2 Infection Transmission and Standard Precautions Free Online FlashCards

What are the six links in the chain of infection?

The links are infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

How can contact transmission occur?

Contact transmission occurs through direct contact with a person or indirect contact through contaminated hands, equipment, or surfaces.

What three questions guide infection-control risk assessment?

Before each care activity, consider what could be transmitted, how exposure could occur, and what protection is needed.

To whom do Standard Precautions apply?

Standard Precautions are basic infection-prevention practices for every patient in every healthcare setting, whether infection is suspected or confirmed.

How do additional transmission-based precautions relate to Standard Precautions?

Contact, Droplet, or Airborne Precautions may be added when a suspected or confirmed infection requires them; they do not replace Standard Precautions.

Do gloves replace hand hygiene?

Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Clean hands immediately after removing gloves and at other indicated points of care.

How should someone cover a cough when no tissue is available?

Encourage coughing or sneezing into a tissue and discarding it in a no-touch receptacle; if none is available, use the elbow rather than the hands. Perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.

What is a reservoir in the chain of infection?

A reservoir is where an infectious agent lives or persists, such as a person, animal, surface, equipment, food, or water.

What characterizes droplet transmission?

Droplet transmission involves respiratory particles reaching another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, often at close range.

What characterizes airborne transmission?

In airborne transmission, infectious particles remain suspended in the air and may be inhaled. The route depends on the pathogen, so applicable precautions and facility guidance matter.

What is the difference between a common vehicle and a vector?

A common vehicle is a shared source, such as contaminated food or water; a vector is an animal or insect that carries the infectious agent.

How should PPE be selected when a task may cause splashes?

Choose PPE for the anticipated exposure. For a likely splash or spray, use protection for the hands, clothing, and face as indicated by the task.