Describe the basic infection prevention and control principles

Question 1

What is the chain of infection?

Answer 1

Microbe —> reservoir —> escape route —> transmission —> portal of entry —> host —> then back to microbe

Question 2

how does MRSA commonly spread throughout hospitals?

Answer 2

indwelling catheters (urinary, PEGs etc.)

Question 3

How does C.diff commonly spread throughout hospitals?

Answer 3

proton pump inhibitors, poor hygiene

Question 4

what are the 3 main healthcare associated infections?

Answer 4

MRSA

Clostridium difficile

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)

Question 5

how long do droplet microbes remain suspended in the air?

Answer 5

10 um - 17 minutes

20 um - 4 minutes

Question 6

how long do airborne microbes remain suspended in the air?

Answer 6

indefinitely

Question 7

Name 5 key people in hospital infection control

Answer 7

1) Consultant in communicable disease control (CCDC) - Public health england
2) environmental health organiser - local authority
3) medical microbiologists - acute trust
4) community infection control nurse - local authority
5) consultant epidemiologists - public health england

Question 8

List three measures to prevent and control communicable diseases in the UK

Answer 8

1. break the chain
2. track and trace
3. notify relevant authority

Question 9

name 3 ways to prevent food borne illnesses

Answer 9

1) wash food
2) wash hands
3) wash surfaces

Question 10

How does extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) commonly spread throughout hospitals?

Answer 10

urinary catheters

Question 11

What are the 4 main notifiable diseases?

Answer 11

1. food poisoning
2. measles
3. meningococcal septicaemia
4. tuberculosis

Question 12

what is vertical transmission?

Answer 12

Mother to fetus or mother to baby.

via bloodstream, genital tract or breastfeeding

Question 13

True or false? washing your hands is effective against airborne and droplet microbes?

Answer 13

False - only against droplet