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 C
Explanation
A. Prevents scarring by minimizing collagen production: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) does not prevent scarring by minimizing collagen production. In fact, NPWT can stimulate collagen production as part of the wound healing process, which can contribute to scar formation.
B. Relieves pain by numbing the wound area: NPWT does not have a numbing effect on the wound area. While it may help promote a more comfortable healing environment, it does not directly relieve pain like local anesthetics or analgesics would.
C. Promotes wound healing by increasing blood flow to the wound: NPWT promotes wound healing by creating a negative pressure environment that helps draw excess fluid away from the wound, reduces edema, and stimulates blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow enhances the delivery of nutrients and oxygen necessary for the healing process, making this option correct.
D. Reduces the risk of infection by creating a sterile environment: While NPWT can help reduce the risk of infection by keeping the wound moist and removing excess exudate, it does not create a completely sterile environment. Proper wound care and dressing changes are still necessary to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The vein appears cordlike: A cordlike appearance of the vein can indicate phlebitis or thrombosis rather than an infection. While this finding may be associated with complications related to an IV catheter, it does not specifically indicate an infection at the insertion site.
B. Purulent drainage is noted from the site: The presence of purulent drainage is a clear sign of infection. Purulent drainage typically indicates the accumulation of pus, which is a result of the body's immune response to infection. This finding aligns with the expectation of an infection at the IV catheter insertion site.
C. The client reports numbness at the site: Numbness is not a common symptom of infection. It may indicate nerve involvement or irritation, which could be related to the placement of the catheter, but it does not directly signify an infection at the insertion site.
D. Skin over the site is sloughing: Sloughing skin may indicate severe tissue damage or necrosis, which could occur in cases of severe infection, but it is not a typical finding in a localized infection at the insertion site. More commonly, an infection would present with redness, warmth, swelling, and possibly purulent drainage.
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