Describe The Following Communicable Diseases Quiz

1. Describe the isolation technique of airborne precautions.

Airborne precautions: used to prevent infection when the infectious organism is capable of remaining in the air for prolonged periods of time and of being transported in the air for distances greater than 3 feet (TB, chicken-pox, SARS); patients need to be placed in an airborne infectious isolation room(AIIR) with negative pressure. The room should vent directly to the outside and have a minimum number of air exchanges(6 to 12) per hour. A special filter mask that is fitted must be worn (N95 or greater) and the door to the room should remain closed unless entering or exiting

Negative pressure in the airborne isolation room is not required

Airborne precautions are only necessary for close contact with infected individuals

Air exchanges in the room should be kept to a minimum

2. What is the isolation technique of droplet precautions?

C. droplet precautions: refers to precautions used for organisms that can be spread by airborne particles that can remain in the air for long periods of time.

Droplet precautions: refers to precautions used for organisms that can be spread by respiratory droplets but are unable to remain in the air farther than 3 feet (influenza); a standard surgical mask must be worn in addition to standard precautions (hand hygiene, gloves, eye protection, gown)

B. droplet precautions: refers to precautions used for organisms that can be spread by food contamination.

A. droplet precautions: refers to precautions used for organisms that can be spread by contact with infected surfaces only.

Droplet precautions specifically refer to organisms spread by respiratory droplets, not contact with surfaces, food contamination, or airborne particles that can stay in the air for extended periods of time. The correct answer also specifies the use of a standard surgical mask as part of the precautions.

Explanation

Droplet precautions specifically refer to organisms spread by respiratory droplets, not contact with surfaces, food contamination, or airborne particles that can stay in the air for extended periods of time. The correct answer also specifies the use of a standard surgical mask as part of the precautions.

3. Explain the isolation technique of contact precautions.

Contact precautions are only necessary for viral infections.

Contact precautions: used when working with clients who have infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact (diarrhea, wounds, antibiotic-resistant infections); include standard precautions and the use of barrier precautions such as gloves and impermeable gowns.

Contact precautions include only using hand sanitizer when working with infected clients.

Contact precautions do not require the use of gloves or gowns.

Contact precautions are necessary for infections spread by direct or indirect contact, not limited to only viral infections. Simply using hand sanitizer is not enough to prevent the spread of infections, gloves and gowns are essential for barrier protection.

Explanation

Contact precautions are necessary for infections spread by direct or indirect contact, not limited to only viral infections. Simply using hand sanitizer is not enough to prevent the spread of infections, gloves and gowns are essential for barrier protection.

4. What is the isolation technique of standard precautions?

Standard precautions focus solely on using face masks and gloves to prevent transmission of infectious organisms.

Standard precautions: set of CDC-mandated actions designed to reduce transmission of infectious organisms; they are applied to every client regardless of whether an infection has been identified; includes hand hygiene, gloves, mask, eye protection, face shield, gown

The isolation technique of standard precautions only applies to specific types of infections.

Isolation technique of standard precautions involves complete isolation of the infected individual from others.

5. Describe the Healthy People 2010 Objectives related to Immunization and Infectious Disease.

1) Emphasize the use of antibiotics over vaccinations for disease prevention.2) Allow exemptions for vaccinations based on personal beliefs.

1) Increase the spread of infectious diseases for natural immunity.2) Reduce access to vaccines to promote herd immunity.

1) prevent disease, disability and death from infectious disease including vaccine-preventable deaths
2) universal vaccination needed

1) Ignore the importance of vaccinations in preventing infectious diseases.2) Implement mandatory vaccines for only a select group of individuals.

Healthy People 2010 objectives focused on preventing disease, disability, and death from infectious diseases through universal vaccination and promoting vaccine-preventable deaths. The incorrect answers provided do not align with these objectives and may contribute to increased spread of infectious diseases and decreased vaccination rates.

Explanation

Healthy People 2010 objectives focused on preventing disease, disability, and death from infectious diseases through universal vaccination and promoting vaccine-preventable deaths. The incorrect answers provided do not align with these objectives and may contribute to increased spread of infectious diseases and decreased vaccination rates.

