CH 27 Flashcards
According to the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, the medical facility must:
- release the source patient’s HIV and hepatitis B status to the exposed employee.
- avoid releasing the source patient’s status to anyone due to HIPAA regulations.
- release the source patient’s status to the designated infection control officer.
- hold the source patient’s laboratory results for 24 hours before releasing them.
Release the source patients status to the designated infection control officer
The communicable period for HIV:
- begins at the onset of infection.
- is decreased with antiretroviral therapy.
- ranges from 7 to 10 days.
- is largely unknown.
Is largely unknown
Postexposure medical counseling and treatment should begin within how many hours of the paramedic testing positive?
- 48 to 72 hours
- 12 to 24 hours
- 72 to 96 hours
- 24 to 48 hours
24 to 48 hours
A 30-year-old male presents with a round skin lesion that resembles a blister under his left arm. He and his family were recently hiking. What should you suspect?
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Hantavirus
- Zika virus
Lyme disease
Which of the following is a factor in determining a person’s risk of contracting an infectious disease following exposure?
- The size of the organism
- The age and sex of the patient
- The time of entry of the organism
- Host resistance of the individual
Host resistance of the individual
Which of the following medical procedures would pose the least risk of exposure to an infectious disease?
- Administering a subcutaneous injection
- Assessing a patient’s temperature by the oral route
- Covering a wound that is bleeding minimally
- Delivering the baby of an HIV-negative mother
Assessing a patient’s temperature by the oral route
Initial symptoms of Ebola include:
- photophobia and hearing loss.
- severe vomiting and diarrhea.
- spontaneous bleeding and fever.
- fever, weakness, and sore throat.
Fever, weakness, and sore throat
Chlamydia trachomatis is a:
- bacterium.
- virus.
- parasite.
- fungus.
Bacterium
In addition to children, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for:
- emergency response team members traveling outside the United States.
- all health care workers when an outbreak of hepatitis A is documented.
- all Federal Emergency Management Agency response team members.
- any health care worker who functions in an actual patient care setting.
Emergency response team members traveling outside the United States
Antibiotic therapy following exposure to meningitis is contraindicated for individuals who are:
- older than 45 years of age.
- severely immunocompromised.
- asymptomatic after 24 hours.
- taking birth control pills
Taking birth control pills
A person who is taking antibiotic therapy following a positive TB skin test and chest radiograph should not consume alcohol because:
- alcohol causes immunocompromise.
- the antibiotics are toxic to the liver.
- alcohol can cause a violent reaction.
- this increases the risk of active TB.
The antibiotics are toxic to the liver
When a disease infects large numbers of people and spreads all over the world, it is considered a(n):
- endemic.
- pandemic.
- outbreak.
- epidemic.
Pandemic
In developing countries, there is a strong association between the hepatitis E virus and:
- blood transfusions.
- sexual intercourse.
- infection with HIV.
- inadequate hygiene.
Inadequate hygiene
If a paramedic is exposed to lice:
- a specially made shampoo that contains a combination of a steroid and an antibiotic should be used within 6 hours after exposure.
- permethrin cream treatment may be prescribed and restrictions from patient care may be indicated until the paramedic is free of lice.
- they should immediately report to the designated infection control officer for prophylactic antiviral treatment.
- infection is unlikely because paramedics have strong immune systems due to exposure to patients with various diseases.
Permethrin cream treatment may be prescribed and restrictions from patient care may be indicated until the paramedic is free of lice
The third dose of the three-series hepatitis B vaccine is given:
- 12 months after the initial dose.
- 6 months after the first dose.
- within 2 to 3 months of the second dose.
- 4 weeks after the second dose
6 months after the first dose
A 49-year-old woman presents with a severe headache, a temperature of 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and photosensitivity. Her blood pressure is 140/76 mm Hg, pulse rate is 120 beats/min and strong, and respiratory rate is 22 breaths/min and regular. While caring for this patient, it is most important to:
- attempt to assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.
- protect yourself from any nasopharyngeal secretions.
- treat her as though she is experiencing viral meningitis.
- apply a cardiac monitor and assess her tachycardia.
Protect yourself from any nasopharyngeal secretions
Which of the following is an example of indirect contact with a microorganism?
- Making brief physical contact with a person who has an infectious disease
- Becoming infected with West Nile virus from a mosquito bite
- Inhaling infected droplets from a person after he or she sneezes or coughs
- Touching a bloody stretcher railing with an open wound on your hand
Touching a bloody stretcher railing with an open wound on your hand
Which of the following is a treatment focus for a patient infected with the Ebola virus?
- Fluid rehydration
- Hemodialysis
- Antihypertensive therapy
- Antidysrhythmic therapy
Fluid rehydration
In contrast to body substance isolation precautions, standard precautions:
- is a term used to describe infection control practices that reduce the risk of exposure to blood.
- specify that sweat is an effective carrier of infectious diseases, even if the sweat makes contact with intact skin.
