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

Choice A rationale

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, not Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This bacterium is transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from infected animals.

Choice B rationale

Rickettsia rickettsii is the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and causes symptoms like fever, headache, and a characteristic rash.

Choice C rationale

Aspergillus is a genus of fungi that causes aspergillosis, not Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Aspergillosis primarily affects the respiratory system and is not transmitted by tick bites.

Choice D rationale

Rickettsia prowazekii is the causative agent of epidemic typhus, not Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is transmitted through the bite of infected body lice and causes symptoms like high fever, chills, and rash. .

Choice A rationale

Opening the sterile tray by first unfolding the flap furthest from the body is a correct practice to avoid reaching over the sterile field, which helps maintain the sterility of the field.

Choice B rationale

Holding a sterile item just above waist level is appropriate as long as the item remains within the sterile field's boundaries. Keeping items at this level helps prevent accidental contamination from lower surfaces.

Choice C rationale

Placing a sterile dressing 5 cm (2 in) from the border of the sterile field is acceptable, as the border is considered non-sterile, and maintaining this distance helps ensure the sterility of the item within the field.

Choice D rationale

Opening a sterile package directly over the middle of the sterile field can lead to contamination. Any particles or contaminants from the package may fall into the sterile field, compromising its sterility. .