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infection prevention the set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease. infection the state resulting from pathogens invading the body and multiplying. pathogen a microorganism capable of causing infection and disease. local...

infection prevention the set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease. infection the state resulting from pathogens invading the body and multiplying. pathogen a microorganism capable of causing infection and disease. localized infection an infection that is limited to a specific location in the body and has local symptoms. systemic infection an infection that travels through the bloodstream and is spread throughout the body, causing general symptoms. healthcare-associated infection (HAI) an infection acquired in a healthcare setting during the delivery of medical care. chain of infection a way of describing how disease is transmitted from one human being to another. causative agent a pathogenic microorganism that causes disease. reservoir a place where a pathogen lives and multiplies. portal of exit any body opening on an infected person that allows pathogens to leave. mode of transmission the method of describing how a pathogen travels. direct contact a way of transmitting pathogens through touching the infected person or their secretions. indirect contact a way of transmitting pathogens from touching an object contaminated by the infected person. portal of entry any body opening on an uninfected person that allows pathogens to enter. mucous membranes the membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body, such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum, and genitals. susceptible host an uninfected person who could become sick. transmission passage or transfer. infectious Contagious. medical asepsis measures used to reduce and prevent the spread of pathogens. surgical asepsis the state of being completely free of all microorganisms; also called sterile technique. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) a federal government agency that makes rules to protect workers from hazards on the job. Standard Precautions a method of infection prevention in which all blood, body fluids, non intact skin, and mucous membranes are treated as if they were infected with an infectious disease. lancet a sharp instrument used to make small incisions, as in capillary puncture procedures. sharps collective term for needles and other sharp objects. hand hygiene washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs. personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment that helps protect employees from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with workplace hazards. invasive procedure a procedure that involves inserting a foreign object into a patient’s body. don to put on doff to remove Transmission-Based Precautions a method of infection prevention used when caring for persons who are infected or may be infected with certain infectious diseases. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents that are commonly used for treatment. isolate to keep something separate, or by itself. bloodborne pathogens a microorganism found in human blood that can cause infection and disease in humans. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) the final stage of HIV infection, in which infections, tumors, and central nervous system symptoms appear due to a weakened immune system that is unable to fight infection. human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and gradually disables it; eventually can cause AIDS. hepatitis inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as alcohol abuse, some medications, and trauma. Bloodborne Pathogens Standard federal law that requires that healthcare facilities protect employees from bloodborne health hazards. engineering controls features incorporated in medical devices to make their use less hazardous. exposure control plan a plan designed to eliminate or reduce employee exposure to infectious material. disinfection a process that destroys most, but not all, pathogens; it reduces the pathogen count to a level that is considered not infectious. sterilization a cleaning measure used to decrease the spread of pathogens and disease by destroying all microorganisms, including those that form spores. patient navigator one role often filled by a medical assistant; assists patients as they interact with the healthcare system, acting as a guide. ambulatory care care given without a patient being admitted to a hospital. preventive care care provided with an emphasis on staying healthy and avoiding serious injury or illness. administrative a word used to describe tasks related to the business and customer service operations of a medical office or other healthcare facility. coding the use of established codes to document medical care provided. clinical a word used to describe tasks related directly to patient care. point-of care testing a category of diagnostic test that can be performed at the patient’s side; fingerstick blood glucose testing is an example. inpatient word used to describe a hospital setting and care provided in a hospital. outpatient word used to describe medical settings that do not require overnight stays and the care provided in these settings. emergency medicine specialist physicians who work in emergency rooms or trauma centers and treat patients experiencing unexpected, acute illness and injury. family practice a branch of medicine focused on care for the whole family from birth to death. general surgeon a physician trained to perform surgery on all body systems; may also provide pre- and postoperative care. geriatric medicine a branch of medicine focused on preventive care and treatment for adults 65 years of age and older. internal medicine a branch of medicine focused on providing preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for adults of all ages; providers may be called internists. pediatrician a physician who provides preventive care and treatment to children from birth through adolescence; the branch of medicine is called pediatrics. telehealth a method of providing healthcare services via telephone or a video connection. venipuncture the puncture of a vein with a hollow needle for the purpose of extracting a blood specimen. capillary puncture the puncture of a patient’s skin for the purpose of collecting a blood specimen from the capillaries beneath the puncture site; also called dermal puncture. patient-centered medical home (PCMH)  a healthcare model outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, developed to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care; emphasizes coordination by a primary care provider; also known as primary care medical home. primary care provider a healthcare practitioner who supervises and coordinates all of a patient’s medical care. Joint Commission an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations delegate to assign appropriate tasks to another person. chain of command the line of authority at a facility. scope of practice the roles, responsibilities, and procedures that are within the knowledge, training, and legal definition of a profession. professionalism behaving properly when on the job. continuing education (CE) In health care, education is intended to keep healthcare workers up-to-date on changes in medicine that affect their jobs; it may address new equipment, new procedures, or policy changes, or provide a review of important topics.