Infection Prevention and Microbiology Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of an endogenous source of infection?

Answer: Patient's own normal flora

Endogenous infections arise from the patient's own microorganisms, such as normal flora that enter a sterile body site.

Prions are associated with which characteristic that makes them uniquely difficult to eliminate?

Answer: They are resistant to standard sterilization including steam and radiation

Prions are misfolded proteins that resist conventional sterilization methods, including standard steam and chemical treatments.

Which route of transmission is primarily prevented by the use of proper packaging and sterile barrier maintenance?

Answer: Contact transmission via contaminated instruments

Sterile packaging maintains the sterile barrier and prevents contact transmission of pathogens via contaminated instruments.

Biofilm formation on surgical instruments is a concern because biofilms:

Answer: Protect microorganisms from disinfection and sterilization

Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria encased in a matrix that provides significant protection against antimicrobial agents and sterilization.

Standard Precautions require that CS technicians treat blood and body fluids from ALL patients as if they are:

Answer: Potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis

Standard Precautions assume all blood and body fluids from every patient are potentially infectious to eliminate risk of exposure.

What type of immunity is achieved when a CS worker receives the hepatitis B vaccine?

Answer: Artificial active immunity

Vaccination introduces an antigen artificially, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies, creating artificial active immunity.

Which of the following organisms is classified as an obligate anaerobe and is of particular concern in wound infections?

Answer: Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens is an obligate anaerobe that can cause gas gangrene and other serious wound infections.