ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Examples of means by which infectious microorganisms can be transmitted via indirect contact include:

1. fomite

2. vector

3. nasal or oral secretions

4. 1 and 2 only

The correct answer is: vector

Infectious microorganisms can indeed be transmitted through various means, and understanding these pathways is crucial for effective infection control. The choice that conveys indirect contact transmission in this context is the focus on vectors and fomites. Fomites are inanimate objects or surfaces that can carry infectious microorganisms. When a person touches a contaminated surface and then another person touches the same surface or comes into contact with the microorganism from that object, transmission can occur. Common examples include door handles, medical equipment, and clothing. Vectors, on the other hand, are living organisms, typically insects, that can carry pathogens between hosts. For instance, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. While vectors directly transmit pathogens, they also fall under indirect contact transmission as they act as intermediaries. Nasal or oral secretions, in contrast, represent direct transmission since they involve the active transfer of pathogens from one individual to another through respiratory droplets or fluid exchange. Understanding this classification of transmission helps in formulating appropriate infection control measures, highlighting the importance of maintaining hygiene and the role of environmental factors in the spread of infections.