Microorganism Mayhem
Visible only under an electron microscope, and cannot reproduce unless inside another living cell.
What is a virus?
The first link in a chain of infection.
What is the infectious agent or pathogen?
Precautions that treat every body fluid as potentially infectious, and considers all patients as potential sources of infection.
What are Standard Precautions?
This is the single most important method used to practice aseptic technique.
What is handwashing?
Another word for "superbug."
What is multi-drug resistant?
Three things microorganisms need/prefer to grow and reproduce.
What are darkness (preferred), warm environment, and a source of food/moisture?
An instrument contaminated with blood, for example, would be in this link of the chain of infection.
****100 bonus points if you can name the term for the object****
What is the reservoir?
(Bonus-Fomite)
Caused by a pathogenic organism that can be easily transmitted to others.
What is a communicable disease?
This step is necessary after removing gloves.
What is handwashing?
Infection acquired in a health care facility and may be transmitted by a healthcare worker to a patient.
What is a health-care associated infection (HAI) or hospital-acquired infection?
Name three shapes of bacteria.
What are cocci, bacilli, and spirilla?
What are contaminated hands?
Followed for patients with known or suspected pathogens that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact, such as skin wounds, gastrointestinal illness, etc.
What are Contact Precautions?
Which is/are false (may be none, one, or more):
A. Clorox wipes will not sterilize surfaces.
B. Hand sanitizer is as effective as hand washing.
C. Chemicals are a method of sterilization.
D. Sterilization destroys all microbes, including pathogens and nonpathogens.
What are B and C?
An infection that originates outside the body.
What is exogenous?
Two common forms of fungi.
What are yeast and mold?
Intact skin would block this step in the chain of infection.
What is the portal of entry?
Precautions for immunocompromised patients.
****100 Bonus points if you can name a category of infections that can occur in these patients****
What is protection or reverse isolation?
(Bonus answer: Opportunistic infections)
For patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by airborne droplets.
What are Airborne Precautions?
What are thread-like projections that allow organisms, such as some bacilli, to move around?
What are flagella?
List 4 examples of viruses.
Answers will vary. Examples: West Nile, Hepatitis B & C, Covid 19, HIV, Measles, SARS
Starting with the pathogen or infectious agent, name the next 5 steps of the chain of infection in order.
Reservoir
Portal of Exit
Mode of Transmission
Portal of Entry
Susceptible Host
The main type of PPE used in droplet precautions.
What is a mask?
If a sterile article touches your skin or clothing, it is....
What is no longer sterile?
The explosion that occurs when microscopic cleaning solution bubbles strike the items in an ultrasonic unit.
What is cavitation?