- emphasize protection from moist body substances that may transmit bacterial or viral infections.
- describe a universal approach in which all blood and bodily fluids are assumed to be infectious.
Emphasize protection from moist body substances that may transmit bacterial or viral infections
Which of the following statements regarding genital herpes is correct?
- The incubation period for genital herpes often lasts up to 3 weeks.
- Acyclovir is used to reduce a herpetic outbreak, but there is no cure.
- In females, genital herpes presents as a single vesicle on the vulva.
- The lesions of genital herpes remain infectious for 12 to 24 days.
Acyclovir is used to reduce a herpetic outbreak, but there is no cure.
In older adults, shingles arises when which virus resides in the ganglion of a nerve?
- Rubeola
- Herpes
- Varicella
- Rubella
Varicella
You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a 20-year-old woman who is sick. When you arrive at the scene and begin assessing the patient, she tells you that she has been experiencing a purulent vaginal discharge, but denies vaginal bleeding or a fever. Her blood pressure is 104/64 mm Hg, pulse rate is 88 beats/min and strong, and respirations are 14 breaths/min and regular. What should you suspect?
- Syphilis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
The primary infection with syphilis produces:
- dysuria and a purulent discharge in the urine.
- low-grade fever and pain in the genital area.
- an ulcerative chancre at the site of infection.
- numerous small pustules on the genitalia.
An ulcerative chancre at the site of the infection
Which of the following immunizations included in the CDC’s list of recommended immunizations and tests for health care providers requires a booster every 10 years?
- Influenza
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
You transported a patient with flulike symptoms to the hospital 4 days ago. Your designated infection control officer advises you that the patient was diagnosed with the avian flu. If you documented an exposure to this patient, you will most likely be:
- offered an antiviral medication.
- referred to an infectious disease physician.
- mandated to get a regular flu vaccination.
- restricted from duty for a 2-week period
Offered an antiviral medication
If the source patient’s blood tests positive for HIV:
- the blood will be assessed for viral load and the exposed individual may be offered a 4-week trial of antiretroviral therapy.
- the most rapid method for determining if the exposed individual was infected is by assessing their lymphocyte count.
- the exposed individual will receive a one-time injection of immune globulin and will be tested for HIV in 2 weeks.
- federal law requires that the exposed individual be placed on antiretroviral therapy and not be allowed to work in a health care setting.
the blood will be assessed for viral load and the exposed individual may be offered a 4-week trial of antiretroviral therapy.
A person is exposed to the mumps virus, is asymptomatic for 16 days, and then becomes ill. The 16-day period is called the:
- virulent period.
- resistance period.
- communicable period.
- incubation period.
Incubation period
Which of the following statements regarding the hepatitis D virus (HDV) is correct?
- The typical incubation period for HDV infection ranges from 180 to 360 days.
- Infection with HDV requires the host to be infected with the hepatitis B virus.
- The most common route of transmission of HDV is through sexual contact.
- If a documented exposure occurs, testing begins with the person who was exposed.
Infection with HDV requires the host to be infected with the hepatitis B virus
Occupationally acquired hepatitis C virus infection:
- occurs by ingestion of food that is contaminated with infected feces.
- is related to a contaminated needlestick with visible blood on the sharp.
- is not possible because an effective one-series vaccine is available.
- is most commonly contracted via blood exposure to nonintact skin.
is related to a contaminated needlestick with visible blood on the sharp.
Personal protective equipment:
- is the most effective means of preventing the spread of an infectious disease.
- is a standardized set of equipment that is used with every patient contact.
- is required by the CDC when a paramedic draws blood or gives an injection.
- serves as a secondary protective barrier beyond what your body provides.
Serves as a secondary protective barrier beyond what your body provides
Secondary syphilitic infection is characterized by:
- weight loss.
- high fever.
- a skin rash.
- petechiae.
A skin rash
You receive a call for a 33-year-old man with difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, you begin to assess the patient, who tells you that he is HIV-positive. During the primary assessment, you should:
- apply two pairs of gloves in case you encounter any gross bleeding.
- inquire about any antiretroviral medications he is taking.
- identify and correct immediately life-threatening conditions.
- immediately place a nonrebreathing mask on the patient.
Identify and correct immediately life threatening conditions
A paramedic would most likely become infected with TB if they:
- received a needlestick from a person suspected of having active TB.
- performed mouth-to-mouth breathing on a patient with active TB.
- were exposed to blood-stained vomitus of a patient with active TB.
- were close to a coughing patient who had a positive TB skin test.
Performed mouth-to-mouth breathing on a patient with active TB
Which of the following statements regarding meningitis is correct?
- Most epidemic outbreaks involve meningococcal meningitis.
- Neisseria meningitidis is the least common type of meningitis.
- The viral form of meningitis is a highly communicable disease.
- Meningitis is an acute viral inflammation of the cerebral meninges.
