Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What is the mode of transmission in the context of infection?

1. A way that the infectious agent can be transmitted to another host

2. A method for isolating infectious individuals

3. An immune response to infection

4. A health practice to ensure safety

The correct answer is: A way that the infectious agent can be transmitted to another host

The mode of transmission refers specifically to the mechanisms by which infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, are spread from one host to another. This can include various routes such as direct contact, airborne transmission, vector-borne spread, and more. Understanding this concept is fundamental in infection control, as it helps identify how diseases propagate and informs strategies to prevent such spread. By accurately identifying the modes of transmission, health professionals can implement appropriate control measures, such as vaccination, quarantine, or environmental sanitation, to mitigate the risk of transmission. This knowledge is critical for both individual and public health. The other choices do not directly address what mode of transmission signifies in the context of infection. The second option relates to isolating individuals who are infected, which is a strategy rather than a mode of transmission. The third option discusses the immune response, and the fourth option focuses on a health practice rather than the fundamentals of disease transmission.