question

What are infections caused by?

answer

microorganisms "pathogens"

question

What is normal flora?

answer

the germs/microorganisms that are found normally in the human body

question

Where is bacteria found?

answer

bacteria are one-celled microorganisms found virtually everywhere, including in the human body

question

What are vectors? Give examples.

answer

Vectors are carriers of the microorganisms, such as ticks and mites

question

Why might you see an antibiotic ordered for a virus?

answer

sometimes prescribers will order antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection from occurring but that is not necessary with every viral illness

question

List the different links in the chain of infection and give examples for each.

answer

Infectious agent: the organism (such as Clostridium difficile) Reservoir: Patient 1 Portal of exit: bowel movement of Patient 1 Mode of transmission: nurse's hands, because this organism is not killed by alcohol-based hand gel Portal of entry: Patient 2's mouth Susceptible host: Patient 2

question

What is a health care associated infection? (HAI)

answer

an infection that is acquired while the patient is being care for in any health-care setting, including home health care and long-term health.

question

What is the single most important way to break the chain of infection and prevent HAIs?

answer

Hand Hygiene

question

primary infection

answer

infection caused by one pathogen only

question

secondary infection

answer

caused by a second, different pathogen

question

localized infection

answer

infection is in one area of the body

question

systemic infection

answer

if infection spreads from one site to another site, such as from lungs to other organs it becomes systemic, spreading through the bloodstream

question

Of the different types of infections listed above which is the most severe and why?

answer

systemic infection, because when microorganisms are present and multiplying in the blood, it is referred to as septicemia-

question

List and understand primary defenses against infection.

answer

Skin: protects body from microbes Mucous Membrane: sticky mucus traps invading pathogens Gastrointestinal system: contains good bacteria, saliva contains enzymes to help remove microorganisms from teeth

question

List and understand secondary defenses against infection

answer

second line of defense occurs at the cellular level including, inflammatory process, elevated temperature, and complement cascade.

question

What are some factors that affect the body's defenses against infection?

answer

Age, chemical exposure, chronic illness, lack of exercise, lack of rest, increased stress, non-intact skin, and poor nutrition

question

What are the young and old at an increased risk for infection?

answer

young and infants because their immune system isn't developed and elderly because their immune system is depleted, poor hygiene and improper nutrition

question

Why does increased stress increase the risk for infection?

answer

when the body is frequently reacting to stressors, immune function can be impaired, which increases the risk of illness and infection

question

Why does nonintact skin increase the risk for infection?

answer

open wounds, such as surgical wounds, skin tears, and pressure ulcers, provide a portal of entry for microorganisms

question

What is the most effective way to break the chain of infection?

answer

appropriate hand hygiene

question

What are the precautions for preventing the transmission of pathogens?

answer

performing hand hygiene, wearing appropriate protective equipment is exposure is possible, and using cough etiquette

question

List the different PPE needed in standard precautions

answer

Gloves, Gown, mask, eye protection, and face shield

question

Define and list examples of medical asepsis.

answer

refers to practices performed to prevent the spread of infection. "Clean Technique"- hand hygiene, maintaining a clean patient environment, using standard precautions, and using transmission-based precautions when necessary.

question

Define and list examples of surgical asepsis.

answer

"sterile technique" it is done to prevent any germs from entering the body. ex: inserting an IV, inserting a foley catheter, or giving an injection

question

What is the difference between disinfecting and sterilization?

answer

disinfecting removes most pathogens, while sterilization removes ALL pathogens

question

When talking about hand hygiene what else besides washing the hands must we take into consideration?

answer

-It is acceptable to use alcohol based hand gels unless your patient has C diff. But do not substitute the gel for hand washing with soap and water. -Jewelry (rings with stones) shouldn't be worn because they harbor germs. Flat bands are acceptable.

question

You are getting a piece of equipment ready to be used on your patient when you notice some dried blood on the cord. What would you do and why?

answer

disinfect the equipment. in most cases you will clean the equipment after it is used and then send it to the central supply area of the hospital. It will be disinfected or sterilized there

question

List some times when you would perform hand hygiene

answer

-After touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or contaminated items -Going on duty, before touching patient, or caring for two diff. patients in same room -Upon entering patients room -Immediately after removing gloves -When entering and leaving the patient care areas -When returning from breaks -After using the restroom -Anytime the hands are visibly soiled/dirty wash with soap and water

question

What are some additional guidelines for hand hygiene?

answer

Nails should be kept short and nurses should avoid wearing artificial nails as well as nail polish.

question

Why is the alcohol-based hand gels not recommended when dealing with patient's with Clostridium difficile?

answer

alcohol-based hand gels do not kill spores and are not recommended when caring for patients with C. Diff

question

When should standard precautions be used?

answer

Remember that standard precautions are those steps that we take to prevent the spread of germs. What type of patient would you use standard precautions on? -All. When implementing you will use one or possibly all of the PPE available to you. PPE is personal protective equipment. This consist of: washing hands, gloves, gowns, mask, eye protection, face shields, needle care and cough etiquette

question

You are caring for a patient with TB. In addition to standard precautions what would the nurse wear?

