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active immunity
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immunity that results from the production of antibodies to help protect the body from a pathogen that has entered the body
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airborne precaution
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a practice indicated for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that are transmitted through droplet nuclei
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airborne transmission
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the spread of pathogens that are carried by dust or the nuclei of an evaporated droplet and remain suspended in the air
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antibody (also, immunoglobulin)
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a protein created in the body in response to an antigen in order to fight the identified substance or toxin
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antigen
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anything the immune system recognizes as a foreign object or substance and subsequently initiates formation of antibodies
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asepsis
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the state of being free from disease-causing contaminants
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chain of infection
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the six stages of infection that must be present for the transmission of a pathogen from one place or person to another
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contact precaution
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a practice implemented for patients who have known or suspected infections that can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact with environmental surfaces or equipment
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convalescent period
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the time when recovery and healing begin
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direct transmission
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the spread of a pathogen that is transmitted directly from an infected person
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disinfection
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the process of removing microorganisms and disease-causing pathogens from inanimate objects
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droplet precaution
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a practice implemented when patients are known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking
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droplet transmission
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the spread of a pathogen that travels through a spray of water droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks
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fever
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a rise in core body temperature
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healthcare-associated infection (HAI)
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an infection that is acquired while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility
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illness period
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the third stage of infection, which starts when a person experiences the specific signs and symptoms of a disease
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incubation period
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the initial stage of infection when a pathogen successfully enters into a new host
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indirect transmission
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the spread of a pathogen to a new host through an intermediary, such as the air, food, water, animals, or objects
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infection control
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the discipline of stopping or preventing the spread of infectious agents
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inflammatory response
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one of the first responses when a pathogen breaches the nonspecific innate immune system; it aids in the recruitment of cellular defenses to remove pathogens
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medical asepsis
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techniques and procedures used to decrease the potential for the spread of microorganisms and infection
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medical isolation gown
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a garment worn in the healthcare setting as a broad barrier against blood or bodily fluids
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microorganism
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a single-celled organism that is microscopic in size and too small to be seen by the naked eye
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multidrug-resistant organisms
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a bacterium that has become resistant to certain antibiotics
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N95 respirator mask
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a tight-fitting mask that protects the wearer from very small particles that float in the air
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normal flora
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microorganisms that can live on another living organism or inanimate object without causing diseases or complications
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passive immunity
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the result of antibodies being passed from one person to another
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pathogen
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any type of microorganism that causes disease to its host
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personal protective equipment (PPE)
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a means of barrier protection for eyes, nose, mouth, and skin from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious bodily fluids and materials
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portal of entry
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the site at which a pathogen enters the susceptible host
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portal of exit
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the path by which the pathogen leaves the reservoir
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prodromal period
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the second stage of infection, which begins at the initial appearance of mild or vague symptoms
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reservoir
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the habitat or source of the pathogen that provides a place for survival and growth
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sanitization
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the removal of visible soil from objects and materials
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sepsis
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the body’s extreme response to a widespread infection
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sharps
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needles and other objects, such as lancets, razor blades, scissors, clamps, pins, staples, and glass items
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standard precaution
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the first tier of precautions to protect healthcare staff and patients
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sterile gloves
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a glove that is free from microorganisms and individually packaged as a pair to remain free of pathogens
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sterile technique
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practices and procedures that inhibit microorganisms in a specific environment and prevent contamination
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sterilization
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a procedure that eliminates all microorganisms in or on an object
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surgical asepsis
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the absence of all microorganisms within any type of invasive procedure; requires the use of sterile technique
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surgical gown
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a garment worn by healthcare personnel during a surgical procedure to protect both the patient and the personnel from transmission of pathogens
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surgical mask
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a mask that prevents transmission of large particle droplet matter generated through coughing or splash-generating procedures
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susceptible host
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the organism that is susceptible to or at risk for infection
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transmission
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the method that a pathogen uses to spread from one host to another
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transmission-based precaution
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a practice implemented in situations where standard precautions are not adequate to prevent infection transmission
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vector transmission
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the spread of a pathogen that occurs when blood-feeding arthropods infect animals or humans
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zoonosis
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an infectious disease that can naturally transmit from animal to human