Question

The infection control nurse is teaching a group of nursing home residents about preventing the spread of infection. The group is not fully familiar with transmission by direct contact. What are ways that pathogens can be spread by direct contact?

1) Contact with food
2) Contact with water
3) Contact that is person to person
4) Contact with an inanimate object
5) Contact with body fluids

Answer 1

Pathogens can be spread by direct contact through person-to-person contact, contact with inanimate objects, and contact with body fluids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pathogens can be spread by direct contact in several ways:

1. Contact that is person to person: This occurs when an infected person comes into direct contact with a non-infected person. For example, touching, hugging, or kissing someone who is infected with a pathogen can lead to transmission.
2. Contact with an inanimate object: Pathogens can also be transmitted when an infected person touches an object, such as a doorknob or a utensil, leaving the pathogen behind. If a non-infected person then touches the same object and touches their face or mouth, the pathogen can enter their body.
3. Contact with body fluids: Pathogens can be spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, saliva, or semen. This can happen through activities like unprotected sexual contact or sharing needles.