Module 4 - Infection Control Safety and Quality Assurance/Control

Question 1

Sources and transmission of microorganisms

Answer 1

Source of infecting organism - reservoir, means of transmission, susceptible host.

Question 2

Human reservoir

Answer 2

The human body is the main reservoir of human disease. The source of infecting agent may be patients, personnel or visitors.

Question 3

Obvious symptoms

Answer 3

Usually appear during the acute phase and care is often to taken to prevent the spread of disease. Often too late to prevent transmission to others.

Question 4

Subclincal

Answer 4

Means that there are never any obvious symptoms. The patient does have the disease and may be unknowingly transmitting it to others.

Question 5

Asymptomatic carriers

Answer 5

These are people who harbour pathogenic organisms but have no signs of infection themselves. The carrier does not harbour as many organisms as the infected person, but is often more dangerous as they do not take privations to prevent the spread of disease.

Question 6

Convalescent carrier state

Answer 6

Person who has recovered from the disease but may still be carrying infectious organisms.

Question 7

Chronic carriers

Answer 7

If a person is still carrying the organism after six months. E.g. hep B carrier.

Question 8

Non-living reservoirs

Answer 8

Soil and water are considered non-living reservoirs as they may harbour disease causing organisms. Routine cleaning of floors reduce the numbers of organisms carried in on shoes, clothing, etc.

Question 9

Animal reservoirs

Answer 9

There is little transmission of zoonoses (diseases transmitted from animals) in Canadian healthcare institutions, due to the hygienic standards that are maintained.

Question 10

Contact transmission

Answer 10

This is the most important and frequent means of transmission of nosocomial infections. Organisms spread by direct, indirect and droplet transmission.

Question 11

Direct contact transmission

Answer 11

Occurs when there is physical contact between the reservoir and hose. Results from person-to-person contact. Phlebotomists could be involved in direct transmission.

Question 12

Indirect contact transmission

Answer 12

Occurs when the infectious agent is transferred from an inanimate object such as a table or chair.

Question 13

Droplet transmission

Answer 13

Occurs when mucus droplets are discharged when an infected person talks, sneezes of coughs.

Question 14

Vehicle transmission

Answer 14

Occurs when contaminated items transmit infectious organisms.

Question 15

Food, water, air, blood or medication

Answer 15

Some examples include salmonella in food, intravenous fluid or medication.

Question 16

Droplet nuclei

Answer 16

Mucus droplets which are less than 10 micrometers in size. Tuberculosis can be spread this way.

Question 17

Vector transmission

Answer 17

Via animals. Doesn’t relate to healthcare environments unless the infectious patient comes into the hospital and spreads the infection.

Question 18

Skin

Answer 18

Is a portal of entry if it is broken, it can be a good barrier if it is in tact.

Question 19

Mucus membranes

Answer 19

Portal of entry for flu or colds. Both patient and phlebotomist are at risk for this type of entry. The membranes of the eye, nose and mouth may be a portal of entry when splashes of aerosols are created if a tube is opened, dropped or broken.

Question 20

Placenta

Answer 20

Transmission of organism via the placenta (mother to fetus) can occur.

Question 21

Parenteral

Answer 21

Portal of entry means any way other than through the digestive tract. Involves a poke or puncture.

Question 22

Immunization

Answer 22

Routine immunization against infectious diseases for healthcare workers is important to prevent them from acquiring the disease and subsequently spreading it to the patient.

Question 23

Influenza (flu)

Answer 23

Flu shots are required by all healthcare professionals unless there is an allergy.