Question 1

The nurse is providing infection control teaching to a patient.Additional patient teaching is warranted by which patient statement?

Accepted Answer

The noncompletion of a protocol of prescribed antimicrobial medication can cause a pathogen to become resistant to that particular drug.Vaccinations,adequate rest,and proper hand hygiene are important infection control measures.

Question 2

The frustrated patient with a fungal infection complains,"Why is the infection taking so long to heal?" The nurse's most informative response would be that:

Accepted Answer

Fungi are capable of forming spores,which makes them resistant to antifungal agents.

Question 3

When the patient complains of the unsightly swelling of her lip at the site of an infection,the nurse explains that the swelling is part of the inflammatory response and acts as a(n):

Accepted Answer

The swelling of the inflammatory response acts as a compression wall to delay the spread of harmful agents to the rest of the body.

Question 4

The nurse caring for a patient with general sepsis should notify the charge nurse immediately of the patient's:

Accepted Answer

Increasing lethargy is an indicator of impending septic shock.Coughing and cloudy urine are not signs of impending septic shock.Decreased rather than increased blood pressure would indicate impending septic shock.

Question 5

The nurse is providing infection control teaching to a group of patients.The patient statement that best demonstrates understanding of the teaching provided is:

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene is the most effective single act that can reduce the spread of disease.Antibiotics should not be taken at the first sign of infection,especially if the infection is caused by a virus;vaccinations can also prevent diseases from occurring;a nutritious diet is only one component in the prevention of infection.

Question 6

The nurse will use Expanded Precautions when performing care for a patient with:

Accepted Answer

Active TB can be spread by airborne pathogens.Masks and gowns in addition to gloves should be worn while caring for such patients.Standard Precautions would be used for the other patients.

Question 7

The nurse uses a visual aid to demonstrate how the antibody _____ attaches to the antigen to clear the pathogen from the body.

Accepted Answer

Immunoglobulin M (IgM)is the antibody that recognizes the foreign protein and attaches itself to it in order to clear the pathogen from the body.

Question 8

When the patient complains,"If this viral infection I have right now can't be helped by antibiotics,why am I taking this expensive acyclovir?" The nurse's best response is,"Acyclovir is:

Accepted Answer

The patient currently has a viral infection;acyclovir is an antiviral drug that will decrease the virulence of the infection if started in the early phase of the infection.The drug may not kill the virus and is not given frequently to patients with viruses.Acyclovir will not strengthen the immune system.

Question 9

The nurse explains that exposure to a pathogen stimulates the macrophages to migrate to the area of infection to ingest and destroy the pathogen.This is the process of:

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis is the process of the ingestion of a pathogen by macrophages.

Question 10

The clinic nurse offers suggestions to a patient who is planning a trip to Mexico that will help prevent a protozoan infection.The most helpful suggestion is:

Accepted Answer

Protozoa frequently live in the water and soil and cause infection by ingestion of the parasite.Water in many foreign countries contains protozoa,so drinking bottled water is the best suggestion.

Question 11

The home health nurse is providing dietary recommendations to keep the immune system healthy.The patient demonstrates understanding by increasing which in the diet?

Accepted Answer

Protein stores must be kept at an adequate level in order to produce antibodies,thus boosting the immune system.Fluids,carbohydrates,and unsaturated fats will not enhance the immune system.

Question 12

While assessing an obese resident in a long-term care facility,the nurse finds a red,moist rash under the patient's breasts,in the axilla,and in the inguinal fold.Based on this assessment,the nurse reports to the charge nurse that the resident probably has:

Accepted Answer

Fungal infections thrive in warm,moist environments and most frequently affect the skin.

Question 13

The nurse explains to the patient who is using Prilosec (a proton pump inhibitor)that the drug has reduced the amount of the natural protector _____ in the stomach lining.

Accepted Answer

Lysozyme is found in the lining of the stomach and in the stomach acids.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for several patients and determines which patient to be at the most risk for developing an infection related to a decreased anti-inflammatory response?

Accepted Answer

The presence of increased levels of cortisol resulting from ongoing stress inhibits the anti-inflammatory response,thus making this patient most susceptible to developing an infection.A glycosylated Hgb level of 6.7% is normal;osteoarthritis and gallstones would not significantly increase a patient's likelihood of developing an infection.

Question 15

The nurse points out that covering the mouth and nose with a tissue for a sneeze will reduce the probability of infection being spread by the _____ route.

Accepted Answer

Infection from the droplet route requires the pathogens be expelled in droplets from the host and inhaled by another host.

Question 16

The nurse explains that a vaccination provides defense against infection via:

Accepted Answer

Vaccinations produce an antibody-mediated immunity by stimulating the host to develop specific antibodies against specific diseases.

Question 17

The nurse caring for a patient with C.difficile should:

Accepted Answer

Notification of housekeeping to use alcohol-free cleaners is necessary in order to eradicate the pathogen.Soap and water must be used after contact with this organism.A mask and eye protection are not necessary.

Question 18

The nurse discusses and demonstrates proper hand hygiene to an immunocompromised patient and his wife.The nurse determines additional teaching is necessary when the patient states:

Accepted Answer

Artificial nails harbor microorganisms regardless of good hand hygiene.Washing hands prior to eating is good practice,as well as using friction and washing for 15 to 30 seconds with soap and water.Hand gels are effective in most circumstances except for certain infections such as C.difficile and C.albicans.

Question 19

The home health nurse advises the patient to treat a fever of 100° F with:

Accepted Answer

Allowing reasonable levels of fever allows the body's natural defenses to make a hostile environment to the pathogen through heat.

Question 20

The home health nurse makes a referral to _____ to supply a home-bound older adult with a daily meal.

Accepted Answer

Meals on Wheels provides a large,nutritious meal to home-bound people.A community food bank,the Salvation Army,and food stamps would not adequately assist a home-bound individual.

Quiz 6: Infection Prevention and Control