any health care worker
with occupational exposure to blood or other body fluids.
11. Infections or diseases are classified as ______, ______, ______,
or ______.
12. ______means the infection or disease originates within the body, which includes metabolic
disorders, tumors, and congenital disorders.
13. ______means the infection or disease originates outside the body.
14. A ______infection, also known as a hospital-acquired or healthcare-associated infection, is one
acquired by an individual in a health care facility such as a hospital or long term care facility.
15. ______infections are those that occur when the body’s defenses are weak.
16. For diseases to occur and spread from one individual to another, certain conditions must be met. These conditions are commonly called the ______.
17. Parts of the chain of infection include:
a) ______- a pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus that can cause a disease
b) ______- area where the infectious agent can live such as human body, animals,
environment, or fomites.
c) ______- a way for the infectious agent to escape from the reservoir.
d) ______- a way that the infectious agent can be transmitted to another reservoir
or host where it can live. Examples are by direct or indirect contact.
e) ______- a way for the infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or host
f) ______- a person likely to get an infection or disease, usually because body
defenses are weak.
18. List 8 examples of body defenses.
19. The absence of disease producing microorganisms, or pathogens is known as ______.
20. ______means free from all organisms, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, including spores and viruses.
21. Any object or area that may contain pathogens is considered to be ______.
22. Various levels of aseptic control are possible. List three examples.
23. Differentiate between Antisepsis, Disinfection, and Sterilization.
Ch 15 – Infection Control
15:2 Bioterrorism
1. ______is the use of microorganisms, or biologic agents, as weapons to infect humans, animals or plants.
2. Six characteristics are considered to be ideal for bioterrorism and include:
______
______
______
3. Which government agency has identified and classified major bioterrorism agents?
4. List examples of identified high priority agents.
5. What does the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 require?
6. Every health care worker must constantly be alert to the threat of bioterrorism. Careful ______and
Thorough ______can limit the effect of the attack and save the lives of many people.
15:3 Handwashing
1.______is the most important method used to practice aseptic technique and is also the most
effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
2. List the five essential times for handwashing.
3. The recommended method for handwashing is based on the following principles:
______
______
______
4. Two utensils that can aid in the process of handwashing include the ______and the
______.
5. True or False, most health care facilities prohibit the use of artificial nails and require that nails be kept short.
6. ______with an alcohol based gel, lotion, or foam has been proven safe for use during routine patient care when hands are not visible dirty or contaminated with body fluids.