Healthcare Epidemiology

Question 1

Explain the differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases and provide examples of each.

Answer 1

Communicable diseases: are illnesses that spread from one person to another or from an animal to a person.

Methods:

• Direct contact with a sick person
• Breathing in airborne viruses and bacteria
• Contact with blood and other body fluids
• Contact with a contaminated surface or object
• Bites from insects or animals that can transmit the disease

Question 2

Why are non-communicable diseases are a community health concern and provide some examples of important non-communicable diseases.

Answer 2

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death and disability globally
• Major risk factors:
  tobacco use
  physical inactivity
  use of alcohol
  unhealthy diets

Question 3

important measures for preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases in a community

Answer 3

Handle & Prepare Food Safely.
Wash Hands Often. 
Clean & Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces.
Cough & Sneeze Into Your Sleeve.
Don't Share Personal Items.
Get Vaccinated. 
Avoid Touching Wild Animals.

Question 4

Nosocomial infection

Answer 4

an infection acquired during hospitalization

Question 5

Community acquired infection

Answer 5

An infection acquired in the community, NOT a hospital or health-cares setting.

Question 6

Infection control

Answer 6

practices and procedures that prevent the spread of infection

Question 7

Infection prevention

Answer 7

set of methods practiced in healthcare facilities to prevent and control the spread of disease

Question 8

Reservoir

Answer 8

The habitat in which an infectious agent normally lives, grows, and multiplies. Could be human, animal, or environmental.

Question 9

Source site

Answer 9

Places where infectious agents (germs) live.

sinks, surfaces, human skin) (viably

Question 10

common types of healthcare-associated infections (HAI’s)

Answer 10

• Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
• Clostridium difficile infections
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (MRSA)
• Surgical site infections
• Urinary tract infections

Question 11

Compare and contrast modes of transmission for HAI’s

Answer 11

• Contact
• Respiratory droplets
• Airborne spread,
• Common vehicle

Question 12

List high risk patient populations for HAI’s.

Answer 12

• Elderly
• immunocompromised
• pediatrics
• post-op patients

Question 13

List portals of entry for nosocomial infections.

Answer 13

• Urinary catheter insertion
• surgery
• open wounds
• invasive procedures
• prosthetics
• in-dwelling medical devices

Question 14

Identify risk factors that facilitate development of nosocomial infections

Question 15

Define cultural and linguistic competence.

Answer 15

The ability of health care providers and health care organizations to understand and respond effectively to the cultural and linguistic needs brought by the patient to the health care encounter.