infection control

Question 1

what makes someone a susceptible host

Answer 1

• Low immunity (low white cell count) – underlying disease
• Elderly/ neonatal/ malnourished
• Antibiotics – normal flora disrupted
• Invasive procedures – IV etc.
• Inadequate levels of hygiene

Question 2

causative micro-organisms

Answer 2

• Increased number in healthcare settings
• Antibiotic treatments can often enhance development of resistant pathogenic strains
• E.g. MRSA

Question 3

reservoir

Answer 3

where the potential spread originates

Question 4

portals of entry and exit

Answer 4

• Respiratory tract
• Gastro-intestinal tract
• Genito-urinary tract
• Broken skin

Question 5

mode of transmission

Answer 5

•	Secretions 
•	Excretions 
•	Droplets 
Direct contact/ indirect contact/ vector spread/airborne spread (exogenous spread)
 ‘self spread’ (endogenous spread)

Question 6

what is the most effective way to break the chain of infection

Answer 6

hand washing

Question 7

types of hand washing

Answer 7

level 1- social or routine handwashing
level 2 -hygienic hand antisepsis
level 3 - surgical handscrub