Fundamentals Exam: Ch. 23, 26-29, 38

Question 1

Components of the Infection Cycle (1)

Answer 1

Infectious agent: bacteria, viruses, fungi

Question 2

Components of the Infection Cycle (2)

Answer 2

Reservoir: natural habitat of the organism

Question 3

Components of the Infection Cycle (3)

Answer 3

Portal of exit: point of escape for the organism

Question 4

Components of the Infection Cycle (4)

Answer 4

Means of transmission: direct contact, indirect contact, airborne route

Question 5

Components of the Infection Cycle (5)

Answer 5

Portal of entry: point at which organisms enter a new host

Question 6

Components of the Infection Cycle (6)

Answer 6

Susceptible host: must overcome resistance mounted by host’s defenses

Question 7

Stages of Infection

Answer 7

Incubation period, Prodromal stage (person is most infectious, vague and nonspecific signs of disease), Full stage of illness, Convalescent period

Question 8

Factors Affecting Host Susceptibility

Answer 8

Intact skin and mucous membranes
Normal pH levels
Body’s white blood cells
Age, sex, race, hereditary factors
Immunization, natural or acquired
Fatigue, climate, nutritional and general health status
Stress
Use of invasive or indwelling medical devices

Question 9

Describe nursing interventions used to break the chain of infection.

Answer 9

Five Moments for Hand Hygiene (WHO)
Moment 1 – Before touching a patient
Moment 2 – Before a clean or aseptic procedure
Moment 3 – After a body fluid exposure risk
Moment 4 – After touching a patient
Moment 5 – After touching patient surroundings

Question 10

Understand the importance of hand hygiene to prevent the spread of organisms and know the two types of bacterial flora normally found on hands and how they can be removed.

Answer 10

Bacterial Flora-
Transient: attached loosely on skin, removed with relative ease
Resident: found in creases in skin, requires friction with brush to remove

Question 11

Measures to Reduce Incidence 
of Nosocomial Infections

Answer 11

Constant surveillance
Written infection-prevention practices for all agency personnel
Hand hygiene
Infection control precaution techniques
Keeping patient in best possible physical condition

Question 12

Personal Protective Equipment 
and Supplies

Answer 12

Gloves
Gowns
Masks
Protective eyewear

Question 13

Medical asepsis

Answer 13

clean technique

Question 14

Surgical asepsis

Answer 14

sterile technique; uses-
Operating room, labor and delivery areas
Certain diagnostic testing areas
Patient bedside
For example, for procedures that involve insertion of urinary catheter, sterile dressing changes, or preparing and injecting medicine

Question 15

Describe strategies for implementing CDC guidelines for transmission-based precautions when caring for patients.

Answer 15

Used in addition to standard precautions for patients in hospitals with suspected infection with pathogens that can be transmitted by airborne, droplet, or contact routes.
The 2007 guidelines include a directive to don personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering the room of a patient on contact or droplet precautions.

Question 16

Describe strategies for implementing CDC guidelines for standard precautions when caring for patients.

Answer 16

Used in the care of all hospitalized patients regardless of their diagnosis or possible infection status
Apply to blood, all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat (whether or not blood is present or visible), nonintact skin, and mucous membranes

Question 17

Factors Determining Use of Sterilization and Disinfection Methods

Answer 17

Nature of organisms present
Number of organisms present
Type of equipment
Intended use of equipment
Available means for sterilization and disinfection
Time

Question 18

Identify patients at risk for developing an infection.

Answer 18

Elevated white blood cell count—normal is 5,000 to 10,000/mm3
Increase in specific types of white blood cells
Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Presence of pathogen in urine, blood, sputum, or draining cultures

Question 19

Review the types of agents that can cause infection and how they are categorized.

Answer 19

Bacteria: most significant and most prevalent in hospital settings
Virus: smallest of all microorganisms, Hepatitis B & C, HIV
Fungi: plant-like organisms present in air, soil, and water, Athelete’s foot, Ringworm, Yeast infections

Question 20

Identify multidrug-resistant organisms that are prevalent in hospitalized patients and community settings.

Answer 20

MRSA, VRE, CRE, C. difficile

Question 21

Know the recommended use of products containing an antimicrobial ingredient for handwashing in areas where risk for infection is high.

Answer 21

using hand washing products that contain an antimicrobial or antibacterial ingredient is recommended in any setting where the risk for infection is high

Question 22

Factors Affecting Safety

Answer 22

Developmental considerations
Lifestyle
Mobility
Sensory perception
Knowledge
Ability to communicate
Physical health state
Psychosocial state

Question 23

Discuss the factors that affect and the role of the nurse in providing a safe and secure environment in the home or health care facility.

Answer 23

Assess for history of falls or accidents.
Note assistive devices.
Be alert to history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Obtain knowledge of family support systems and home environment.

Question 24

Identify patients at risk for injury.

Answer 24

Assess mobility status.
Assess ability to communicate.
Assess level of awareness or orientation.
Assess sensory perception.
Identify potential safety hazards.
Recognize manifestations of domestic violence or neglect.

Question 25

Tell whether the following statement is true or false.
A nurse whose behavior is reasonable and prudent and similar to the behavior that would be expected of another nurse in similar circumstances is still likely to be found liable if a patient falls.

Answer 25

Answer: B. False
Rationale: A nurse whose behavior is reasonable and prudent and similar to the behavior that would be expected of another nurse in similar circumstances is unlikely to be found liable if a patient falls, even if injury occurs.

Question 26

The RACE acronym

Answer 26

Rescue anyone in immediate danger.
Activate the fire code and notify appropriate person.
Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.
Evacuate patients and other people to a safe area.