The nurse works in an office with a dermatologist. What equipment is most important to have readily available when a patient is undergoing skin testing for allergies?

A. "A culture identifies an antibiotic's effect on a pathogen.": Cultures do not determine the effect of antibiotics on pathogens; they identify the presence of pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics.
B. "A culture determines the appropriate medication dose.": Cultures do not determine medication doses; they identify pathogens and guide antibiotic selection based on susceptibility testing.
C. "A culture measures antibiotic levels.": Cultures do not measure antibiotic levels; they identify pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics.
D. "A culture identifies the presence of pathogens.": This is the correct explanation. A wound culture is performed to identify any microorganisms present in the wound, such as bacteria or fungi, which helps guide appropriate treatment.

A. A person with diabetes who requires hospitalization for cellulitis: Cellulitis may not necessarily be a healthcare-associated infection unless it developed as a complication during the hospitalization.
B. Pneumonia in a hospitalized patient: Pneumonia acquired during a hospital stay is considered a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) because it develops after 48 hours of hospital admission.
C. Chronic urinary tract infection for a homebound patient: A chronic urinary tract infection in a homebound patient is not automatically considered a healthcare-associated infection unless it can be directly linked to healthcare interventions or devices.
D. A sexually transmitted infection in a healthy young adult: Sexually transmitted infections are not healthcare-associated infections as they are typically acquired through sexual contact rather than healthcare settings.