Question 1

A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who has a health-care-associated infection. The nurse understands that the links in the chain of infection consist of:

Accepted Answer

The chain of infection consists of three links: the infectious agent (or pathogen), the reservoir (or source of the pathogen), and the mode of transmission. These three links are often referred to as the "agent-host-environment model." The answer choice C lists the correct components of the chain of infection.

Question 2

A home-care nurse provides education regarding basic infection control to the parents of a child with HIV infection. Which instructions should be included in the nurse's education? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

A, B, D

Question 3

A new client diagnosed with AIDS is being seen in a hospital clinic. Which characteristics should a nurse anticipate when assessing a client with immunosuppression? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

Clients with immunosuppression, such as those with AIDS, are more susceptible to infections and may experience more severe symptoms than individuals with normal immune function. In addition, they may have an incomplete response to treatment due to the weakened immune system. A leukocyte count of 5,000 to 10,000 is within the normal range and therefore not a characteristic of immunosuppression.

Question 4

A new client, diagnosed with AIDS, is being seen in a hospital clinic. Which characteristics should a nurse anticipate when taking the health history of a client with immunosuppression? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

Clients with immunosuppression are more likely to experience frequent infections, which may be more severe than usual and may not respond completely to treatment. These infections are also more likely to be caused by uncommon sources, rather than common ones.

Question 5

A client with active tuberculosis (TB) is admitted to a hospital. A nurse implements transmission-based precautions when caring for the client because the nurse is concerned about the dissemination of the disease. Which statement best describes dissemination?

Accepted Answer

Dissemination refers to the movement of microorganisms from an individual into the immediate environment. In the case of a client with active TB, dissemination can occur through the airborne transmission of the bacteria from the client's respiratory tract to others who may be in close proximity. Transmission-based precautions, such as the use of personal protective equipment and isolation procedures, are necessary to prevent the dissemination of the disease to others.

Question 6

A nurse is preparing to initiate I.V. therapy on a client admitted with dehydration. Which precannulation antiseptic agents are acceptable for the nurse to use, according to the Infusion Nurses Society's Standards of Practice, to cleanse the client's skin? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

According to the Infusion Nurses Society's Standards of Practice, acceptable precannulation antiseptic agents for cleansing the skin include 70% isopropyl alcohol, povidone-iodine, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for skin cleansing prior to cannulation.

Question 7

During a hospital orientation, a newly hired nurse learns that infectious waste must be incinerated as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The nurse understands that the main focus of the EPA is on:

Accepted Answer

The EPA's main focus is on risk-assessment strategies, which includes identifying and evaluating potential risks to human health and the environment and developing policies and regulations to reduce or eliminate those risks. The requirement to incinerate infectious waste is one example of such regulations. While the other options may also be important to the EPA's overall mission, they are not the primary focus.

Question 8

A physician writes an order for a nurse to begin administering I.V. fluids to a client diagnosed with hepatitis A. While implementing this order, to which occupational risks is the nurse exposed? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A physician writes an order for a...

Question 9

A nurse is caring for a client who has an I.V. access. With which sources of contamination should the nurse be concerned when attempting to reduce the client's risk of infection? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is caring for a client...

Question 10

A nurse teaches a client newly diagnosed with HIV about the immune system. Which organs should the nurse include when discussing the client's immune system? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

The thymus and bone marrow are primary organs involved in the production of immune cells such as T cells and B cells, while the lungs also play a role in defending against respiratory infections. The heart is not directly involved in the immune system.

Question 11

A nurse is teaching a client who is immunosuppressed about ways to help the client to avoid infections. The nurse teaches the client that the purpose of the immune system is to provide:

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the immune system is to recognize and destroy invading antigens, such as bacteria and viruses, to prevent infections. Antigens are foreign substances that stimulate the production of antibodies by the immune system. Therefore, the immune system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from infections.

Question 12

A nurse on an intensive care unit is caring for a febrile client with a central venous catheter whose blood pressure is steadily dropping. The nurse suspects septicemia. Which microorganism is responsible for most cases of septicemia related to infusion?

Accepted Answer

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most common cause of septicemia related to infusion. These organisms are part of the normal skin flora and can contaminate the catheter during insertion or later during use. Mycobacterium, Yersinia, and Salmonella are not commonly associated with septicemia related to infusion.

Question 13

A nurse is preparing to administer I.V. chemotherapy for a client diagnosed with cancer. Which are potential occupational risks associated with I.V. therapy? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

Latex allergy can occur from using latex gloves, chemical exposure can happen through handling chemotherapy drugs, and needlestick injuries are a risk when administering injections or IV therapy.

Question 14

A healthy individual comes in contact with a rhinovirus while out in the community. Which actions constitute the first line of nonspecific defense mechanisms against the invading infection?

Accepted Answer

Physical and chemical barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes, are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. These barriers physically block pathogens from entering the body and produce chemicals, such as lysozyme in tears and saliva, that can kill or inhibit their growth. Phagocytosis and the complement cascade are part of the second line of defense, while leukocytes and proteins are part of both the second and third lines of defense. The immune system and phagocytes are also part of the second line of defense.

Question 15

A hospitalized client has acquired an infusion-related infection. Which is the most appropriate intervention for a nurse to implement when caring for a client who has an infusion-related infection?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A hospitalized client has acquired an infusion-related...

Question 16

A nurse teaches a client, newly diagnosed with HIV, about the immune system. Which organs should the nurse include when discussing the client's immune system? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse teaches a client, newly diagnosed...

Quiz 2: Infection Prevention and Occupational Risks