A man on an airplane is sitting by a woman who is coughing and sneezing. If she has an infection, what is the most likely means of transmission from the woman to the man?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Airborne route. In this scenario, the most likely means of transmission is through the air, as the woman is coughing and sneezing. Respiratory droplets containing the infectious agents can be inhaled by the man, leading to potential infection. Direct contact (choice A) involves physical touching, which is not evident in the situation. Indirect contact (choice B) would involve touching contaminated surfaces, which is less likely with airborne infections. Vectors (choice C) refer to organisms that transmit diseases, like mosquitoes, which are not relevant to this case. Therefore, the airborne route is the most plausible means of transmission in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nosocomial. A nosocomial infection is an infection acquired in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital. In this case, the client contracted MRSA during her hospital stay for hip replacement surgery. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and is commonly found in healthcare settings. Explanation: A: Nosocomial - Correct. MRSA infection acquired in the hospital setting. B: Viral - Incorrect. MRSA is a bacterial infection, not viral. C: Iatrogenic - Incorrect. Iatrogenic refers to illnesses caused by medical treatment. D: Antimicrobial - Incorrect. Antimicrobial refers to substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, not a type of infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because compliance with hand hygiene among health care personnel can be challenging due to various factors such as time constraints, forgetfulness, and lack of awareness. This is supported by research showing that many health care workers struggle to consistently adhere to proper hand hygiene protocols. A is incorrect because hand hygiene is often not consistently followed by all health care personnel. C is incorrect because all health care personnel, not just nurses, should practice hand hygiene. D is incorrect because wearing gloves does not replace the need for hand hygiene, as gloves can become contaminated and proper hand hygiene is still necessary to prevent the spread of infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When adding new sterile items or supplies to a sterile field during a dressing change, sterile forceps or hands wearing sterile gloves should be used to maintain sterility. This ensures that no contamination occurs. Using clean hands (option B) or clean forceps (option C) does not maintain the sterility of the field. Clean hands wearing clean latex gloves (option D) are not sufficient for maintaining a sterile field as latex gloves are not sterile. Using sterile forceps or hands wearing sterile gloves is essential to prevent the introduction of pathogens and maintain aseptic technique.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because during the full stage of illness, specific signs and symptoms of infection are present. This stage occurs after the pathogen has invaded the body, multiplied, and the immune response has begun. The signs and symptoms indicate the body's response to the infection. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because A refers to the incubation period, C describes the prodromal stage, and D is indicative of the convalescent period. In summary, during the full stage of illness, specific signs and symptoms are present, distinguishing it from other stages of infection.