Nokea
An infectious outbreak of unknown origin has occurred in a long-term care facility. The nurse who oversees care at the facility should report the outbreak to what organization?
- A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- B. American Medical Association (AMA)
- C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- D. American Nurses Association (ANA)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The CDC is responsible for disease prevention and control, making it the appropriate agency for reporting outbreaks. AMA, EPA, and ANA do not handle outbreak reporting.
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A long-term care facility is the site of an outbreak of infectious diarrhea. The nurse educator has emphasized the importance of hand hygiene to staff members. The use of alcohol-based cleansers may be ineffective if the causative microorganism is identified as what?
- A. Shigella
- B. Escherichia coli
- C. Clostridium difficile
- D. Norovirus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: C. difficile spores resist alcohol-based cleansers, requiring soap and water handwashing. Shigella, E. coli, and Norovirus are susceptible to alcohol-based products.
A male patient comes to the clinic and is diagnosed with gonorrhea. Which symptom most likely prompted him to seek medical attention?
- A. Rashes on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- B. Cauliflower-like warts on the penis
- C. Painful, red papules on the shaft of the penis
- D. Foul-smelling discharge from the penis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Foul-smelling penile discharge is a hallmark symptom of gonorrhea, often accompanied by painful urination. Rashes indicate syphilis, warts suggest HPV, and painful papules are associated with herpes.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). What infection control measure has the greatest potential to reduce transmission of MRSA and other nosocomial pathogens in a health care setting?
- A. Using antibacterial soap when bathing patients with MRSA
- B. Conducting culture surveys on a regularly scheduled basis
- C. Performing hand hygiene before and after contact with every patient
- D. Using aseptic housekeeping practices for environmental cleaning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent MRSA and nosocomial pathogen transmission. Antibacterial soap, culture surveys, and housekeeping are less impactful.
A patient is alarmed that she has tested positive for MRSA following culture testing during her admission to the hospital. What should the nurse teach the patient about this diagnostic finding?
- A. There are promising treatments for MRSA, so this is no cause for serious concern.
- B. This doesnt mean that you have an infection; it shows that the bacteria live on one of your skin surfaces.
- C. The vast majority of patients in the hospital test positive for MRSA, but the infection doesnt normally cause serious symptoms.
- D. This finding is only preliminary, and your doctor will likely order further testing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive MRSA culture indicates colonization, not necessarily infection. It is not preliminary, nor is it true that most patients test positive or that treatments eliminate concern.
The infectious control nurse is presenting a program on West Nile virus for a local community group. To reduce the incidence of this disease, the nurse should recommend what action?
- A. Covering open wounds at all times
- B. Vigilant handwashing in home and work settings
- C. Consistent use of mosquito repellants
- D. Annual vaccination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, so repellants are the most effective prevention. No vaccine exists, and handwashing or wound covering are less specific.