An infection control nurse is teaching a class about transmission of infectious agents. The nurse should include that which of the following diseases is transmitted via airborne transmission?

A. Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) typically manifests with symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system, such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It does not cause changes in lung auscultation findings.
B. Pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, crackles (rales) on lung auscultation, and possibly decreased oxygen saturation. While pulmonary edema can cause abnormal lung sounds, it is less likely in a client recovering from a lacerated spleen unless there are additional complications or comorbidities.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse or closure of a part of the lung, resulting in reduced or absent air exchange. It can occur due to prolonged bedrest, shallow breathing, or conditions that restrict lung expansion. A client who has been on bedrest for several days is at increased risk for developing atelectasis, especially in the lower lobes where ventilation may be compromised. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes suggest atelectasis as a likely condition.
D. An upper respiratory infection typically affects the upper airways (nose, throat, sinuses), causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and sometimes fever. Lung auscultation findings in an upper respiratory infection are more likely to include rhonchi or wheezes rather than decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.

A. Proper oral hygiene is crucial for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is a common complication in ventilated patients. The bundle often includes instructions on how to perform mouth care to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization in the oral cavity and subsequent aspiration into the lungs.
B. Tracheostomy care, including suctioning as needed, is important to maintain airway patency and prevent complications like mucus plugging. However, specific instructions for suctioning frequency (e.g., every 2 hours) may vary based on the patient's clinical condition and the presence of secretions. It is not universally part of the ventilator care bundle but is an essential component of managing patients with tracheostomies.
C. Correct ventilator settings are critical to support adequate oxygenation and ventilation while minimizing lung injury. Nurses should be knowledgeable about how to monitor and adjust ventilator settings based on the patient's respiratory status. Education on ventilator settings may be included in

training related to mechanical ventilation management, but it is not typically part of a standardized ventilator care bundle.
D. The position of the patient can affect ventilation and respiratory mechanics. In the context of ventilator care, positioning recommendations may include elevating the head of the bed (semi-Fowler's position) to reduce the risk of aspiration and improve lung expansion. Placing the client in a supine position alone is not specific to the ventilator care bundle but may be considered based on the patient's clinical condition.