Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

Why is infection prevention and control important?

Answer 1

To ensure the safety of those being cared for, staff and visitors in the care environment

Question 2

What are the 6 links in the chain of infection?

Answer 2

1. The infectious agent
2. The reservoir
3. Means of exit
4. The mode of transmission
5. Means of entry
6. The susceptible host

Question 3

Infectious Agent

Answer 3

Micro-organism with the capacity to cause disease ( bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions)

Question 4

Reservoir

Answer 4

Where the micro-organism can exist and reproduce (usually somewhere warm, moist and with food source)

Question 5

Means of exit

Answer 5

Escaping the reservoir:

• Excretions (faeces, vomit)
• Secretions (saliva, droplets)
• Skin (skin scales)

Question 6

Mode of Transmission

Answer 6

how micro-organism is transported from one site to another

Question 7

Means of Entry

Answer 7

Entering the host

Question 8

Susceptible host

Answer 8

Person unable to resist the invading micro-organism

Question 9

How is a HAI defined?

Answer 9

Any infection that occurs 48 hours or more after a patient has been admitted to hospital

Question 10

What is the impact of HAI on humans?

Answer 10

Increased morbidity
Hospital stay
Long term disability
Unnecessary deaths

Question 11

When are the 5 moments for hand hygiene?

Answer 11

• before patients contact
• before aseptic task
• after body fluid removal
• after patient contact
• after contact with patient surroundings

Question 12

What is classed as a low risk body fluid?

Answer 12

Saliva
Stool
Urine
Vomit