The nurse is aware that the patient most at risk for a health care-associated infection (HAI) would be the:

Choice A rationale

Requiring the use of a facemask by nursing staff is not sufficient alone as a nursing intervention for a surgical incision and IV line access. Comprehensive infection control measures are needed.

Choice B rationale

Maintaining "clean" technique is important, but "sterile" technique would be more appropriate for wound dressing changes and IV site care to prevent infection.

Choice C rationale

Assessing and documenting skin condition around the incision and IV site at each shift is correct because it helps in early identification of signs of infection, ensuring timely intervention.

Choice D rationale

Limiting visitors to immediate family may help reduce infection exposure, but it does not address the primary nursing intervention for monitoring and caring for the surgical incision and IV site.

Choice A rationale

Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by mites. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact and does not require an N95 respirator. Standard precautions and contact isolation are usually sufficient.

Choice B rationale

Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease. An N95 respirator mask is necessary to protect against inhaling airborne droplets that may contain the bacteria, especially in healthcare settings.

Choice C rationale

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. It spreads through respiratory droplets, but standard surgical masks are usually adequate. An N95 respirator is not required.

Choice D rationale

Mycoplasmal pneumonia is a type of bacterial pneumonia transmitted through respiratory droplets. While it can be contagious, an N95 respirator is generally not necessary unless in specific aerosol-generating procedures. Standard precautions are usually sufficient. .