Question 1

A patient with a wound has these laboratory results. Which type of precautions will the nurse observe?

Accepted Answer

The laboratory results show the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is a highly infectious bacteria that can be spread through contact. Therefore, the nurse should observe contact precautions when providing care to the patient with the wound to prevent the spread of infection. Contact precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when entering the patient's room, dedicated patient care items, and equipment, and thorough hand hygiene.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with an antibiotic-resistant infection. What can the nurse do to reduce the spread of this infection?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

Which finding would indicate that a patient is experiencing a systemic reaction associated with an inflammatory response?

Accepted Answer

Fever is a common symptom of a systemic reaction associated with inflammation. It typically indicates that the body is working to fight off an infection or other foreign substance. Erythema, edema, and pain can all be localized symptoms of inflammation, but do not necessarily indicate a systemic response.

Question 4

A school district is not requiring vaccinations for children who are starting school. The nurse realizes that this action could have which effect?

Accepted Answer

Not requiring vaccinations for children starting school can lead to an epidemic of an illness that could have been prevented with a vaccination. This puts not only the unvaccinated children but also those who cannot receive vaccinations (e.g., due to medical reasons) at risk. It can also increase healthcare costs and lead to school closures due to the spread of preventable illnesses.

Question 5

The nurse needs to obtain a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity from a patient. When should the nurse obtain this specimen?

Accepted Answer

The sputum specimen should be obtained before the first dose of antibiotics is administered to get an accurate reading of the bacteria present in the lungs. Administration of antibiotics may kill the bacteria, making it more difficult to obtain a culture and sensitivity.

Question 6

A patient is receiving an aminoglycoside. The nurse would immediately report which findings? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is receiving an aminoglycoside. The...

Question 7

The nurse has completed caring for a patient's indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse do after clearing used supplies and removing the gloves?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse has completed caring for a...

Question 8

A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of dyspnea. After analyzing the lab results, the nurse suspects which problem?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient comes to the emergency department...

Question 9

A patient wants to know why he developed an infection after being cut on the leg with a piece of wood but his friend who was also cut did not. How should the nurse explain this phenomenon to the patient?

Accepted Answer

The susceptibility of an individual to infections may vary due to various factors such as the health status, age, and immune system. Therefore, it is possible that the organism that caused infection found the patient more susceptible due to various factors.

Question 10

Linezolid Zyvox) 600 mg BID, IV has been ordered for a patient. The nurse receives 600 mg/300 mL with direction to give over 120 minutes. An IV line labeled 15 drops per mL is available. The drop rate will be ______ drops/minute.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Linezolid Zyvox) 600 mg BID, IV has...

Question 11

When caring for a patient with an infection, the nurse uses a stethoscope that remains in the patient's room. At which point is the nurse interrupting the chain of infection?

Accepted Answer

By using a stethoscope that remains in the patient's room and is not shared between patients, the nurse is interrupting the chain of infection at the mode of transmission. This prevents the spread of infectious agents from one patient to another.

Question 12

A patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA) is no longer responding to the medication vancomycin Vancocin). The nurse realizes that this patient is most likely demonstrating which condition?

Accepted Answer

VISA (vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus) is a form of MRSA that is resistant to vancomycin. If a patient with MRSA is no longer responding to vancomycin, it may indicate the development of VISA. A superinfection refers to a secondary infection that develops during or after treatment for another infection. VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) and PRSP (penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae) are not related to MRSA or vancomycin resistance in staphylococcus aureus.

Question 13

The nurse is planning care for a patient at risk for developing an infection. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to include in this patient's plan of care?

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene is the single most important intervention in preventing the spread of infection. Providing prophylactic antibiotics, wearing a mask, and wearing a gown and gloves are also important interventions, but they should be implemented in addition to hand hygiene.

Question 14

The nurse is instructing a patient on ways to prevent the onset of infection. What should be included in these instructions?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands after using disposable tissues for nasal secretions is an effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

Other explanations: 
B)Reducing animal protein in the diet may improve overall health, but it is not necessarily linked to preventing infections. 
C) Only taking antibiotics as prescribed and for the full recommended duration can help prevent antibiotic resistance, but not all infections require antibiotics. Patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions for treatment. 
D) Limiting interactions with people or crowds can be an effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, particularly during an outbreak or pandemic.

Question 15

The nurse would be concerned that a patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of inflammation after assessing which findings in a leg wound? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Edema, pain, and erythema are all classic signs of inflammation. Coolness of tissues and decreased distal pulses would be more indicative of decreased circulation or compromised blood flow, rather than inflammation.

Question 16

A patient with a compromised immune system is admitted to the hospital with an infection. What will most likely be done to help this patient?

Accepted Answer

Patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for infections and may not be able to fight off infection as effectively as someone with a normal immune system. Isolation techniques such as placing them in a private room, using proper hand hygiene and wearing personal protective equipment will help to protect them from further infection. Choosing option A is not the best choice as the patient may need continued medical care in the hospital. Option B is not the best choice as the patient's risk for infection is increased in a semiprivate room. Option D may not be necessary unless the patient has a respiratory tract infection.

Question 17

The nurse needs to change a patient's abdominal wound dressing. Which precautions should be implemented?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions are the basic infection prevention measures applied to all patients in all healthcare settings. They include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, and safe handling of contaminated equipment or surfaces. Changing a patient's abdominal wound dressing requires the use of standard precautions.

Question 18

While reviewing the white blood cell count differential for a patient, the nurse notes that the basophil count is elevated. What does this laboratory value indicate to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

An elevated basophil count indicates the possibility of an acute hypersensitivity reaction or an allergic reaction. Basophils are involved in the allergic response by releasing histamine and other mediators that contribute to inflammation.

Question 19

A patient diagnosed with active tuberculosis is being admitted to the hospital. The nurse should prepare for this patient to be placed in which type of isolation?

Accepted Answer

Active tuberculosis is spread through the air, so it requires airborne precautions, including a negative pressure room, N95 respirator mask, and patient placement in a single room. Standard precautions are used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis. Droplet precautions are used for illnesses spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pneumonia. Contact precautions are used for illnesses spread through physical contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile.

Question 20

A patient has been prescribed cefadroxil Duricef). Patient teaching must include which instructions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Take on an empty stomach: Cefadroxil should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, for optimal absorption.
B) Avoid alcohol: Patients should avoid consuming alcohol while taking cefadroxil. The combination of alcohol with cefadroxil can cause unpleasant side effects, including stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
C) Report any hearing loss: While hearing loss is a rare side effect of cefadroxil, patients should report any changes in hearing to their healthcare provider immediately.
D) Drink additional water: Patients taking cefadroxil should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the medication out of their system and prevent dehydration.
E) Complete the prescription: Patients should complete the entire course of cefadroxil as prescribed, even if they start to feel better before the medication is finished. This helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Quiz 14: Infectious Process and Prophylaxis