Which statement defines a susceptible host?

Prepare for the Nurse Aide I Module B – Infection Prevention Test. Leverage multiple choice questions, detailed flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement defines a susceptible host?

Susceptible host refers to a person whose defenses are weakened or compromised, making infection more likely after exposure. Factors like older age, immune suppression or illness, chronic disease, or breaks in skin or mucous membranes reduce the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. The statement describing someone at higher risk due to age, immune status, chronic disease, or breaks in skin/mucous membranes matches this idea, so it is the best choice. An asymptomatic carrier can spread a pathogen without symptoms, which isn’t the defining trait of susceptibility; a person with a strong immune system is less likely to become infected; a vaccinated person has protective immunity, which lowers susceptibility.

Susceptible host refers to a person whose defenses are weakened or compromised, making infection more likely after exposure. Factors like older age, immune suppression or illness, chronic disease, or breaks in skin or mucous membranes reduce the body’s ability to fight off pathogens. The statement describing someone at higher risk due to age, immune status, chronic disease, or breaks in skin/mucous membranes matches this idea, so it is the best choice. An asymptomatic carrier can spread a pathogen without symptoms, which isn’t the defining trait of susceptibility; a person with a strong immune system is less likely to become infected; a vaccinated person has protective immunity, which lowers susceptibility.

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