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.
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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.
A nursing home patient has been diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. What type of precautions should the nurse implement to prevent the spread of this infectious disease to other residents?
- A. Contact
- B. Droplet
- C. Airborne
- D. Positive pressure isolation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clostridium difficile spreads via skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces, requiring contact precautions. Droplet and airborne precautions are for respiratory pathogens, and positive pressure isolation is not applicable.
A public health nurse is teaching a mother about vaccinations prior to obtaining informed consent for her childs vaccination. What should the nurse cite as the most common adverse effect of vaccinations?
- A. Temporary sensitivity to the sun
- B. Allergic reactions to the antigen or carrier solution
- C. Nausea and vomiting
- D. Joint pain near the injection site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allergic reactions to vaccine components are the most common adverse effects. Sun sensitivity, nausea, and joint pain are not typical.
The nurse educator is discussing emerging diseases with a group of nurses. The educator should cite what causes of emerging diseases? Select all that apply.
- A. Progressive weakening of human immune systems
- B. Use of extended-spectrum antibiotics
- C. Population movements
- D. Increased global travel
- E. Globalization of food supplies
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Emerging diseases are driven by antibiotic resistance, population movements, global travel, and food globalization. Generalized immune weakening is not a primary cause.
A nurse is preparing to administer a patients scheduled dose of subcutaneous heparin. To reduce the risk of needlestick injury, the nurse should perform what action?
- A. Recap the needle before leaving the bedside.
- B. Recap the needle immediately before leaving the room.
- C. Avoid recapping the needle before disposing of it.
- D. Wear gloves when administering the injection.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Avoiding needle recapping prevents needlestick injuries. Used needles should be placed directly into puncture-resistant containers. Gloves do not prevent needlesticks.
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