Which term describes microorganisms that may cause illness?

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 term describes microorganisms that may cause illness?

Pathogens are microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease in people. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and they’re the ones health care providers worry about in infections. Non-pathogens are harmless and don’t cause illness. Normal flora are microorganisms that normally live on or in the body and are usually harmless or beneficial, though they can cause problems if they get into sterile areas or if the person’s immune system is weakened. An outbreak isn’t a type of microorganism at all—it’s a surge in illness cases in a population. So, the term that best describes microorganisms that may cause illness is pathogen.

Pathogens are microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease in people. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and they’re the ones health care providers worry about in infections. Non-pathogens are harmless and don’t cause illness. Normal flora are microorganisms that normally live on or in the body and are usually harmless or beneficial, though they can cause problems if they get into sterile areas or if the person’s immune system is weakened. An outbreak isn’t a type of microorganism at all—it’s a surge in illness cases in a population. So, the term that best describes microorganisms that may cause illness is pathogen.

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