Nokea
A client is in the acute care facility for the administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia. The client begins to have severe diarrhea 3 days after the IV antibiotics with abdominal cramping and pain. What does the nurse suspect the client has developed due to the antibiotic use?
- A. Food poisoning
- B. An allergic reaction to the antibiotic
- C. A helminth infection
- D. Pseudomembranous colitis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client is taking an antibiotic, a superinfection can result from overgrowth of microorganisms not affected by the drug. This can lead to a serious inflammation of the colon called pseudomembranous colitis accompanied by potentially life-threatening diarrhea. The nurse should report fever, abdominal cramps, and severe diarrhea immediately. The other choices are not related to the use of the antibiotics.
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The intensive care unit nurse is caring for a client with a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. The nurse knows that this type of encephalopathy is caused by what type of infectious agent?
- A. Prion
- B. Protozoa
- C. Helminth
- D. Rickettsia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A prion is a protein that does not contain nucleic acid. Research suggests that normal prions present in brain cells protect against dementia. When a prion mutates, however, it is capable of becoming an infectious agent and altering other normal prion proteins into similar mutant copies. The mutant prions, which can be formed by genetic predisposition or acquired by transmission between the same or similar infected animal species, cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are not caused by protozoa, helminths, or rickettsias.
The nurse has been injured with a needlestick while caring for a newly admitted client and informs the charge nurse. What is the next thing the injured nurse should do?
- A. Document the injury in writing.
- B. Obtain the client's HIV status.
- C. Get instructions on monitoring potential symptoms.
- D. Report the injury to the supervisor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Should an injury occur, health care workers are advised to follow postexposure recommendations: (1) Report the injury to one's supervisor immediately; (2) document the injury in writing; (3) identify the person or source of blood, if possible; and (4) obtain the HIV and hepatitis B statuses of the source of blood, if it is legal to do so. Unless the client gives permission, testing and revealing HIV status are prohibited; (5) obtain counseling on the potential for infection; (6) receive the most appropriate postexposure prophylaxis; (7) be tested for disease antibodies at appropriate intervals; and (8) receive instructions on monitoring potential symptoms and medical follow-up.
A client with a Staphylococcus aureus infection present in a sacral pressure ulcer has received treatment with three courses of antibiotics without eliminating the infection. What does the nurse understand has occurred with the client?
- A. The client has a multidrug-resistant strain of bacteria.
- B. The client has been misdiagnosed and has another type of microorganism present.
- C. Staphylococcus aureus cannot be treated by antibiotics.
- D. Staphylococcus aureus is a fungus and must be treated with an antifungal agent, not an antibiotic.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Some bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, are developing multidrug resistance, the ability to remain unaffected by antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics. There are no facts to indicate the client has been misdiagnosed. Staphylococcus aureus is treated with antibiotics and is a bacterium, not a fungus.
A client arrives at the emergency department reporting severe diarrhea and vomiting that began after ingesting a hot dog at the ballpark 6 hours ago. How does the nurse understand that the contaminated food was transmitted to the client?
- A. Droplet
- B. Airborne
- C. Vehicle
- D. Vector
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vehicle is the route of transmission for this client's illness. It is found on or in contaminated food, water, objects, or equipment and can occur from eating or drinking tainted products. The route of transmission, droplet is by a spray of moist particles within a 3-foot radius of infected persons. Airborne is a route of transmission that is a suspension and transport on air currents beyond 3 feet. An infection by vector is found on infected animals or insect to susceptible persons.
The nurse is working on a gerontology unit. A family member calls and tells the nurse they want to bring the family in to see one of the clients on the unit. The family member is concerned because several of the family members have colds. What instructions should the nurse provide to someone with a respiratory infection?
- A. Avoid intake of frozen foods.
- B. Avoid visiting older adults.
- C. Avoid direct sunlight.
- D. Avoid meats and other protein-rich foods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should instruct anyone with respiratory infections to avoid visiting older adults until symptoms subside; older adults are more susceptible to infections because their defense mechanisms are less efficient. It is not essential for the client to avoid frozen or protein-rich foods or direct sunlight.