Take This Infection Control Quiz

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of foodborne illness. These symptoms occur when harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites are ingested through contaminated food or water. Nausea is the feeling of discomfort in the stomach that often precedes vomiting, which is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. These symptoms are the body's way of trying to rid itself of the harmful substances and can vary in severity depending on the specific pathogen involved.

The correct answer is "None of the above" because dropping food on the floor does not make it safe to eat, regardless of whether it is picked up quickly, dirt is removed, or it is rinsed under water. The floor can be contaminated with bacteria, dirt, or other harmful substances that can transfer onto the food and cause illness if consumed. It is generally recommended to discard food that has come into contact with the floor to ensure food safety.

All of the above methods are effective in preventing the spread of infectious illnesses. Staying home when ill helps to avoid spreading the illness to others. Using hand sanitizer after sneezing or coughing helps to kill any germs on your hands. Washing your hands when contaminated with germs helps to remove them from your hands. By implementing all of these methods, the chances of spreading infectious illnesses can be greatly reduced.

The correct answer is "All of the above." Coughing etiquette includes all of the mentioned actions, such as covering your mouth when coughing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow area, washing your hands after coughing, and turning your head away from food or people when coughing. These practices help prevent the spread of germs and protect others from getting sick.

All of the listed organisms (bacteria, viruses, and parasites) can cause illness when transmitted through food, water, and on hands. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can cause food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. Viruses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A can also cause gastrointestinal infections and can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Parasites such as Giardia, Ameoba, and Cryptosporidium can cause parasitic infections when ingested through contaminated food or water. Therefore, all of the listed organisms have the potential to cause illness through these transmission routes.

Hand hygiene refers to the practice of maintaining clean hands to prevent the spread of germs and infections. It includes proper hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and proper glove use. However, when handling food, hand sanitizer is not acceptable as it may not effectively remove all types of contaminants. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of the options mentioned are part of hand hygiene, except hand sanitizer when handling food.

Hand sanitizer can be used effectively in place of hand washing when you cough or sneeze into your hands or when hand wash facilities are not available. This is because hand sanitizers contain alcohol or other disinfecting agents that can kill germs on the hands. However, it is important to note that hand sanitizer should not be used as a substitute for hand washing in all situations, such as after using the toilet or before or after handling food, as hand washing with soap and water is more effective in these cases.

After sanitizing a surface, allowing it to air dry is the recommended step. This is because air drying helps to ensure that any remaining germs or bacteria are killed off completely. Rinsing the surface may remove some of the sanitizing solution, while drying with a cloth towel may introduce new germs. Cleaning with soapy water is a separate step and should be done before sanitizing.

The correct method of washing your hands is to wet your hands, lather with soap, rinse, and then dry with a paper towel. This method ensures that your hands are properly cleaned by removing dirt, germs, and bacteria. Lathering with soap helps to create friction and effectively cleanse your hands. Rinsing ensures that all the soap and dirt are washed away. Drying with a paper towel helps to remove any remaining moisture and prevent the spread of germs.

The correct answer is to add 1 tablespoon (5 ml) bleach to 1 liter of water. This method is effective in sanitizing contaminated surfaces because bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill a wide range of microbes, including bacteria and viruses. By diluting bleach with water, it becomes safe to use on surfaces without causing damage or harm. This solution can effectively reduce the number of microbes on surfaces and help prevent the spread of infections.