A bedpan that becomes contaminated by a patient's excretions is an example of a:

A bedpan that becomes contaminated by a patient's excretions is classified as a fomite because it serves as an inanimate object that can harbor and transmit infectious agents. When a bedpan is contaminated, it can carry pathogens from the patient's bodily fluids, which can then be transferred to others through direct contact or indirect means.

Fomites play a significant role in the spread of infections, as they can retain germs on their surfaces after the initial contact. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Understanding the concept of fomites helps healthcare workers be mindful of hygiene practices, such as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly to interrupt the transmission of infection.

The other options do not fit this definition:

• A carrier refers to an organism that harbors pathogens but does not show symptoms, which does not apply to an inanimate object like a bedpan.

• A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease, but a bedpan itself is not the pathogen; it is the vehicle that can carry the pathogen.

• A portal of entry is the site through which pathogens enter the body, but again, this does not describe the bedpan's role as it is not an entry point but rather