Question 1

A nurse is caring for an adolescent who is diagnosed with mononucleosis, commonly called "the kissing disease." The nurse explains that the organisms causing this disease were transmitted by:

Accepted Answer

Mononucleosis is commonly spread through saliva, so the most common mode of transmission would be through direct contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils with an infected person. Indirect contact and airborne transmission are less common routes for this disease, and vectors (such as mosquitoes) do not play a role in transmitting it.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of the body's defense against infection?

Accepted Answer

The immune response is the body's defense against infection. It includes various mechanisms and cells that work together to identify and eliminate pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. This response includes both innate immunity, which is non-specific and quick, and adaptive immunity, which is specific and takes longer to develop but provides lasting protection.

Question 3

Which of the following questions asked by the nurse when taking a client's health history would collect data about infection control?

Accepted Answer

Asking when the client completed immunizations would provide data on whether they are up to date on vaccinations, which can prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Question 4

A nurse caring for a client who has gas gangrene knows that this infection originated in which of the following reservoirs?

Accepted Answer

Gas gangrene is caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, which is commonly found in soil. The bacteria can enter the body through an open wound or surgical incision. Gas gangrene is not typically transmitted from other people, food, or animals.

Question 5

A nurse is educating a rural community group on how to avoid contracting West Nile virus by using approved insect repellant and wearing proper coverings when outdoors. By what means is the pathogen involved in West Nile virus transmitted?

Accepted Answer

The pathogen involved in West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which act as vectors for the virus. Therefore, choice D (vectors) is the best option. Direct and indirect contact are not modes of transmission for West Nile virus, and there is no evidence of airborne transmission.

Question 6

A nursing home recently has had a significant number of nosocomial infections. Which of the following measures might be instituted to decrease this trend?

Accepted Answer

Having written, infection-prevention practices for all employees is a proven way to decrease the transmission of nosocomial infections. Mandating antibiotics for all residents and requiring monthly screenings for skin flora may not be effective and could lead to resistance of antibiotics. Restricting visitors and community activities for residents may decrease the number of new infections but may not address the root cause of the problem.

Question 7

A man on an airplane is sitting by a woman who is coughing and sneezing. If she has an infection, what is the most likely means of transmission from the woman to the man?

Accepted Answer

If the woman is coughing and sneezing, she is likely releasing respiratory droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by the man and transmit the infection through airborne particles. Direct contact (Option A) would only occur if the man touched the woman or objects she had touched, and indirect contact (Option B) would involve transmission through contaminated surfaces. Vectors (Option C) involve transmission through animals or insects and are not relevant in this scenario.

Question 8

A nurse has seen several clients at a community health center. Which of the clients would be most at risk for developing an infection?

Accepted Answer

An older adult with several chronic illnesses is more susceptible to infections due to a weakened immune system, making them the most at risk out of the given options. Infants and adolescents generally have stronger immune systems, and joint pain and stiffness do not necessarily increase the risk of infection.

Question 9

What are the recommended cleansing agents for hand hygiene in any setting when the risk of infection is high?

Accepted Answer

Antimicrobial products, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers or chlorhexidine-based solutions, are the recommended cleansing agents for hand hygiene when the risk of infection is high. These products have been shown to effectively reduce the number of microorganisms on hands and are less likely to cause skin irritation compared to frequent hand washing with soap and water. Cold water is not recommended because it may not effectively remove dirt and microbes, while hot water can be too harsh on the skin and lead to dryness and cracking. While liquid or bar hand soap is effective for routine hand hygiene, it may not be sufficient in high-risk settings.

Question 10

A woman tests positive for the human immunodeficiency virus antibody but has no symptoms. She is considered a carrier. What component of the infection cycle does the woman illustrate?

Accepted Answer

The woman in this scenario represents a reservoir, as she carries the virus without showing any symptoms.

Question 11

A female client is on isolation because she acquired a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection after hospitalization for hip replacement surgery. What name is given to this type of infection?

Accepted Answer

MRSA infection acquired after hospitalization is categorized as a nosocomial infection, which means that it was acquired in a healthcare setting.

Question 12

The following procedures have been ordered and implemented for a hospitalized client. Which procedure carries the greatest risk for a nosocomial infection?

Accepted Answer

Urinary catheterization carries the greatest risk for a nosocomial infection as it requires insertion of a foreign object into the body, increasing the risk of introducing bacteria or other pathogens. Enemas, intramuscular injections, and heat lamps do not involve the insertion of foreign objects and therefore carry a lower risk for a nosocomial infection.

Question 13

A nurse is educating adolescents on how to prevent infections. What statement by one of the adolescents indicates that more education is needed?

Accepted Answer

Not wearing a condom puts the adolescent at risk for STIs and HIV. This indicates a lack of understanding about the importance of safe sex practices in preventing infections.

Question 14

A client comes to the emergency department with major burns over 40% of his body. Although all of the following are true, which one would provide the rationale for a nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection?

Accepted Answer

Intact skin and mucous membranes protect against microbial invasion. With major burns over 40% of the body, the client's skin barrier has been compromised, increasing the risk of infection.

Question 15

The nurse is aware that an antiviral medication is most effective when given during which phase of the infectious process?

Accepted Answer

Antiviral medications are most effective when given during the prodromal stage, which is the period after incubation and before the full stage of illness. This is when symptoms start to appear but are not yet fully developed, and early intervention can help control the viral infection more effectively.

Question 16

A client with an upper respiratory infection (common cold) tells the nurse, "I am so angry with the nurse practitioner because he would not give me any antibiotics." What would be the most accurate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold. It is important for the nurse to educate the client on this fact and help manage symptoms through other means such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

Question 17

A college-aged student has influenza. At what stage of the infection is the student most infectious?

Accepted Answer

The prodromal stage, which occurs after incubation and before the full stage of illness, is when individuals are most infectious, as the virus is actively replicating and shedding at high levels, even if symptoms are not yet at their peak.

Question 18

A client who has had abdominal surgery develops an infection in the wound while still hospitalized. Which of the following agents is most likely the cause of the infection?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are commonly responsible for wound infections, especially in surgical wounds. Viruses and fungi are less common causes of wound infections. Spores can also cause infections, but this answer choice is too broad and does not provide enough information to make an accurate assessment.

Question 19

Which of the following most accurately defines an infection?

Accepted Answer

An infection is a disease caused by pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) in or on the body. It is not necessarily related to unclean environments or lack of knowledge about food preparation. Traumatic injury may lead to infections, but it is not a defining characteristic of an infection.

Question 20

Of all possible nursing interventions to break the chain of infection, which is the most effective?

Accepted Answer

Practicing good hand hygiene is the most effective way to break the chain of infection as it removes microorganisms from the hands and prevents their spread to other patients and surfaces. Administering medications and providing good skin care are important interventions to promote healing, but they do not directly break the chain of infection. Wearing gloves at all times is not necessary and can create a false sense of security as gloves can also become contaminated and spread infection if not used properly.

Quiz 23: Asepsis and Infection Control