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Course Sample:
Introduction As a healthcare worker, you must try very hard to reduce the risk of being exposed to pathogens in the workplace. Some of the most dangerous infections are caused by bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are microbes that live in human blood. These microbes can cause you to become very ill. You are in danger of being infected with these bloodborne pathogens if you come into contact with clients' blood or other body fluids (Twitchell, 2003a). Many different types of bloodborne pathogens can cause disease in humans. The three that are of special concern to healthcare workers are: - Hepatitis B virus (HBV),
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
This education program provides information about diseases that are spread by these three bloodborne pathogens. It also discusses ways in which you can protect yourself against these pathogens. KEY TERMS The following is a review of key words used in this program (Anderson, 2002): Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) A serious, life-threatening disease which involves destruction of the body's immune system Contaminated May be able to transfer germs that cause disease; unclean or dirty Germicidals Chemical solutions that kill pathogens. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) A virus that attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight diseases Immune Protected against infection Inert Nonliving Inflammation A response of body tissue to irritation or injury; may result in redness, heat, swelling, and pain Intravenous (IV) drugs Drugs that are given through a needle or tube that goes inside a vein Jaundice Yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes Microbe (microorganism) A very small form of life Mucous membranes A thin layer of tissue that lines cavities of the body, such as the mouth or nasal passages, that open to the outside Nonintact Open or broken areas Pathogens Microbes that cause disease Personal protective equipment (PPE) Special clothing or equipment that protect you from pathogens. | 
