The nurse manager is evaluating current infection control data for the intensive care unit. The ...

The nurse manager is evaluating current infection control data for the intensive care unit. The nurse compares past patient data with current data to look for trends. The nurse manager examines the infection chain for possible solutions.
 
  In which order will the nurse arrange the items for the infection chain beginning with the first step?
  1. A mode of transmission
  2. An infectious agent or pathogen
  3. A susceptible host
  4. A reservoir or source for pathogen growth
  5. A portal of entry to a host
  6. A portal of exit from the reservoir
  a. 3, 2, 4, 1, 5, 6
  b. 1, 3, 5, 4, 6, 2
  c. 4, 2, 1, 6, 3, 5
  d. 2, 4, 6, 1, 5, 3