Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) Exam with engaging quizzes and multiple choice questions, complete with explanations and insights. Ace your certification with confidence!

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What happens when the chain of infection is broken?

  1. Infection is prevented from happening

  2. A disease is cured

  3. The patient recovers faster

  4. The pathogen is eliminated

The correct answer is: Infection is prevented from happening

When the chain of infection is broken, infection is prevented from happening. The chain of infection is a model that describes how infections can spread, consisting of several links: a pathogen, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host. By interrupting any one of these links—such as by eliminating the pathogen, preventing the transmission, or protecting the susceptible host—healthcare providers can effectively stop the infection from occurring. This prevention is critical in healthcare settings, as it helps to control outbreaks and ensures the safety of both patients and staff. While the other choices mention outcomes related to existing infections or recovery, breaking the chain of infection directly focuses on preventing a new infection from taking place in the first place.