Microorganism Types
What type of microorganism is characterized by a simple structure and can be beneficial or harmful to humans?
Bacteria
What is a defining characteristic of bacteria?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a simple cell structure, lacking a nucleus.
How do droplets contribute to the spread of microorganisms?
Droplets from coughs or sneezes can carry microorganisms, facilitating airborne transmission.
What is handwashing, and why is it important?
Handwashing removes dirt and microorganisms, preventing infection transmission.
What type of PPE should be used to protect the hands?
Gloves
Name a type of microorganism that is primarily responsible for diseases like influenza and COVID-19
Virus (e.g., influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2)
Describe how viruses differ from bacteria.
Viruses are not considered living organisms; they require a host cell to reproduce and consist of genetic material (DNA/RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.
What role does contaminated surfaces play in the transmission of infections?
Contaminated surfaces can harbor pathogens that can be transferred to individuals through touch.
Explain the term "sterilization" and how it differs from disinfection.
Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, while disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic organisms.
When should masks be worn in a healthcare setting?
Masks should be worn when there is a risk of airborne or droplet transmission.
Identify a microorganism that can reproduce only inside a living host cell.
Virus (e.g., HIV)
What characteristic is common to all fungi?
Fungi have cell walls made of chitin and reproduce via spores.
Explain how improper food handling can lead to the spread of microorganisms.
Improper food handling can lead to contamination, allowing microorganisms to spread through consumption.
What are temperature control methods used to reduce microbial growth in food?
Temperature control methods, such as refrigeration and cooking, inhibit microbial growth in food.
Explain the purpose of gowns in infection control.
Gowns protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents and contaminants.
What type of microorganism includes organisms like yeast and molds?
Fungi (e.g., yeast, molds)
Explain the structure of a parasite and how it benefits from its host.
Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host, benefiting at the host's expense.
What are the risks associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can lead to severe complications and increased mortality rates.
Analyze how environmental cleaning affects microbial growth in healthcare settings.
Environmental cleaning reduces the presence of pathogens in healthcare settings, lowering infection risk.
What is the correct order for donning PPE?
The correct order for donning PPE is: 1) Gown, 2) Mask, 3) Goggles, 4) Gloves.
Define protozoa and provide an example of a disease caused by them.
Protozoa are microscopic, single-celled eukaryotic organisms with animal-like behaviors, meaning they move and obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms; example: Malaria (caused by Plasmodium)
Compare the size of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Bacteria are generally larger than viruses but smaller than fungi.
Describe the relationship between overcrowding and the spread of infectious diseases.
Overcrowding can facilitate transmission of infectious diseases due to close contact.
Describe the steps involved in proper cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment.
Proper cleaning and disinfection involve removing organic matter, applying disinfectants, and allowing adequate contact time.
Evaluate a scenario where gloves are not used; what are the potential risks?
Potential risks include cross-contamination, increased infection risk, and spreading pathogens to other patients or surfaces.