The nurse and the student nurse are caring for two different patients on the medical-surgical unit. One patient is in airborne precautions, and one is in contact precautions. The nurse explains to the student different interventions for care. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dispose of supplies to prevent the spread of microorganisms. This is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections in patients under different precautions. Airborne precautions require proper disposal of contaminated supplies to prevent the spread of pathogens through the air. On the other hand, contact precautions necessitate proper disposal of supplies to prevent direct transmission through physical contact. Incorrect choices: B is incorrect because handwashing is essential but does not specifically address the differing needs of patients under different precautions. C is incorrect because consistency in nursing interventions may not be appropriate when different precautions are in place. D is incorrect as knowledge of the disease process is important but may not directly relate to preventing the spread of microorganisms through contaminated supplies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Vectors. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which serve as vectors for the pathogen. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on birds that carry the virus. Direct contact (A) and indirect contact (B) are not common routes of transmission for West Nile virus. The virus is not transmitted through the air (C) but rather through the bite of an infected mosquito. Therefore, the most accurate means of transmission for the pathogen involved in West Nile virus is through vectors, making option D the correct choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Major burns disrupt the integrity of the skin, the body's first line of defense against infection. Step 2: Intact skin and mucous membranes protect against microbial invasion by acting as physical barriers. Step 3: When these barriers are compromised, such as in major burns, the risk for infection increases. Step 4: Therefore, the rationale for a nursing diagnosis of Risk for Infection in a client with major burns is due to the compromised protection provided by intact skin and mucous membranes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Antimicrobial products. Antimicrobial products are recommended for hand hygiene in high infection risk settings as they are specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, reducing the risk of spreading infections. Liquid or bar hand soap (A) may not be effective against all types of pathogens. Cold water (B) is not as effective in removing dirt and germs as hot water (C), but temperature alone does not eliminate microbes. Antimicrobial products have proven efficacy in reducing microbial load on hands, making them the most suitable choice for high infection risk settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sweat. Standard precautions are recommended for all bodily fluids and substances that may contain bloodborne pathogens. Sweat does not typically contain a significant amount of pathogens compared to blood, urine, and vomitus. Therefore, the CDC guidelines do not designate standard precautions for sweat. Urine (A), blood (B), and vomitus (D) are all bodily fluids that can potentially contain pathogens and require standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections.