The nurse assesses patients to determine their risk for healthcare acquired infections. Which hospitalized patient would the nurse consider most at risk for developing this type of infection?
A 60 year old patient who is on a mechanical ventilator
A 65 year old patient who is vegetarian and obese
A 45 year old patient who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day
A 70 year old patient who has a normal WBC count
The Correct Answer is A
A. A 60 year old patient who is on a mechanical ventilator: This patient is at the highest risk for healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) due to the use of mechanical ventilation. Ventilated patients are susceptible to ventilator-associated pneumonia and other respiratory infections, making them more vulnerable to HAIs.
B. A 65 year old patient who is vegetarian and obese: While obesity can increase the risk for certain complications, being vegetarian does not inherently increase the risk for HAIs. This patient may have some risk factors, but they are not as significant as those associated with mechanical ventilation.
C. A 45 year old patient who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day: Smoking is a risk factor for various health issues, including respiratory infections, but it does not specifically correlate with a higher risk of HAIs in a hospitalized setting compared to a patient on a mechanical ventilator.
D. A 70 year old patient who has a normal WBC count: Although older age can increase the risk for infections, a normal white blood cell count indicates a functioning immune response. Without additional risk factors, this patient would not be considered the most at risk for developing HAIs compared to a ventilated patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encouraging the client to consume a high-protein diet: While a high-protein diet can support the client's immune system and promote healing, it does not directly prevent the transmission of infection. Nutritional support is important for recovery, but it is not a primary strategy for infection control.
B. Placing the client in a room with positive-pressure airflow: Positive-pressure airflow is typically used in rooms for immunocompromised patients to prevent exposure to airborne pathogens, not for clients with infections. Infected patients generally require isolation precautions, which may include negative-pressure rooms, especially for airborne or droplet precautions.
C. Changing the client's bed linens each day: Although maintaining clean linens is important for general hygiene and comfort, simply changing bed linens does not significantly prevent the transmission of infection. Effective infection control measures focus more on direct contact precautions and environmental cleanliness rather than the frequency of linen changes alone.
D. Performing hand hygiene before, during, and after direct contact with the client: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective strategies to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Proper handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduces the risk of spreading pathogens and protects both the patient and healthcare providers from infections. This strategy is essential in breaking the chain of infection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A nurse gives a client the choice to take a pain medication via intramuscular or oral route: This action exemplifies the ethical principle of autonomy, as it respects the client’s right to make decisions regarding their own treatment options.
B. A nurse administers scheduled pain medication for a client who is having pain: This action reflects the principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the client and alleviate suffering. Administering pain medication according to the schedule supports the client's well-being.
C. A nurse fulfills a promise to a client that they will return with their pain medication: This action demonstrates fidelity, which involves keeping promises and commitments made to clients. It ensures trust and accountability in the nurse-client relationship.
D. A nurse provides nonpharmacological pain interventions to each client equally: This action represents the principle of justice, which emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment among clients. Providing equal access to pain interventions ensures that all clients receive appropriate care regardless of their individual circumstances, aligning with the ethical principle of justice.
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