Which of the following most accurately defines an infection?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: An infection is caused by pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi) invading the body. Step 2: These pathogens disrupt the normal functions of the body, leading to illness. Step 3: Infection can result in a variety of diseases, from minor to severe. Step 4: Choice C accurately defines infection as a disease resulting from pathogens in or on the body. Summary: A: Incorrect - An unclean environment may contribute to infection, but it does not define infection itself. B: Incorrect - Lack of knowledge about food preparation may lead to foodborne illnesses, not necessarily infections. D: Incorrect - Traumatic injury can lead to infections, but not all infections are a result of traumatic injury.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prodromal stage. During this stage, the student experiences early symptoms like fever and fatigue, and viral shedding is high, making them most infectious. In contrast, during the incubation period (A), the virus is replicating but symptoms are not yet present. In the full stage of illness (C), symptoms are pronounced but infectiousness may decrease. In the convalescent period (D), the student is recovering and viral shedding decreases, reducing infectivity.

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.