Infection Control Concepts Chapter 9

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Questions and Answers

What are pathogens?

Viruses that only affect animals

Microorganisms capable of causing disease (correct)

Germs that do not multiply in the body

Microorganisms that are harmless to humans

Which of the following describes a reservoir of infection?

A place where pathogens thrive in sufficient numbers (correct)

A type of medical equipment used to treat infections

The method by which an infection spreads

An area where vaccines are stored

What role does a susceptible host play in the cycle of infection?

It is a location where pathogens multiply

It does not contribute to the infection

It provides a means for pathogens to exit and enter

It is a subject with a weakened immune system (correct)

What is a common example of a portal of exit?

The respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection is referred to as a nosocomial or healthcare-associated infection?

Infection contracted during a hospital stay Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity results from the injection of preformed antibodies?

Passive Immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes emerging diseases?

New diseases or existing diseases with increasing incidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pathogens is a multidrug-resistant organism of concern in healthcare settings?

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT typically associated with the emergence of new diseases?

Effective public health measures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection occurs more than 48 hours after a patient has been admitted to the hospital?

Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples illustrates direct contact transmission of disease?

Syphilis infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fomites in the transmission of disease?

Serving as inanimate objects that carry pathogens Signup and view all the answers

How do vectors differ from other routes of transmission?

They act as living organisms that facilitate pathogen development. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best describes airborne transmission of infection?

A dusty room contains spores that are inhaled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way to break the cycle of infection transmission?

Prevent transmission from the reservoir to the susceptible host. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection Control Concepts

Key terms include acquired resistance, airborne transmission, antibodies, antigens, bacterium (bacteria), health care-associated infection (HAI), nosocomial infection, pathogen, phagocytosis, virulence factors, and more.
Microorganisms capable of causing disease are known as pathogens; they include bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, and protozoa.
The Cycle of Infection consists of five components: infectious organisms, reservoir of infection, portal of exit, susceptible host, and portal of entry.

Understanding Infection Elements

Infectious Organisms: Pathogens possess virulence factors that differentiate them from nonpathogenic organisms.
Reservoir of Infection: Conditions for pathogens to thrive include adequate moisture, nutrients, and suitable temperature. Reservoirs can be human or nonhuman (such as food or water).
Portal of Exit: Pathogens exit the body through routes including the GI tract, open wounds, and respiratory tract.

Susceptible Hosts and Transmission

Susceptible Host: Individuals with a weakened immune system, such as patients or healthcare workers, are at risk for nosocomial infections.
Portal of Entry: Microorganisms enter through various pathways including the respiratory, urinary, and GI tracts, and open wounds.
Transmission of Disease: Prevention focuses on breaking the cycle of infection. Major transmission routes include direct contact, fomites, vectors, vehicles, airborne, and droplet contamination.

Types of Transmission

Direct Contact: Requires touch between infected individuals and susceptible hosts, such as in syphilis or HIV infections.
Fomites: Objects that have had contact with pathogens, like contaminated gloves or surgical instruments.
Vectors: Arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks that transmit diseases like malaria and Lyme disease.
Vehicles: Mediums transporting microorganisms, including contaminated food, water, or medical supplies.
Droplet Contamination: Occurs through large droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, examples include influenza and meningitis.
Airborne Transmission: Involves dust or droplet nuclei with spores that can remain airborne for extended times; associated with diseases like tuberculosis.

Body’s Defense Mechanisms

Natural Resistance: Provided by intact skin and mucous membranes.
Acquired Immunity: Developed after infection or vaccination through antibody formation.
Passive Immunity: Introduced through injection of preformed antibodies.

Disease Prevention Strategies

Emerging Diseases: Include new diseases or previously controlled diseases that are rising in incidence or geographic range.
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Complications arising more than 48 hours post-admission; common pathogens are MRSA and C. difficile.
Bloodborne Pathogens: Pathogens like HIV and hepatitis transmitted primarily through needle-stick injuries.

Transmission Prevention

Standard Precautions: Infection-control measures intended to minimize transmission risks in healthcare settings, including ensuring proper hygiene and protective barriers.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: Employers required to implement exposure control plans and training for staff.
Medical Asepsis: Techniques aimed at reducing infection incidence through methods like hand hygiene, disinfection, and sterilization.

Cleaning and Waste Disposal

Proper cleaning techniques can minimize airborne infections and pathogen transmission by fomites; clean from least contaminated areas toward more contaminated ones.
Contaminated Item Disposal: Linens should be handled carefully to prevent contamination. Sharps and blood-contaminated items need designated biohazard disposal.

Isolation Techniques

The CDC advises isolation based on transmission-based precautions, with different levels such as contact precautions for certain infections (e.g., MRSA, scabies).

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Description

Test your understanding of key terms related to infection control in Chapter 9. This quiz covers essential vocabulary such as pathogens, antibodies, and various modes of transmission. Enhance your knowledge of infection prevention in healthcare settings.