A patient is diagnosed with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) in his surgical wound and asks the nurse what this means. What is the nurse’s best response? Select all that apply
There is more than one organism in the wound that is causing the infection.
The antibiotics the patient has received are not strong enough to kill the organism.
The patient will need more than one type of antibiotic to kill the organism.
The organism has developed a resistance to one or more broad-spectrum antibiotics, indicating that the organism will be hard to treat effectively.
There are no longer any antibiotic options available to treat the patient’s infection.
Correct Answer : B,D
Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum agents that are typically used as first-line treatments. These organisms pose a significant public health threat because they are harder to treat, often require more toxic or expensive medications.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. The antibiotics the patient has received are not strong enough to kill the organism: MDROs have developed resistance to antibiotics that would normally be effective. This resistance means that the usual antibiotics are no longer strong enough to treat the infection.
D. The organism has developed a resistance to one or more broad-spectrum antibiotics, indicating that the organism will be hard to treat effectively: These organisms are difficult to treat precisely because they have adapted to survive exposure to multiple common antibiotics.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. There is more than one organism in the wound that is causing the infection: This describes a polymicrobial infection, not a multidrug-resistant organism. MDRO refers to a single organism that is resistant to several antibiotics.
E. There are no longer any antibiotic options available to treat the patient’s infection: While MDROs are difficult to treat, there are usually still some options available, though they may be more limited or have greater side effects.
Take home points:
- MDROs are single organisms resistant to multiple antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and control.
- Educating patients about antibiotic resistance and the importance of completing prescribed antibiotics helps prevent the emergence of MDROs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that can be caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria and viruses. When caused by organisms like Neisseria meningitidis, it is highly contagious and can spread via respiratory droplets.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Droplet Precautions: Bacterial meningitis (e.g., meningococcal) spreads through respiratory droplets, especially in the early stages of illness. Droplet precautions involve wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient and isolating the patient in a private room.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Reverse isolation (also known as protective isolation) is used to protect immunocompromised patients from external pathogens, not to prevent the spread of infection from the patient.
C. While standard precautions (e.g., hand hygiene, gloves) are always used, they are not sufficient alone for clients with droplet-spread infections like meningitis. Additional droplet precautions are required to reduce the risk of respiratory transmission.
D. Contact precautions are used for infections transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or environment (e.g., C. difficile or MRSA). They are not appropriate for respiratory illnesses like meningitis.
Take home points:
- Clients with bacterial meningitis must be placed on droplet precautions.
- Understanding the transmission route of infections helps determine the right type of isolation precautions.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Chickenpox is spread via airborne droplets and direct contact with vesicular fluid, which makes airborne and contact precautions necessary.
Rationale for correct answer:
A. Disposable gown is worn to prevent contact with lesions and contaminated surfaces. Though primarily used for contact precautions, varicella and disseminated herpes zoster require both airborne and contact precautions.
B. The N95 respirator mask provides high-level filtration, protecting the nurse from inhaling airborne particles.
E. Gloves are necessary because of contact precautions-direct contact with vesicle fluid or contaminated surfaces can lead to transmission. Gloves protect both the nurse and other clients.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
C. Face shield or goggles: Eye protection is not routinely required for chickenpox or herpes zoster unless there’s a risk of splashes or sprays. These infections are not primarily transmitted via mucous membrane exposure.
D. Disposable mask: A regular surgical or disposable mask does not offer sufficient protection against airborne pathogens. For airborne precautions, a fit-tested N95 respirator is essential.
Take home points:
- Knowing the mode of transmission of infectious diseases is key to selecting appropriate PPE.
- Airborne precautions require an N95 respirator.
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