Infection Control

Question 1

Goal of Infection Control

Answer 1

Prevent the spread of infectious disease.

Question 2

Infectious Disease

Answer 2

Any disease caused by the growth of pathogens in the body. Can cause unnecessary pain, suffering, and death.

Question 3

Systemic Symptoms

Answer 3

Fever
Headaches
Fatigue
Vomiting/diarrhea
Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

Question 4

Localized Symptoms

Answer 4

Redness
Swelling
Pain
Warmth

Question 5

Chain of Infection

Answer 5

1. Infectious agent
2. Reservoir host
3. Portal of exit
4. Route of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host

Question 6

Reservoir Host

Answer 6

The pathogen must have a place to live and grow like a human body or contaminated food or fluids.

Question 7

Portal of Exit

Answer 7

The pathogen must be able to escape from where it has been growing:

1. Blood
2. Urine and feces
3. Breaks in the skin
4. Wound drainage
5. Body fluids- saliva, mucus, reproductive fluids

Question 8

Route of Transmission

Answer 8

The pathogen leaves the reservoir through the portal of exit:

1. Air
2. Food
3. Direct contact
4. Insects

Question 9

Portal of Entry

Answer 9

1. Mouth
2. Nostrils
3. Breaks in the skin

Question 10

Susceptible Host

Answer 10

Individual who has a large number of pathogens and does not have adequate resistance to the invading organism.

Question 11

Breaking the Chain:

Infectious Agent

Answer 11

Early recognition of the infection and rapid and accurate identification of organisms.

Question 12

Breaking the Chain:

Reservoir Host

Answer 12

1. Medical asepsis
2. Standard precautions
3. Good employee health
4. Environment sanitation
5. Disinfectant/sterilization

Question 13

Breaking the Chain:

Route of Transmission

Answer 13

1. Hand washing
2. Standard precautions
3. Sterilization
4. Medical asepsis
5. Air flow control
6. Food handling
7. Transmission based precautions

Question 14

Breaking the Chain:

Portal of Entry

Answer 14

1. Wound care
2. Catheter care
3. Medical asepsis
4. Standard precautions

Question 15

Breaking the Chain:

Susceptible Host

Answer 15

Treating underlying disease and recognizing high-risk patients.

Question 16

Nosocomial Infection

Answer 16

Contracted by 5-10% of pts while receiving health care and results in 80,000 deaths per year.

Question 17

Breaking the Chain:

Portal of Exit

Answer 17

1. Medical asepsis
2. PPE
3. Hand washing
4. Control of excretions and secretions
5. Trash and waste disposal
6. Standard precaustions

Question 18

Methods to Decrease Infections

Answer 18

1. Proper hand washing
2. Decontamination of surfaces and equipment with antiseptics, disinfectants and other sterilization procedures
3. Decrease/avoid contact with pts and others who are ill

Question 19

Standard Precautions

Answer 19

Developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and must be followed at all times to prevent contact with potentially infectious body fluids:

1. Blood
2. Secretions/excretions
3. Non intact skin
4. Mucous membranes

Question 20

Maintaining Resistance

Answer 20

1. Provide and practice good hygiene
2. Ensure proper nutrition and fluid intake
3. Get enough rest
4. Decrease stressors

Question 21

Direct Transmission

Answer 21

Occurs when touching the infected pt’s dry skin during client care. Can also occur between two pts. A source of the infecting microorganisms and a susceptible host.

Question 22

Indirect Transmission

Answer 22

Occurs when a contaminated object is touched. Example: coming in contact with needles, instruments, environmental surfaces or client care items.