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Questions and Answers
In healthcare settings, what is the MOST frequent mode of transmission for pathogens?
In healthcare settings, what is the MOST frequent mode of transmission for pathogens?
- Direct contact transmission between individuals.
- Airborne transmission over long distances.
- Droplet transmission from respiratory activities.
- Indirect contact transmission via contaminated objects or surfaces. (correct)
Which of the following BEST describes a fomite in the context of infection transmission?
Which of the following BEST describes a fomite in the context of infection transmission?
- A living organism that carries a pathogen without showing symptoms.
- An airborne particle containing infectious agents.
- A direct contact, such as shaking hands.
- An inanimate object that can transfer pathogens from one person to another. (correct)
What engineering control is commonly used in healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens?
What engineering control is commonly used in healthcare facilities to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens?
- Negative air pressure and direct exhaustion of air to the outside (correct)
- Routine hand sanitization practices.
- Positive air pressure to prevent outside air from entering rooms.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization of surfaces.
Which of the following scenarios poses the HIGHEST risk for hospital-acquired infection (HAI)?
Which of the following scenarios poses the HIGHEST risk for hospital-acquired infection (HAI)?
Why are N-95 or higher respirators required instead of surgical masks to prevent airborne transmission of pathogens?
Why are N-95 or higher respirators required instead of surgical masks to prevent airborne transmission of pathogens?
Which of the following individuals is MOST susceptible to infection?
Which of the following individuals is MOST susceptible to infection?
A patient develops an infection 48 hours after being admitted to the hospital. This is BEST described as:
A patient develops an infection 48 hours after being admitted to the hospital. This is BEST described as:
A healthcare worker is caring for a patient with a known respiratory infection. Which of the following actions would BEST prevent droplet transmission?
A healthcare worker is caring for a patient with a known respiratory infection. Which of the following actions would BEST prevent droplet transmission?
Which activity is MOST likely to lead to the expulsion of aerosols?
Which activity is MOST likely to lead to the expulsion of aerosols?
Which of the following represents an example of direct contact transmission?
Which of the following represents an example of direct contact transmission?
What three elements MUST be present for the transmission of infection within a healthcare setting?
What three elements MUST be present for the transmission of infection within a healthcare setting?
A patient undergoing chemotherapy is considered a susceptible host due to:
A patient undergoing chemotherapy is considered a susceptible host due to:
Infection transmission through a contaminated stethoscope is an example of which mode of transmission?
Infection transmission through a contaminated stethoscope is an example of which mode of transmission?
Compared to surgical masks, N-95 respirators offer a superior level of protection against airborne pathogens because they:
Compared to surgical masks, N-95 respirators offer a superior level of protection against airborne pathogens because they:
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies droplet transmission?
Which of the following scenarios exemplifies droplet transmission?
What is the PRIMARY reason why poorly controlled diabetes increases susceptibility to infection?
What is the PRIMARY reason why poorly controlled diabetes increases susceptibility to infection?
Which of the following infections would be classified as community onset?
Which of the following infections would be classified as community onset?
All of the following are considered routes of transmission EXCEPT:
All of the following are considered routes of transmission EXCEPT:
Which statement BEST describes the effectiveness of surgical masks in preventing airborne transmission?
Which statement BEST describes the effectiveness of surgical masks in preventing airborne transmission?
An elderly surgical patient is at a higher risk for infection. How would you BEST explain this?
An elderly surgical patient is at a higher risk for infection. How would you BEST explain this?
Flashcards
Community-onset infections
Community-onset infections
Infections that develop outside of a hospital setting.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
Infections acquired in a hospital; also called nonsocomial infections.
Three elements for infection transmission
Three elements for infection transmission
Source of pathogens, susceptible host, route of transmission.
Susceptible hosts
Susceptible hosts
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Modes of transmission
Modes of transmission
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Direct contact transmission
Direct contact transmission
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Indirect contact transmission
Indirect contact transmission
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Fomites
Fomites
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Droplet transmission
Droplet transmission
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Airborne transmission
Airborne transmission
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N-95 respirators
N-95 respirators
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Study Notes
- Oxygen is non-flammable but accelerates combustion; burning speed increases with higher concentration or partial pressure of O2.
- Remove flammable material from areas where O2 is used to reduce fire risks.
- Ignition sources are prohibited in rooms with O2.
- Children should not play with spark-creating toys where O2 is in use.
- PASS: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, Sweep the nozzle across the base of the fire.
- RACE: Rescue patients, Alert other personnel, Contain the fire, Evacuate other patients and personnel.
Infections
- Infections that develop outside the hospital are referred to as community onset.
- Infections that develop inside the hospital are known as hospital-acquired (HAI) or non-social infections.
- Three elements are needed for infection transmission: a source of pathogens, a susceptible host, and a route of transmission.
Susceptible Hosts
- Susceptible hosts include individuals with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, age extremes, HIV, immunodeficiency (e.g., cancer, chemotherapy), surgical incisions, and radiation therapy.
- Medical devices like urinary tract catheters, central venous catheters, and endotracheal tubes also contribute.
Modes of Transmission
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Modes of transmission include contact (direct and indirect), droplet, and airborne.
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Direct contact transmission involves pathogen transfer directly from one person to another.
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Indirect contact transmission, the most frequent type in healthcare, involves pathogen transfer via a contaminated object or person.
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Unwashed hands of healthcare personnel are a common factor in indirect transmission.
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Fomites are inanimate objects that transfer pathogens between individuals.
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Droplet transmission involves large respiratory droplets traveling short distances before settling.
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Human respiratory activities, such as breathing, talking, laughing, and singing, expel aerosols.
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Airborne transmission involves pathogens infectious over longer distances when suspended in the air.
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Special handling and respiratory protection are needed to prevent airborne transmission.
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Rooms with negative air pressure and direct air exhaustion help control pathogen spread.
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N-95 or higher respirators are necessary for preventing airborne transmission.
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Surgical masks are less effective at preventing airborne transmission due to their looser fit.
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OSHA requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination.
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Workers with a fever should stay home to avoid risking patients and coworkers to illness.
Eliminating Pathogen Sources
- Two categories to eliminating environmental pathogens include general sanitation and specialized equipment processing.
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