Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

An infection caused by a needle stick enters through which portal of entry?

1. Mucous Membrane

2. Parenteral Tissue

3. Respiratory Tract

4. Intestinal Tract

The correct answer is: Parenteral Tissue

Infections caused by needle sticks primarily enter the body through parenteral tissue. This refers to any route that bypasses the normal barriers of skin and mucous membranes, which includes injections, cuts, or punctures that allow pathogens to enter directly into the bloodstream or deeper tissues. When a needle penetrates the skin, it creates a direct pathway for microorganisms to bypass the body's first line of defense, which typically involves the skin and mucous membranes. This direct entry into the bloodstream presents a high risk for infection since the body's immune system may not have immediate access to the pathogens introduced. The other portals of entry listed do not accurately describe the route taken by pathogens in the case of a needle stick. Mucous membranes, respiratory tract, and intestinal tract involve different mechanisms and modes of entry that are less relevant in the context of needle stick injuries. Therefore, recognizing that parenteral tissue is the correct portal of entry for such infections is essential for understanding infection control and prevention practices in sterile processing and distribution environments.