ATI RN
Infection Control Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient who has a contagious condition. In recalling the chain of infection, the nurse knows that an environment favorable for the growth and reproduction of an infectious agent is referred to as ____.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a reservoir. A reservoir is an environment where infectious agents can live and multiply. In this case, the contagious condition of the patient indicates that there is a source from which the infection is spreading. A reservoir can be a person, animal, plant, soil, or inanimate object. It provides a conducive environment for the infectious agent to survive and thrive. A: A vector refers to an organism that transmits an infectious agent to a host, like a mosquito transmitting malaria. B: A portal of entry is the route through which an infectious agent enters a host's body, like a cut in the skin. D: A susceptible host is an individual who is at risk of developing an infection, but it does not refer to the environment where the infectious agent grows and multiplies.
Question 2 of 5
Which of these is the correct order of events a nurse should follow when applying personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct order of events when applying PPE is crucial for infection control. Starting with handwashing removes potential contaminants. Gowning before mask and eye protection prevents contamination of the face. Eye protection comes before gloves to avoid self-contamination. Gloves are the last item to be put on to minimize the risk of touching contaminated surfaces. Therefore, the correct order is handwashing, gown, mask, eye protection, and gloves. Other choices are incorrect because they do not follow the proper sequence for maximum protection.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is setting up and assisting in a sterile surgical procedure. According to the principles of surgical asepsis, the nurse understands that which of these statements is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. The tray is considered unsterile if a blood-soaked gauze from the patient is placed back onto it. 2. This action contaminates the tray, breaking the sterile field integrity. 3. Maintaining sterile technique is crucial to prevent infections during surgery. 4. Any breach in sterility increases the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms. 5. Therefore, ensuring that contaminated items are not placed back on the sterile field is essential. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as only the center of a sterile field is considered sterile, not the edges. - Choice C is incorrect as the skin cannot be made completely sterile, but it should be cleaned and disinfected. - Choice D is incorrect as any instrument that is held out of view should not be considered sterile due to potential contamination risks.
Question 4 of 5
A 45-year-old client presents to the ED following a grand mal seizure. In the triage report, the nurse learns that the client has epilepsy causing frequent seizures. Which precautions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pad bed side rails. This precaution is important because during a seizure, the client may thrash about and could potentially injure themselves by hitting the bed rails. Padding the bed side rails can help prevent injuries. B: Placing a pillow under all extremities is not necessary and may not provide any significant benefit in preventing injuries during a seizure. C: Elevating the bed to a high position is not relevant to preventing injuries during a seizure and may not be practical in this situation. D: Ensuring oxygen access is important in general emergency care, but it is not specifically related to preventing injuries during a seizure.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is preparing discharge instructions for an 89-year-old client with a stage 4 pressure injury on his coccyx. The caregiver has been trained on wound dressing changes and cleansing. The caregiver asks the nurse how they can prevent infection in the wound. Which answer by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: “Wear gloves and use the sterile or aseptic supplies provided to you when changing the client’s dressing.” This answer is correct because wearing gloves and using sterile supplies help prevent introducing harmful bacteria into the wound, reducing the risk of infection. Gloves provide a barrier to protect both the caregiver's hands and the wound from contamination. Sterile supplies minimize the introduction of pathogens into the wound, promoting healing and preventing infection. A: “Change the wound dressing only once a day.” - This answer is incorrect because the frequency of dressing changes should be based on the healthcare provider's instructions and the wound's condition, not a fixed schedule. B: “Use protective eyewear while changing the wound dressing.” - While protective eyewear is important in certain situations, it is not directly related to preventing wound infection in this context. C: “Pressure injuries rarely cause infections to worry about.” - This answer is incorrect because all wounds, including pressure injuries, are susceptible to infection