answer

gown, gloves, eye wear, and N95 respirator

question

What type of precautions would you use on a patient that has TB?

answer

Airborne

question

Droplet transmission can occur when a person _____________, ______________, or ____________.

answer

Coughs, sneezes, or talks

question

What is the most common path of microorganism transmission?

answer

direct contact

question

How are germs spread through indirect contact?

answer

when microorganisms leave one person (reservoir) and contaminate an object such as a blood pressure cuff (mode of transmission), which is then used on another patient (susceptible host). The second patient then becomes ill.

question

List the different types of PPE required for the following transmission based precautions. Contact, Droplet, Airborne

answer

Contact-gloves and gown Droplet-mask, gown, gloves Airborne-gown, gloves, eye wear, and N95 respirator

question

Patients tend to feel lonely and neglected when in isolation. What are some ways that you could help alleviate those feeling?

answer

-provide diversionary activities(magazines) -spend extra time with them -encourage visitors

question

Do you have to wash your hands even if you have used gloves?

answer

Yes

question

Why would you not want to use cool water to wash your hands?

answer

water that is too cool may not kill microorganisms

question

How long would you wash your hands?

answer

20 seconds

question

Describe how you would apply each of the following articles of PPE. Gown, mask and gloves

answer

-When donning PPE: >you will wash your hands >don gown >mask (tie the top ties first then the lower, bend the nose piece into place) >don eyewear >then gloves (make sure that gloves cover the cuff of the gown) -if at anytime gloves become torn or heavily soiled you must change. -if doing several things for the patient you may need to change gloves and wash hands between activities.

question

Why would you not tie the bottom ties of a mask to the top of the head?

answer

It causes gaps at the side of the mask, allowing microorganisms to enter.

question

Describe the order in which you would don PPE.

answer

Don gloves, change dressing, remove gloves, wash hands, don clean gloves and administer medication.

question

Describe the order in which you would remove PPE.

answer

When removing PPE there is a certain order that you will do this. Gloves, goggles, gown, then mask.

question

Which glove would you remove first and describe how you would remove it.

answer

When removing gloves you will grasp the outside of the glove on your non-dominate hand and pull downward to remove. Place the glove in your dominant gloved hand and then slide your fingers under the glove and remove glove turning it inside out.

question

The new admit to rm 220 is diagnosed with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a leg wound. Which of the following nursing diagnosis would be of highest priority?

answer

impaired tissue integrity

question

You are in an inservice about infection control. You recognize that which of the following serves as the best prevention against health care associated infections (HAIs)?

answer

hand washing

question

The nurse on the unit will correctly decide to intervene when they observe a CNA:

answer

removing gloves after changing a bedside commode but not cleaning her hands

question

While working on the medical surgical unit you are providing care for a patient on contact precautions, you notice a visitor entering the room. You as the nurse can most appropriately take with of the following actions?

answer

stop the visitor and explain the need to wear a cover gown and gloves

question

While providing care on the medical unit of a local hospital, the student nurse correctly recognizes which of the following does not represent the use of standard precautions?

answer

recapping a used needle

question

The infection control nurse tells you that the most common modes of transmission in the chain of infection is unwashed hands. To prevent spreading infection in this way, the nurse washes her hands which of the following times? (Select all that apply)

answer

-immediately after entering a patient's room - Between caring for two clients in the same room

question

You are observing a student nurse caring for a patient on transmission based precautions. Which of the following actions by the student indicates that further instruction is required?

answer

The student exits the room and removes the gown and gloves in the hallway

question

The nurse is receiving report on their newly admitted client and are told that they will be in airborne infection isolation. The nurse would expect to care for which of the following patients?

answer

patient with chickenpox

question

BKA is the abbreviation for:

answer

below the knee amputation

question

OOB if the abbreviation for:

answer

out of bed

question

When you learn that your patients infecting bacterium is identified as a gram-positive streptococcus, you know this means that:

answer

it appears in sphere-shaped chains and stains purple in the laboratory

question

A patient complains that he feels ill and the doctor told him it was a virus, but the doctor would not give him any antibiotics. He is upset with the doctor. What is the reason for the physicians action?

answer

Antibiotics only kill bacteria; they do not kill viruses

question

The most effective way to break the chain of infection is to:

answer

perform effective hand hygiene according to CDC guidelines

question

Which is true of performing hand hygiene?

answer

-Use before and after a snack in the break room -Use hand hygiene between providing care for two patients in the same room -No need to use hand hygiene if you leave a patient's room to obtain clean supplies and return immediately -Use soap and water instead of hand gel if the hands could be contaminated with spore-forming microbes

question

A patient is placed on droplet precautions. You know his wife needs more teaching about what PPE to use when she says:

answer

"I don't need to wear a mask if I stay a foot away from him"

question

A patient on airborne precautions tells you he feels like a leper and that people who come in his room look like aliens with those face masks on. How could you respond?

answer

You would explain the reason for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and reassure the patient that he is not considered unclean because of his illness. Show that you respect and value him even though PPE is necessary when entering the room. Offer to spend extra time with the patient, and to bring him diversionary activities such as newspapers, magazines, and puzzle books.

