A patient has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (mad cow disease). The nurse recognizes this disease is caused by a:

Choice A rationale

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that can induce normal proteins in the brain to also misfold. These prions are highly resistant to conventional methods of deactivation and pose a significant infection control challenge.

Choice B rationale

Fungi can cause a variety of infections, but they are not responsible for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Fungal infections typically affect the skin, lungs, or systemic organs.

Choice C rationale

Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can cause diseases such as malaria. They are not related to the prions that cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Choice D rationale

Viruses cause a range of diseases, including influenza and HIV, but they are distinct from prions. Prions lack genetic material and reproduce by corrupting normal proteins, which is different from viral replication mechanisms. .

Choice A rationale

Dressings are typically sterilized using steam or other standard methods, not ethylene oxide gas, which is reserved for materials that are sensitive to heat and moisture.

Choice B rationale

Surgical instruments are commonly sterilized using steam autoclaving, which is highly effective and efficient.

Choice C rationale

Floors and walls do not require sterilization with ethylene oxide gas; standard cleaning and disinfection methods are sufficient.

Choice D rationale

Heat-sensitive items require ethylene oxide gas sterilization because it is effective at low temperatures without damaging delicate materials.