These six pieces are causative agent, reservoir , portal of exit , mode of transmission , portal of entry , and susceptible host . By understanding the conditions that foster the spread of infection, nurses can implement evidence-based interventions to break the cycle and stop the chain of infection .

Nurses must have a thorough understanding of how to protect themselves and their patients from exposure to harmful pathogens. The human body’s immune system provides a mechanism for staying healthy through protection against harmful pathogens.

infection control — the discipline of stopping or preventing the spread of infectious agents. susceptible host — the organism that is susceptible to or at risk for infection. chain of infection — the six stages of infection that must be present for the transmission of a pathogen from one place or person to another. reservoir — the habitat or source of the pathogen that provides a place for survival and growth.