The mode of transmission in which diseases are transmitted due to coughing, sneezing or talking to an infected person is?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Explanation

Droplet infection is the correct mode of transmission described.
It occurs when respiratory droplets are generated by an infected person through actions like coughing, sneezing, or talking.
These droplets are propelled a short distance (typically less than 1 meter) and land on the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) of a nearby person.
Diseases like influenza, the common cold, and pertussis are spread this way.

Option B: Transplacental transmission is from mother to fetus via the placenta, not through respiratory secretions.
Option C: Inoculation involves the pathogen entering through a break in the skin or mucosa, such as a needle stick or bite, not through inhalation of droplets.
Option D: Vector-borne transmission requires an intermediate living carrier, like a mosquito or tick, to transmit the disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modes of Disease Transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the mode of transmission is fundamental for nurses to implement the correct infection control precautions (e.g., Standard, Contact, Droplet, or Airborne).
Using the wrong precautions can lead to nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, endangering both patients and healthcare workers.
What if? If the question mentioned a patient with tuberculosis, the answer would change. Tuberculosis is spread via airborne transmission (droplet nuclei smaller than 5 micrometers), which would require an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure isolation room, not just a surgical mask.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key actions described in the question stem: 'coughing, sneezing or talking'.
Recognize that these actions produce respiratory secretions.
Recall the different modes of disease transmission and their definitions.
Match the action of expelling respiratory secretions with the correct mode. 'Droplet infection' specifically describes transmission via these large respiratory particles over a short distance.
Eliminate the other options by comparing their definitions: Transplacental (mother-to-fetus), Inoculation (break in skin), and Vector-borne (insect/animal carrier).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBFYjRalNXT5A1t906zT_3

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 91-93, 90-92

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.