40 Questions
What is an example of a fomite that nurses may use?
Stethoscope
What is the primary method of transmission for pathogens greater than 5um in size?
Droplet transmission
What is the term for the point of exit of a pathogen from the host?
Portal of exit
What is a factor that can increase a person's susceptibility to infection?
Multiple wounds
What is the term for the process of breaking the chain of infection?
Breaking the chain
What is the term for the natural barriers that protect the body against microbial invasion?
All of the above
What is an example of a vector that can transmit a pathogen to humans?
Mosquito
What is the term for the person or animal that harbors a pathogen?
Reservoir of infection
What is the primary reason the person in the scenario was hospitalized?
COVID-19 and dehydration
What factor contributes to the thriving of an organism?
All of the above
What health teaching would the nurse share with the visitor having an upper respiratory infection?
Use a mask and practice hand hygiene
What is the period during which the patient is experiencing symptoms?
Full stage of illness
Can a person continuously cycle through the same infectious process?
Yes, with HSV
Why was an IV placed in the person's left arm?
For dehydration treatment
What is the best way nurses can prevent infection?
By following proper hand hygiene and using personal protective equipment
What is the last stage of the infection process?
Convalescent period
What type of infection is associated with medical devices?
Healthcare associated infections
Which of the following is an example of a multidrug resistant organism?
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
What is the primary goal of surgical asepsis?
To eliminate the number of pathogens
What is the primary site of colonization for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)?
Nares
Which of the following practices is NOT part of 'clean technique'?
Creating and maintaining a pathogen-free environment
According to the Five Moments for hand hygiene, when should hand hygiene be performed?
Before a clean or aseptic procedure and after touching a patient
What type of infection is associated with surgical procedures?
Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
What is the source of Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff) transmission?
Feces
What is the recommended method of hand hygiene for 20 seconds?
Hand washing with soap and water
When is hand sanitizer not appropriate?
When hands are visibly soiled
Which of the following is NOT a type of Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI)?
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
What is the term for the pathway that involves critical thinking to determine the presence of an infection?
Critical Thinking pathway
What is the purpose of pouring contaminated liquids directly into the drain or hopper?
To prevent splashing
What is the term for the presence of a medical device that contributes to the development of an infection?
Device-associated infection
Which of the following is a part of surgical asepsis?
Creating and maintaining a pathogen-free environment
What is the main difference between medical and surgical asepsis?
Medical asepsis reduces the number of pathogens, while surgical asepsis eliminates them
What is the primary purpose of Standard Precautions?
To apply to all hospitalized patients regardless of their diagnosis or infection status
Which type of Transmission-Based Precaution requires a private room with negative air pressure?
Airborne Precaution
What is the primary reason for wearing gloves when caring for a patient on Contact Precautions?
To prevent contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces
When should a surgical mask be worn?
When caring for a patient on Droplet Precautions
What is the purpose of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette?
To prevent airborne transmission of pathogens
When should a gown be worn?
When caring for a patient on Contact Precautions
Why is it important to change gloves after contacting infective material?
To prevent contact with bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces
What should be done with equipment used in the care of a patient on Contact Precautions?
Clean and disinfect
Study Notes
Modes of Transmission
- Contact Transmission: direct contact (touching, kissing, sexual intercourse) and indirect contact (vector, fomite)
- Droplet Transmission: organisms > 5um attach to dust particles, droplets heavy enough to land on surfaces
- Airborne Transmission: organisms < 5um attach to dust particles, remain in the air
Infection Cycle
- Portals of Exit for Humans: respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, skin breakdown, blood & tissues
- Susceptible Host: multiple wounds, poor skin integrity, pH levels, white blood cell count, age, sex, heredity, immunity, fatigue, nutritional status, general health, pre-existing illness, certain medications, stress level, invasive or indwelling medical devices
Case Study: Jimin
- 27-year-old nursing student, biological male, Asian descent, unvaccinated for COVID-19, sustained a laceration on his left leg, hospitalized for COVID-19 and dehydration, IV fluid in left arm
What makes an Organism Thrive?
- Quantity of Organism
- Virulence
- Patient's Immune System
- Length of Contact
- Type of Contact
Practice Question
- Friend visiting a long-term care client with an upper respiratory infection: wear a mask and practice hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection
Stages of Infection
- Incubation Period
- Prodromal Stage
- Full Stage of Illness
- Convalescent Period
- Can a person continuously cycle through the same infectious process?
Prevention of Infection
- Asepsis: methods to prevent infection (medical, surgical)
- Hand Hygiene: washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer with vigorous friction until hands are dry
- Five Moments for Hand Hygiene: before touching a patient, before a clean/aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure risk, after touching a patient, after touching patient surroundings
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
- Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
- Surgical Site Infections (SSI)
- Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
- Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)
- Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
- Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
- Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff)
Critical Thinking Pathway
- Signs/symptoms of infections
- Medical device present: determine potential infection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Gloves
- Gown
- Masks
- Protective Eye Wear
Transmission-Based Precautions
- Used in addition to standard precautions for patients with suspected infection via airborne, droplet, or contact routes
- Proper donning and doffing of PPE
Droplet Precautions
- Infection spreads by large particle droplets
- Private room
- Door can stay open
- Surgical mask and gloves
Contact Precautions
- Infected or colonized by a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO)
- Private room
- Gown and gloves
- Change gloves after contacting infective material
- Clean all equipment; do not share
Airborne Precautions
- Infections that spread through the air
- Private room
- Negative air pressure
- Door closed, patient remains in room
- Respirator mask
- Surgical mask on patient for transport
This quiz covers the different modes of transmission of pathogens, including contact transmission, direct and indirect contact, and the role of vectors and fomites.
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