A 13-year-old male is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. The patient has a history of mental retardation and cerebral palsy following an anoxic injury as an infant. The patient was admitted two months earlier due to aspiration pneumonia, necessitating a lengthy hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and intravenous antibiotics. His caregiver reports another aspiration event two days prior. For the past 24 hours, the patient has been lethargic with a frequent cough producing thick sputum. Upon presentation to the hospital, the patient is noted to have a fever, low oxygen saturations, and low blood pressure. Upon arrival to the intensive care unit, the patient is cool, pale, and has poor pulses and capillary refill. Following administration of intravenous fluid boluses, it is determined the patient needs central venous access for fluid and medication administration. The RN prepares for the sterile procedure.
-Prior to placement of the central venous line,the patient's skin is scrubbed with chlorhexidine.Which of the following microorganisms are targeted by this chemical agent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that targets both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some viruses and fungi. Therefore, choice D is the best choice as it encompasses all the microorganisms that may be present on the patient's skin.

A 13-Year-Old Male Is Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care