Clients with Infection

Question 1

What is the difference between pathogenicity and virulence?

Answer 1

– pathogenicity: ability to cause disease

– virulence: degree of communicability and severity of a disease

Question 2

What is colonization?

Answer 2

when the organism is present in tissue but not yet causing symptomatic disease

Question 3

What’s the difference between an endogenous infection and an exogenous infection?

Answer 3

– endogenous infection: an infection initiated by the pt’s flora

– exogenous infection: an infection initiated by microorganisms from outside of the pt’s body

Question 4

What are the 2 biggest ways to limit the spread of infection in hospitals?

Answer 4

1. proper hand hygiene
2. gloves and PPE

Question 5

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Answer 5

– sterilization: kills all organisms

– disinfection: reduces the number of disease causing bacteria

Question 6

What are 2 ways to manage airborne pathogens? What are 3 examples of airborne pathogens?

Answer 6

– management:

1. negative airflow rooms
2. HEPA filters

– airborne pathogens:

1. TB
2. varicella
3. measles

Question 7

Define droplet pathogens. Give 4 examples of droplet pathogens.

Answer 7

– droplet pathogens: organisms that can be in air and may travel up to 3 feet

– examples:

1. influenza
2. mumps
3. meningitis
4. H1N1

Question 8

Define contact pathogens. Give 3 examples of contact pathogens.

Answer 8

– contact pathogens: transmitted by direct or indirect contact

– examples:

1. MRSA
2. VRE
3. C. diff

Question 9

What is the difference between noncompliance and nonadherence?

Answer 9

– noncompliance: deliberate attempts at not following prescribed regimines

– nonadherence: accidentally not following prescribed regimines

• forgetful pts
• confused pts