Infection Control, and Skin Integrity
What causes illness? (Most basic concept) - correct answer Bacteria
What other organisms cause illness? - correct answer Fungus, parasites, bacteria/virus (most likely
seen in hospitals), and protozoa.
How does the chain of infection go? (6 steps) - correct answer Infectious agent to reservoir to portal
of exit to mode of transmission to portal of entry to host.
Put the stages of infection in the correct order.
A. Illness stage
B. Convalescence
C. Incubation period
D. Prodromal stage - correct answer C
D
A
B
What is the interval when the pt manifests SXS specific to type of infection (Ex: Strep throat is
manifested by sore throat, pain, and swelling)? - correct answer Illness stage
What is the interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear? - correct answer Convalescence
stage
What is the interval between entrance of pathogen into body and appearance of first symptoms (Ex:
Chickenpox, 14-16 days after exposure, common cold, 1-2 days, influenza, 1-4 days)? - correct answer
Incubation stage
,What is the interval from onset of nonspecific SXS to more specific symptoms (Ex: Herpes simplex begins
with itching and tingling at the site before the lesion appears)? - correct answer Prodromal stage
The pt and the nurse are discussing Rickettsia rickettsii--Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Which pt
statement to the nurse indicates understanding regarding the mode of transmission for this disease?
The pt states, "When camping,
A. "I will use sunscreen"
B. "I will drink bottled water
C. "I will wear insect repellent"
D. "I will wash my hands with hand gel" - correct answer C.
(Rickettsia rickettsii is transmitted by ticks)
The nurse is providing an educational session for a group of preschool workers. The nurse reminds the
group about the MOST important thing to do to prevent the spread of infection. Which information did
the nurse share with the preschool workers?
A. Encourage preschool children to eat a nutritious diet
B. Suggest that parents provide a multivitamin to the children
C. Clean the toys every afternoon before putting them away
D. Wash their hands between each interaction with children - correct answer D.
What does SBAR stand for? - correct answer Situation, Background, Assessment, and
Recommendation
Two days postoperatively, the nurse's assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small
amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient's temp was
100.5 F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm3. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Plan to change the surgical dressing during the shift
B. Utilize SBAR to notify the primary HCP
C. Reevaluate the temp and WBC count in 4 hours
D. Check to see what solution was used for skin preparation in surgery - correct answer B.
, Hgb over.... - correct answer Hct
WBC over... - correct answer Platlets
What do you look for when assessing WBCs? - correct answer 5,000-10,000 is considered normal.
-Look for trends in WBC counts
-Look for really high or really low values
What occurs when a pt will experience localized SXS such as pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness at
wound site? - correct answer Localized infection
What is an infection that effects the entire body instead of just a single organ and can become fatal if
undetected and untreated (Look for change in VS and health status)? - correct answer Systemic
infection
What does REEDA stand for? - correct answer Redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, and
approximation of the wound edges.
The nurse is caring for a group of medical surgical patients. Which patient is most at risk for developing
an infection?
A. A pt who is in observation for chest pain
B. A pt who has been admitted with dehydration
C. A pt who is recovering from right total hip surgery
D. A pt who has been admitted for stabilization of heart problems - correct answer C.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is susceptible to infection. Which instruction will the nurse include
in an educational session to decrease the risk of infection?
A. Fall prevention
B. How to take temp
C. Choosing nutritious foods
D. The effects of smoking - correct answer D.