Free Medical Assistant Sample Questions

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Your Free Sample CMA Question

Which element of the infection cycle refers to an animal, insect, or human whose body is able to sustain the growth of a pathogen?

• A. Means of entrance
• B. Means of exit
• C. Means of transmission
• D. Reservoir host
• E. Susceptible host

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Incorrect Answer Explanations

Answer A: In the infection cycle, the means of entrance refers to the ways that pathogens are able to enter a new host, such as through body cavities or breaks in the skin. The infection cycle begins when a pathogen invades a reservoir host (animal, insect, or human) for transmission to others.

Answer B: The means of exit is the element of the infection cycle in which the pathogen exits the reservoir host, such as through the nose, mouth, eyes, feces, urine, reproductive discharges, or blood and blood products. The infection cycle begins when a pathogen invades a reservoir host (animal, insect, or human) for transmission to others.

Answer C: In the infection cycle, the means of transmission refers to the means by which the pathogen is spread to another host, either directly or indirectly. The infection cycle begins when a pathogen invades a reservoir host (animal, insect, or human) for transmission to others.

Answer E: The susceptible host is the individual to whom the pathogen has been transmitted. To become infected by a pathogen, the susceptible host must have little to no immunity to infection by that particular organism. The infection cycle begins when a pathogen invades a reservoir host (animal, insect, or human) for transmission to others.

Bottom Line

A reservoir host is an animal, insect, or human that is able to sustain the growth of a pathogen for transmission to others.

For more information, see:

Booth K, Whicker L, Wyman T, eds. Infection control fundamentals. Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Procedures With Anatomy and Physiology. 6th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017:94-97.

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