Question 1

A patient develops a wound infection after surgery. Which stage of infection is characterized by the presence of specific signs and symptoms, such as redness, swelling, and pus at the wound site?

Accepted Answer

Full stage of illness

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which of the following is the most appropriate hand hygiene method after removing gloves and before leaving the room?

Accepted Answer

Wash hands with soap and water

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of the inflammatory response in infection control?

Accepted Answer

It increases blood flow and vascular permeability to localize and eliminate pathogens

Question 4

A patient is diagnosed with a central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Which of the following is the most likely reservoir for the infectious agent?

Accepted Answer

Inanimate object (central line)

Question 5

A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing foodborne illness at home. Which of the following practices is most effective in reducing the risk of infection?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands before preparing food

Question 6

A laboratory report shows a white blood cell count of $$15,000/\mathrm{mm}^3. $$Which of the following best explains this finding?

Accepted Answer

The patient is likely experiencing an acute infection

Question 7

Which of the following statements about multidrug-resistant organisms is correct?

Accepted Answer

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) can survive on inanimate objects and be transmitted via contact

Question 8

A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which type of asepsis is required for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Surgical asepsis

Question 9

A patient with influenza coughs into their hand and then touches a doorknob. Another person touches the same doorknob and then rubs their eyes. Which means of transmission is demonstrated in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Indirect contact

Question 10

Which of the following is a critical factor in determining the method of sterilization for a piece of medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

The intended use of the equipment

Question 11

A patient is in the prodromal stage of a respiratory infection. Which of the following best describes this stage?

Accepted Answer

The patient is most infectious, with vague and nonspecific symptoms

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a portal of exit for a bloodborne pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Blood and tissue

Question 13

A nurse is caring for a patient with tuberculosis. Which type of transmission-based precaution is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the difference between transient and resident bacterial flora on the hands?

Accepted Answer

Transient flora are loosely attached and removed with ease, while resident flora are found in creases and require friction to remove

Question 15

A patient is admitted with a fever and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Which of the following best explains the significance of an elevated ESR?

Accepted Answer

It is a nonspecific marker of inflammation in the body

Question 16

A nurse is teaching a group of students about the chain of infection. Which of the following is an example of breaking the chain at the 'portal of entry'?

Accepted Answer

Covering wounds with sterile dressings

Question 17

A patient with a suppressed immune system is at increased risk for infection. Which component of the infection cycle does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Susceptible host

Question 18

Which of the following best describes humoral immunity?

Accepted Answer

It involves the production of antibodies in response to antigens

Question 19

A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) infection. Which of the following is the most important action to prevent transmission to other patients?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact

Question 20

A nurse is evaluating a patient's understanding of medical asepsis at home. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

"I will use the same towel as my family members."

Chapter 25: Asepsis and Infection Control

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards