Nursing
What are some common healthcare acquired infections (HCAIs) that are drug resistant?
- Correct answer-MRSA - Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, VRE -
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus, and C.Diff. - Clostridium Difficile
What would be involved in the care of a client experiencing infection issues? - Correct
answer-We would use the CDC's two tier approach to prevent the transmission of the
infectious agent from that particular pt experiencing the issue to other patients by
following isolation protocols, using proper precautions, making sure to communicate
and use proper techniques when performing procedures for the pt.
What is the chain of infection? - Correct answer-The chain of infection is cyclical
process. First there's an Infectious Agent = fungi, protozoa, microbe, bacteria, virus then
we have a Reservoir = where microbes live and multiply ex: human, wound, surface.
Then comes the Portal of Exit = GI tract, sneezing, secretion, in the air/ something you
breathe in, coughing then it is transmitted through a Mode of Transmission = direct
contact, touch, breathed in, indirect contact. The infectious agent needs to enter into a
host through a Portal of Entry = how the microbe get inside of the patient, ex: ENT,
breathing it in, open wound, catheter (not using proper sterile technique). Lastly, Host =
the patient, a susceptible host (age, immunocompromised, AIDS).
What are some risk factors that make a person more susceptible to disease? - Correct
answer-Age - very old or very young, underdeveloped immune system, Stress, Medical
therapies - chemotherapy, not using proper sterile technique when administering meds,
Unclean medical equipment - ex: unclean feeding tubes or catheters, Smoking, Alcohol,
Unhealthy eating, Environmental hazards - work environment, Unaffordability of medical
care
What are some sites that can predispose a patient to infection? - Correct answer-
Surgical wounds - impaired skin integrity, the respiratory tract (airborne pathogens - port
of entry), Genitourinary tract (ex: bladder is sterile so inserting equipment with improper
technique can introduce infection), Invasive Devices (ex: ventilator acquired infections,
catheter), Bloodstream (ex: central lines have to be cleaned a specific way, catheters
can also introduce pathogens), TPN (outside of GI Tract = high sugar content =
favorable microbe growth environment), Enteral (used inside the GI Tract), Implanted
Prosthetic Devices (metal/ foreign objects)
,What is Evidence Base Practice (EBP)? - Correct answer-Constant learning + based on
research not past/ old ways of doing something + use your expertise + listen to the
patient's wants = Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
What are the steps of EBP? - Correct answer-Inquiry, have continuous curiousity
Ask a clinical question - ex: "Is it better to use the baby warmer or skin to skin contact
when a baby is first born?"
Collect best evidnece
Integrate the evidence/ implement
Evaluate the change
Share the outcomes
What are the 5Cs and how do they relate to the nursing profession? - Correct answer-
**"5 C's" - the SSC student learning outcomes
1. Caring - we are not judges
2. Communication = always communicate with your charge nurse (for students that is
your clinical instructor), includes patient education
3, Collaboration and management of care - working with auxillary staff and other
deparments like physical theraphy
4. Commitment to professionalism = example, shred documents to protect privacy,
follow HIPAA
5. Clinical competence and decision making
What are the roles of a professional nurse? - Correct answer-Autonomous =
independent, ex: has to follow doctor's orders, but use knowledge to take action when
appropriate
Accountability
Caregiver = * most trusted profession
Advocacy = speak for the patient and make sure that the patient's wants are being
considered
Educator = teachers, teach everyone on all levels, patient education
Communicator = with both patients and other staff
Manager = delegation of tasks
What are some EBPs related to infection? - Correct answer-Evidence shows that
patients develop infections in the hospital because healthcare personnel don't use
proper hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is the #1 way to prevent infection and standard
precautions should be used with every patient every time because 90,000 patients die
every year due to HCAIs.
What are some factors that affect the prevention, control, or transmission of infection? -
Correct answer-Poor hand hygiene, poor sterile technique when performing invasive
procedures like placing catheters, not using standard precautions.
How can you recognize the clinical appearance of a patient with an infection? (Clinical
Manifestation) - Correct answer-If it's a local infection the pt will most likely experience
, the symptoms of inflammation (RHSP), they may experience some immobility, and
some drainage. If it's a systemic infection - a pt will have an elevated temp., they might
experience fatigue/malaise, nausea/vomiting, increase HR and respiration, but
decreased BP, and an altered level of consciousness.
What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis? Explain the continuum. -
Correct answer-Medical asepsis is general clean technique while surgical asepsis is
sterile technique. Surgical asepsis is cleaner than medical asepsis on the continuum.
What organization develops the standards of professional performance for nurses? -
Correct answer-American Nurses Association (ANA)
What is a Nurse Practice Act? - Correct answer-- NPA is unique to each state
- each state has their own board of nursing
- peer based (7 out of 8 are nurses on the board)
What is the Florida State Board of Nursing? - Correct answer-aka BON, testing
(NCLEX-RN), require CEU 24 hours for renewal of license every 2 years/24 months
-> Some are mandatory courses such as HIV or human trafficking
What is a Unlincensed Assistive Personnel? - Correct answer-UAP = unlicensed
assistive personnel = support staff, be respectful of techs, tasks are delegated to these
individuals by the RN
*team based
What is the difference between sterilization, disinfection, and cleaning? - Correct
answer-Sterilization means kill all the microbes and remove the spores. Disinfection -
the creation of a bacteriostatic environment through the use of chemicals like bleach
and betadine. Cleaning refers to general cleanliness, regular soap and water.
What are the different types of isolation? - Correct answer-There are two types of
isolation. Protective isolation is about protecting ourselves from the infected patient.
"Reverse" isolation is about protecting the patient from us, this type of isolation is used
for immunocompromised patients and it involves not reusing gowns/gloves, using a
mask, standard precautions, and the use of private rooms. Nurses with active infections
won't be assigned these pts.
What are the general principles of isolation? - Correct answer-Use standard precautions
which means having good hand hygiene. Dispose of contaminated
supplies/equipment/PPE, think about protecting everyone including your
coworkers/UAPs/techs, and be clinically competent (5Cs).
How can you apply the general principles of isolation when working in isolation rooms? -
Correct answer-When delegating tasks make sure to communicate, notify team
members, Be a good steward of supplies and only take in what you need/minimize
waste, cluster your care, and be prepared you shouldn't need to walk in and out of the