A patient in the neurosurgical ICU develops a fever. Cultures are ordered and collected. The physician decides to start an antibiotic while waiting for the culture results because the patient is critically ill. This type of antibiotic usage is called:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Empiric therapy is used before pathogen identification based on clinical suspicion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The 40-year-old client with glasses and a reddened sclera who reports brow pain, headache, and seeing colored halos around lights is most in need of an ophthalmologic examination. This client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of increased intraocular pressure(IOP). This is a priority because the optic nerve can be damaged, which can cause possible blindness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Reporting sharps injuries ensures timely medical evaluation and compliance with occupational safety standards.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Pathogens often enter and exit via the same route, e.g., respiratory tract.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Alcohol-based sanitizers don't kill C. diff spores; soap and water are required.