Rwj2 Flashcards
What is a communicable disease?
A communicable disease is a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another.
How can health care providers reduce the risk of infection?
Immunizations, simple handwashing, and other protective techniques can dramatically reduce the risk of infection.
What is a pathogen?
A pathogen is a microorganism capable of causing disease in a susceptible host.
What is exposure in the context of infectious diseases?
Exposure is a situation in which a person has had contact with blood, body fluids, tissues, or airborne particles in a manner that may allow disease transmission to occur.
What are the different ways infectious diseases can be transmitted?
Infectious diseases can be transmitted via contact (direct or indirect), aerosolized (in droplets), foodborne, and vector-borne (through insects or parasitic worms).
What is contact transmission?
Contact transmission is the movement of an organism from one person to another through physical touch. It can be direct or indirect.
What is direct contact transmission?
Direct contact occurs when an organism is moved from one person to another through touching without any intermediary. Example: A patient with hepatitis B bleeds, and the EMT’s cut is exposed to the patient’s blood.
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause disease, such as hepatitis B or HIV.
What is indirect contact transmission?
Indirect contact involves the spread of infection through an inanimate object called a fomite, like a stretcher or needle that has come in contact with infected materials.
What is airborne transmission?
Airborne transmission involves spreading infectious agents through droplets or dust in the air. For example, sneezing can transmit diseases like the common cold or COVID-19.
How can you prevent transmission of airborne pathogens?
Avoid covering your cough or sneeze with your hands. Instead, cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to minimize the spread of organisms.
What is foodborne transmission?
Foodborne transmission occurs when food or water becomes contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Proper food handling, storage, and cleanliness help prevent this type of transmission.
What is vector-borne transmission?
Vector-borne transmission involves the spread of infection by animals or insects that carry organisms from one person or place to another, such as fleas transmitting the bubonic plague.
What is the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
OSHA develops and publishes guidelines to reduce hazards in the workplace and is responsible for enforcing these guidelines, including those related to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.
What does OSHA require EMTs to be trained in?
OSHA requires EMTs to be trained in handling bloodborne pathogens and in approaching patients who may have an infectious or communicable disease.