question

How does lack of rest decrease the body's ability to defend itself against infection

answer

Rest is needed for the immune system to repair damage and function at full capacity. Without it, the chance for development of infection increases.

question

A patient is on droplet precautions. You are going into the room to suction her tracheotomy, which could cause splashing, and you could have contact with respiratory secretions. What PPE will you need?

answer

Mask, goggles, gown, and gloves

question

The nurse correctly decides to intervene when she observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP):

answer

removing gloves after changing a bedside commode but not cleaning her hands

question

While providing care on the medical unit of a local hospital, the student nurse correctly recognizes which of the following does not represent the use of standard precautions?

answer

Recapping a used needle

question

The nurse recognizes that which of the following serves as the best prevention against health care-associated infections (HAIs)?

answer

Hand Washing

question

The nurse would expect to care for which of the following patients in an airborne infection isolation room?

answer

Patient with Chicken Pox

question

The nurse recognizes that intervention is necessary when he sees an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP):

answer

covering her nose and mouth with her hand when sneezing.

question

While providing care for a patient on contact precautions, the nurse notices a visitor entering the room. The nurse can most appropriately take which of the following actions?

answer

Stop the visitor and explain the need to wear a cover gown and gloves.

question

The nurse recognizes that which of the following represents a break in a patient's primary defense against infection?

answer

paper cut

question

While caring for a patient placed in an isolation room with a diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a draining wound, which of the following actions would be included in the patient's plan of care?

answer

1) Wear a gown and gloves upon entering the room.2) Inspect the wound for evidence of healing with each dressing change.4) Notify the physician of signs or symptoms of worsening infection.5) Teach the patient to ask for pain medication before pain becomes severe.

question

During a lecture on Lyme disease, the presenter describes the deer tick as being a vector for Borrelia burgdorferi. The nurse understands that:

answer

B. burgdorferi is a bacterium that lives in deer ticks, which transmit it to humans when they bite us.

question

In a 42-year-old obese man diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in an abdominal wound, which of the following nursing diagnoses would be of highest priority?

answer

"Impaired tissue integrity"

question

The health-care team in a hospital is evaluating the events that led to a health-care-associated infection (HAI). Place the following events in their most likely order in the chain of infection (1-4).

answer

-A. A child is admitted to the hospital for an appendectomy. He is later diagnosed with rubeola (measles). -D. A child infected with rubeola breathes and talks and touches a number of surfaces. -C. The measles virus lives suspended in the air and on surfaces. -B. A child, who has not been vaccinated against rubeola, breathes air with the measles virus in it.

question

When assessing a patient, the nurse would note which of the following as making the patient more susceptible to infection?

answer

The patient has had several surgeries over the past 6 months.

question

According to laboratory results, the patient has a streptococci infection. The nurse correctly understands this to mean the infection is caused by

answer

sphere-shaped bacteria.

question

When explaining the purpose and function of an N95 respirator to a student nurse, the nurse correctly says

answer

"An N95 respirator is individually fitted to the person who wears it, and it is used when caring for a patient who could transmit an airborne infection."

question

The nurse is assisting another staff member turn a patient when they discover the patient's brief is full and has leaked onto the sheets. The staff member is not wearing gloves and her hands have become soiled. Which of the following statements by the nurse is best?

answer

"Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water."

question

One of the most common modes of transmission in the chain of infection is unwashed hands. To prevent spreading infection in this way, the nurse washes her hands which of the following times? Select all that apply.

answer

- Between caring for two patients in the same room -Immediately after entering a patient's room -Immediately after removing gloves

question

A patient who was admitted to the hospital yesterday has needed assistance with cleaning herself after toileting. She now complains of itching around the genitals and an itchy, runny nose, and her eyes are watering and she has developed a cough. The nurse should suspect:

answer

Latex hypersensitivity.

question

A patient asks, "What does it mean that my infection is caused by gram-negative bacteria? Is that bad?" The nurse most appropriately replies:

answer

"In the laboratory, bacteria are treated with a stain called a Gram stain. How much of the stain the bacteria absorb indicates what kind of cell wall they have. Gram-negative bacteria pick up relatively little of the stain, and they are treated with different antibiotics than are gram-positive bacteria."

question

During shift report, the nurse learns that a patient has been diagnosed with septicemia. The nurse correctly expects that:

answer

the patient is receiving aggressive treatment with IV antibiotics.

question

A nursing home patient has contracted influenza. Which of the following is a precaution all health-care providers and visitors should take?

answer

Individuals should stay 3 feet away from the patient unless wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose.

question

When planning care to avoid health-care-associated infections (HAI), the nurse is particularly aware of which of the following microorganisms? Select all that apply.

answer

=Clostridium difficile, which causes the severe diarrhea pseudomembranous enterocolitis =Escherichia coli, part of the normal flora and fauna of the colon = Staphylococcus aureus, a cause of osteomyelitis, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and toxic shock syndrome

question

A student nurse has been assigned the care of a patient on transmission-based precautions. Which of the following actions by the student indicates that further instruction is required?

answer

The student exits the room and removes the gown and gloves in the hallway.

Unit 1 (1323) chapter 14 – Flashcards

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