The infection control nurse collects data that indicates an increase in the number of clients in the hospital with multidrug-resistant infections. What priority education should healthcare providers receive?
- A. Using contact precautions on all clients in the hospital
- B. Administering antibiotics to all clients prophylactically
- C. Performing hand hygiene
- D. Emptying trash cans immediately in client's rooms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Infections with multidrug-resistant microorganisms are very difficult to destroy with current pharmacologic agents, increasing the need to be vigilant about performing hand hygiene measures. It is unnecessary to use contact precautions, administer antibiotics prophylactically, or empty trash cans immediately for the preventions of multidrug-resistant infections.
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The nurse gave a client an injection and, when attempting to recap the needle, sustained a needlestick injury to the finger. What is the priority action by the nurse?
- A. Report the injury or exposure to the supervisor.
- B. Document the injury in writing.
- C. Receive instructions on monitoring potential symptoms and medical follow-up.
- D. Receive the most appropriate postexposure prophylaxis.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Should needlestick injury or other exposure to a potential blood-borne pathogen occur, healthcare workers are advised to follow postexposure recommendations; report the injury or exposure to one's supervisor immediately; document the injury in writing; identify the person or source of blood; obtain the HIV and HBV 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. Obtain counseling on the potential for infection. Receive the most appropriate postexposure prophylaxis; be tested for disease antibodies at appropriate intervals. Receive instructions on monitoring potential symptoms and medical follow-up.
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.
A client arrives at the clinic reporting vaginal discharge after having sexual intercourse 1 week ago. The client is diagnosed with gonorrhea and given a prescription for treatment. What type of infection transmission does the nurse understand occurred?
- A. Direct contact
- B. Droplet
- C. Airborne
- D. Vehicle
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The route of transmission for a sexually transmitted disease is by direct contact. An infected person transmits the infection to a susceptible person. A droplet transmission is a spray of moist particles within a 3-foot radius of an infected person. An airborne transmission is suspension and transport on air currents beyond 3 feet. An infection transmitted by vehicle is on or in contaminated food, water, objects, or equipment.
A client visits the clinic reporting a circular rash on the upper right arm. The rash is diagnosed as tinea corporis. For what type of infection does the nurse anticipate the client will be treated?
- A. Rickettsiae
- B. Protozoans
- C. Mycoplasma
- D. Fungus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: One type of fungal infection is superficial (dermatophytoses), which affect the skin, hair, and nails; examples include tinea corporis, or ringworm, and tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot. Rickettsiae, protozoans, and mycoplasma have different characteristics and transmission than fungus.
A client is suspected of sepsis from a postsurgical incision infection. What characteristic(s) of sepsis would the nurse recognize? Select all that apply.
- A. Temperature of 102 F
- B. Heart rate of 120 beats/minute
- C. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths/minute
- D. PaCO2 of 42 mm Hg
- E. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Two or more of the following characterize sepsis: temperature greater than 100.4 F (38 C), heart rate greater than 90 beats/minute, respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths/minute or PaCO2 less than 32 mm Hg, WBC count greater than 12,000 cells/mm, or 10% immature (band) forms. Blood pressure is not an indicator of sepsis, and a PaCO2 of 42 mm Hg is not an indicator.
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