Infection Prevention & Control Actual Exam Questions And Answers

Infection Prevention & Control Actual Exam Questions And Answers How do healthcare workers protect themselves from coming into contact with infectious material, sharp injuries, and/ or exposure to a communicable disease? - ANSWER- by applying knowledge of the infectious process and using appropriate personal protective equipment. Diseases such as HEP B and C, HIV/AIDS, TB, and multidrug resistant organisms require a greater emphasis on infection prevention and control techniques. What is a HAI (Health Care Associated Infection)? - ANSWER- Infection acquired following admission to a HC facility NOT present prior to admission -Nosocomial How do HAIs significantly increase costs of health care? - ANSWER- 1. Extending hospital stays 2. Increased disability 3. Increased costs of antibiotics 4. Prolonged recovery times. HAIs costs are often not reimbursed by Medicare/Medicaid. WHO is susceptible to HAIs? - ANSWER- ALL patients ALL health care workers NURSES have a higher occupational exposure than other HC professionals due to frequent patient contact! What is an infection? - ANSWER- the invasion of a susceptible host by pathogens or microorganisms resulting in disease. * Only results if the pathogen multiplies and alters normal tissue function. It is different from a colonization in which a colonization is the presence and growth of microorganisms within a host but without tissue invasion or damage. some infectious disease such as meningitis, and pneumonia have a low or no risk for transmission. Although it may be serious for the patient they do not pose a risk to others including caregivers. Communicable disease - ANSWER- an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another Difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic infections - ANSWERSymptomatic infection: if the pathogens multiply and cause clinical signs and symptoms asymptomatic infection: if clinical signs and symptoms are not present. Ex. HEP C can be asymptomatic, it is most efficiently transmitted thru direct passage of blood into the skin from a percutaneous exposure even if the source patient is asymptomatic. The chain of infection - ANSWER- The presence of a pathogen does not mean that an infection will occur. Infection occurs in a cycle that depends on the presence of all of the following elements: •An infectious agent or pathogen •A reservoir or source for pathogen growth •A port of exit from the reservoir •A mode of transmission •A port of entry to a host •A susceptible host (Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, host.) * an infection can develop if this chain remains uninterrupted. Preventing infections involves breaking the chain of infection. What is the infectious agent element of the chain of infection? How to prevent infection in the infectious agent element of the chain of infection. - ANSWER- microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Microorganisms on the skin are either resident or transient flora. Resident organisms ( normal flora): are permanent residents of the skin, where they survive, and multiply without causing illness. The potential for microorganisms to cause disease depends on the number of microorgs present. Resident skin microorgs are not virulent. Hw they sometimes cause serious infection when surgery or other invasive procedures allow them to enter deep tissues or when pt is severely immunocompromised. Transient organisms: attach to the skin when a person has contact w/ another person or object during normal activities. EX: when you touch a contaminated gauze transient bacteria adhere to your skin. Preventative measure:These organisms can be readily transmitted unless removed using hand hygiene. virulence - ANSWER- the ability of microorgs to produce disease; ability to enter and survive in the host, and the susceptibility of the host. What is the reservoir element of the chain of infection? - ANSWER- A reservoir is a place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and await transfer to a susceptible host. Common reservoirs are humans and animals (hosts), insects, food, water, and organic matter on inanimate surfaces (fomites). Frequent reservoirs for health care-associated infections (HAIs) include health care workers, especially their hands; patients; equipment; and the environment. Human reservoirs are divided into two types: those