Most epidemic outbreaks involve meningococcal meningitis
Which of the following is an early sign or symptom of hepatitis B infection?
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Scleral icterus
- Anorexia
Anorexia
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS):
- exists when T-helper lymphocytes are dangerously high.
- most often occurs within 5 to 10 years of HIV infection.
- occurs in as many as 85% of HIV-infected individuals.
- is characterized by the presence of opportunistic infections.
is characterized by the presence of opportunistic infections.
Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include:
- a dark red rash, combativeness, and a low-grade fever.
- mental status changes, fever, stiff neck, and headache.
- slow-onset fever, tinnitus, and an occipital headache.
- irritability, back pain, headache, and hypertension.
mental status changes, fever, stiff neck, and headache.
The primary target of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus is the:
- central nervous system.
- pulmonary system.
- lymphatic system.
- immune system.
immune system
Which type of precautions are used with all transmission-based categories?
- Droplet
- Standard
- Contact
- Airborne
Standard
The clinical presentation of mononucleosis includes:
- hemoptysis, low-grade fever, and up to 10% weight loss.
- nasal drainage, a dry cough, and right upper quadrant pain.
- fever, swollen lymph glands, and an enlarged spleen.
- vomiting, a fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and shaking chills.
Fever, swollen lymph glands, and an enlarged spleen
The leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants, older people, and immunocompromised individuals is the:
- influenza virus.
- parainfluenza virus.
- rotavirus.
- respiratory syncytial virus.
respiratory syncytial virus.
Transmission of mumps occurs by direct contact with which bodily fluid of an infected person?
- Sweat
- Saliva
- Blood
- Tears
Saliva
A 70-year-old homeless man presents with a rash to his hands, wrists, and ankles. He denies any known allergies and states that the rash itches severely at night. His vital signs are stable, and he is breathing without difficulty. You should:
- establish vascular access in case he begins to experience signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
- transport him to the hospital and thoroughly wash your hands after patient care has been completed.
- administer 25 mg of diphenhydramine IM and transport him to an appropriate medical facility.
- be highly suspicious that he has body lice and use a high-level disinfectant when cleaning the ambulance.
transport him to the hospital and thoroughly wash your hands after patient care has been completed.
Nocturnal itching and the presence of a rash involving the hands are indicative of:
- scabies.
- herpes.
- shingles.
- lice
Scabies
Rubella is transmitted and spreads when an infected person:
- bleeds.
- sneezes.
- is febrile.
- vomits.
Sneezes
Most patients infected with the hepatitis C virus are unaware that they acquired the infection because:
- they do not develop phase 2 signs and symptoms.
- hepatitis C does not produce any signs or symptoms.
- a blood test to detect the virus does not exist.
- the incubation period ranges from 15 to 20 years.
They do not develop phase 2 sign and symptoms
When washing your hands after a call, you should:
- use an antimicrobial, alcohol-based foam or gel.
- scrub your hands vigorously with an antibacterial gel.
- wash your hands for at least 10 seconds.
- wash with cold water and let your hands air dry.
use an antimicrobial, alcohol-based foam or gel.
A known intravenous drug abuser presents with anorexia, body aches, a low-grade fever, and scleral icterus. She is very quiet and is not willing to share her medical history information with you. Which of the following additional clinical signs would reinforce your suspicion regarding the cause of this patient’s condition?
- Red or purple skin lesions
- Jaundiced skin
- Blood-tinged sputum
- Swollen lymph glands
Jaundiced skin
Which of the following is a sign or symptom of HIV infection?
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Jaundice
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes
An individual’s ability to fight off infection is called:
- communicability.
- host resistance.
- immunity.
- virulence.
Host resistance
Work restriction guidelines enforced by OSHA require an employee to use sick time for an illness, unless:
the employee opted to take the hepatitis B vaccine.
the illness is the result of an occupational exposure.
the illness occurred after the post-hire probation period.
a physician deems that the illness was unavoidable.
the illness is the result of an occupational exposure.
You receive a call for an unresponsive person. Law enforcement arrives at the scene before you and advises that the scene is secure. When you arrive, you find the patient, a young man, lying supine on the floor of his poorly kept apartment. He is unresponsive and his breathing is slow and shallow. One of the police officers recognizes the patient as a known intravenous drug abuser. During your care of this patient, you should:
establish an IV line of normal saline and administer 2 mg of flumazenil.
ventilate him with a bag-mask device at a rate of 24 breaths/min.
avoid removing his wallet or any other possessions from his pockets.
defer vascular access until the patient is in the emergency department.
avoid removing his wallet or any other possessions from his pockets.
Tuberculosis is communicable when the patient:
receives a positive tuberculin skin test.
has a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
has an active lesion on their lung.
experiences chest pain or discomfort.
has an active lesion on their lung
Which of the following is a common sign of measles?
Petechiae
Severe diarrhea
Blotchy red rash
Purpuric rash
Blotchy red rash
