Module 3 - Infection control

Question 1

Chain of infection occurs in a cycle that depends on the following elements

Answer 1

Infectious agent (pathogen)
Reservoir (source for pathogen growth) 
Portal of exit from reservoir - mouth, nose, cut in skin, genitals etc
Mode of transmission 
Portal of entry to a host
Susceptible host

Question 2

Defences against infection

Answer 2

Normal flora(on skin, in saliva/mucous and large intestine which maintains a balance with microorganisms to prevent infection)

Body system defences(body’s organs have unique defense against infection)

Inflammation vascular reaction that delivers fluid, blood products and nutrients to interstitial tissue in an area of injury

Question 3

Localized infections

Answer 3

Restricted to an area, proper care controls spread and minimizes the illness

Question 4

Systemic infections

Answer 4

Effects the entire body, can be fatal

Question 5

Contact transmission

Answer 5

The transfer of microbes by physical touch; may be by direct contact, indirect contact or droplet

Question 6

Direct contact

Answer 6

Physical skin-to-skin contact between an infected or colonized individual and a susceptible host (touching a patient)

Question 7

Indirect contact

Answer 7

Contact between a susceptible host and a contaminated intermediate object ( touching soiled linen, not washing hands between handling patients)

Question 8

Droplet transmission

Answer 8

Large particles (droplets) from the respiratory system of an infected source propelled up to a 2m through the air and deposited into a susceptible host (droplets produced via coughing sneezing or talking)

Question 9

Airborne transmission

Answer 9

Small airborne particles containing microbes remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and air currents transmit these particles long distances and susceptible hosts inhale them

Question 10

Vehicle transmission

Answer 10

A single contaminated source ( water, drugs, food) transmits infection to multiple hosts, possibly resulting in an outbreak

Question 11

Vector borne transmission

Answer 11

Insects or pests transmit microbes to humans ( fleas, ticks or mice)

Question 12

HAI Or nosocomial infection

Answer 12

An infection that is acquired after admission to a health care facility that was not present at the time of admission

Question 13

Asepis

Answer 13

Keeping away disease - producing microorganisms

Question 14

Medical asepsis

Answer 14

Known as clean technique, procedure used to reduce and prevent the spread of microorganisms (hand hygiene)

Question 15

Surgical asepis

Answer 15

Known as sterile technique, to eliminate all microorganisms from an object or area

Question 16

Standard precautions or routine practices (tier 1)

Answer 16

Appropriate use of gowns, gloves and Ppe

Question 17

Transmission based isolation precautions

Answer 17

Isolation precautions followed by routine practices

Question 18

virulence

Answer 18

ability to produce disease

Question 19

immunocompromised

Answer 19

impaired immune system

Question 20

the inflammatory response includes the following events

Answer 20

vascular and cellular response, inflammatory exudates, and tissue repair