Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

Which of the following correctly lists all six components of the chain of infection in order?

Answer: Infectious agent → Reservoir → Portal of exit → Mode of transmission → Portal of entry → Susceptible host

The chain of infection has six links: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host — breaking any link prevents infection spread.

Which of the following is NOT a recognized route of transmission for bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and Hepatitis B?

Answer: Casual contact such as handshaking or hugging

Bloodborne pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B are NOT transmitted through casual contact such as handshaking, hugging, or sharing office space; they require direct blood-to-blood or mucous membrane contact.

A medical assistant should change gloves and perform hand hygiene during patient care in which of the following situations?

Answer: Between patients and when moving from a contaminated to a clean body site on the same patient

Gloves must be changed between patients and when moving from a contaminated body site (e.g., wound) to a clean site on the same patient to prevent cross-contamination.

Which hepatitis virus is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water?

Answer: Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, commonly through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person; it is vaccine-preventable.

Which level of microbial control destroys ALL forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores?

Answer: Sterilization

Sterilization is the complete elimination or destruction of all microorganisms, including highly resistant bacterial endospores, achieved by autoclaving, dry heat, or chemical sterilants.

Immediately after sustaining a needlestick injury from a potentially infectious needle, a medical assistant should FIRST:

Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and report the exposure immediately

The immediate response to a needlestick is to wash the area with soap and water for several minutes, then immediately report the exposure to follow the facility's exposure control plan for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Standard precautions in healthcare are best described as:

Answer: A set of precautions applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis to prevent transmission of infectious agents

Standard precautions assume that all patients may be infectious and apply to blood, all body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes — they are used universally with every patient encounter.