The client is a chronic carrier of infection. To prevent the spread of the infection to other clients or health care providers, the nurse emphasizes interventions that do which of the following?
Eliminate the reservoir.
Block the portal of exit from the reservoir.
Block the portal of entry into the host.
Decrease the susceptibility of the host.
The Correct Answer is B
Preventing the spread of infection involves understanding and interrupting the chain of infection, which includes six links: the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Block the portal of exit from the reservoir: The most effective way to prevent transmission from a chronic carrier is by preventing the infectious agent from leaving the body. This includes using standard and transmission-based precautions.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Eliminate the reservoir: While eliminating the reservoir (i.e., the source of infection) would be ideal, it is not always feasible in chronic carriers, as the host is the reservoir. Chronic carriers often cannot be cured completely, so this strategy is limited in practice.
C. Block the portal of entry into the host: This is a reactive measure focused on the next host, not the source, and does not address the spread from the chronic carrier.
D. Decrease the susceptibility of the host: Strengthening the immune system (e.g., through vaccination or proper nutrition) can help reduce a host’s risk of infection. However, this does not stop the chronic carrier from exposing others.
Take home points:
- Understanding the chain of infection helps nurses implement targeted interventions.
- When managing a client who is a chronic carrier, the most critical infection control strategy is to block the portal of exit to prevent the pathogen from reaching others.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Postoperative clients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for infection, poor wound healing, and complications such as pneumonia or sepsis.
Rationale for correct answer:
B. Temperature 38.5°C (101.4°F): A postoperative fever (≥38.5°C) in a client with diabetes mellitus is a significant red flag for infection. Due to impaired immune response and delayed wound healing in diabetics, a fever can indicate a developing or ongoing infection.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Vesicular breath sounds in the lung bases are normal findings in the peripheral lung fields. This is not concerning and indicates that the lung bases are clear and the client does not have adventitious sounds which could indicate fluid overload or pneumonia.
C. Incision pain rating of 6 out of 10: While a pain rating of 6/10 suggests moderate pain and should be managed appropriately, pain is expected after major abdominal surgery. Unless the pain is associated with signs of infection or dehiscence it is not the most concerning finding.
D. Blood glucose of 164 mg/dL is slightly elevated for a postoperative diabetic patient but is not critically high. Mild hyperglycemia can occur postoperatively due to stress and corticosteroid use.
Take home points:
- Postoperative fever in a diabetic patient is a potential sign of infection.
- Routine postoperative pain and slightly elevated glucose levels are expected findings.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Iatrogenic infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are infections acquired during the course of receiving healthcare treatment. These infections can result from invasive procedures, improper hand hygiene, or contamination from the healthcare environment.
Rationale for correct answer:
A. Teaching correct handwashing to assigned patients: Hand hygiene is the most effective method to prevent the spread of infection. Educating patients on proper handwashing technique helps reduce transmission of pathogens.
B. Using correct procedures in starting and caring for an intravenous infusion: Proper aseptic technique when inserting and maintaining IV lines reduces the risk of bloodstream infections, a common type of HAI.
C. Providing perineal care to a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter: Perineal care prevents bacterial colonization around the catheter site and reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), a common iatrogenic infection.
Rationale for incorrect answer:
D. Isolating a patient on antibiotics who has been having loose stool for 24 hours: While loose stool could suggest a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, isolation might not be warranted until there's confirmation-either through a positive lab result or continued symptoms with clinical suspicion. Premature isolation without evidence may not align with resource allocation or institutional policy.
E. Decreasing a patient’s environmental stimuli to decrease nausea: While comfort measures are important, reducing environmental stimuli for nausea does not contribute to the prevention of infections and is unrelated to infection control practices.
Take home points:
Preventing iatrogenic infections requires vigilance in patient care practices, including:
- proper catheter care
- IV-line maintenance
- patient education on hand hygiene among others
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