6. What are the phases of an infection?

3) recovery stage: the period where the infection is completely eradicated from the body and the person is considered immune

1) manifestation period: the period when an infection first occurs and begins to spread through the body

2) chronic phase: the extended period following the onset of clinical illness where symptoms may remain persistent or recurring

1) incubation period: extends from the time of a client's exposure to the organism to the appearance of the first symptoms
2) prodromal phase: period of vague, nonspecific symptoms that may precede the full manifestation of some infections. Symptoms may include malaise, low-grade fever, nausea, weakness and general aches
3) clinical illness: the time when the symptoms are fully manifested and most clearly recognized as representing a specific infection
4) convalescence: the time following the acute symptoms to the time the person experiences a return to normal health

The phases of an infection include the incubation period, prodromal phase, clinical illness, and convalescence. These phases represent the progression of an infection from exposure to recovery and are crucial in understanding the timeline of the disease.

Explanation

The phases of an infection include the incubation period, prodromal phase, clinical illness, and convalescence. These phases represent the progression of an infection from exposure to recovery and are crucial in understanding the timeline of the disease.

7. Differentiate between the various types of immunity: active versus passive; natural versus artificial.

Active acquired: Exposure to UV radiation; Passive acquired: Ingesting certain food items.

Natural immunity: Drinking herbal teas; Artificial immunity: Applying topical creams.

Active acquired:
Natural: Natural contact with antigen through clinical infection (e.g., recovery from chickenpox, measles, mumps)

Artificial: Immunization with antigen (e.g., immunization with live or killed vaccines)

Passive acquired:
Natural: Transplacental and colostrum transfer from mother to child (e.g., maternal immunoglobulins in neonate)

Artificial: Injection of serum from immune human (e.g., injection of human gamma globulin)

Active acquired: Watching TV shows; Passive acquired: Reading books.

The correct answer provided explains the differentiation between active versus passive immunity and natural versus artificial immunity in detail, with examples for each type. The three incorrect answers provided are unrelated to immunity and do not accurately represent the different types of immunity.

Explanation

The correct answer provided explains the differentiation between active versus passive immunity and natural versus artificial immunity in detail, with examples for each type. The three incorrect answers provided are unrelated to immunity and do not accurately represent the different types of immunity.

8. Differentiate the difference between humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

Cell-mediated immunity is primarily responsible for antibody production in the immune system.

Humoral immunity involves only T cells, while cell-mediated immunity involves B lymphocytes.

Humoral immunity consists of antibody-mediated immunity. B lymphocytes and immunoglobulins(IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE)
Cell mediated immunity consists of T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells

Humoral immunity is not involved in producing immunoglobulins, unlike cell-mediated immunity.

9. Describe diagnostic tests used to identify the presence of infection and appropriate nursing activities needed for each: Differential count, gram stain, culture and sensitivity (C&S).

Differential count: shows thenumber of different types of WBCs. These include neutrophils,eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Largest group isneutrophils. A left shift is an increased number of immatureneutrophils and is a possible indication of infection
Gram stain: a specificmicroscopic test used to obtain rapid results on a sample sent to thelab. Nurse must take a culture to send to the lab
Culture and sensitivity (C&S): canbe performed on sputum, spinal fluid, skin, blood, and urine. Aculture of microorganisms can be grown from samples taken from a siteof obvious infection or from a urine sample. A sensitivity testexposes the bacteria to different antibiotics to determine which onewill be most effective. This determines the organism's resistance to amedication.

Differential count: shows the blood sugar levels in a patient, Gram stain: a test used to identify the presence of proteins in a sample, Culture and sensitivity (C&S): a test to measure hormone levels in the body

Differential count: shows the levels of various minerals in the blood, Gram stain: a test to identify the presence of genetic mutations, Culture and sensitivity (C&S): a test to evaluate the heart function of a patient

Differential count: displays the level of oxygen in the blood, Gram stain: a test to detect the presence of viruses in a sample, Culture and sensitivity (C&S): a test to determine the bone density of a patient

10. Which immunization is typically given at the hospital shortly after birth?

Meningitis

Measles

Polio

Hepatitis B is recommended before the infant is discharged from the hospital. Shots are given at the vastus lateralis (leg)

Hepatitis B vaccine is commonly given to infants shortly after birth to provide protection against the virus. It is recommended to be administered before the baby leaves the hospital.

Explanation

Hepatitis B vaccine is commonly given to infants shortly after birth to provide protection against the virus. It is recommended to be administered before the baby leaves the hospital.

11. What are the differences between live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines?

Live attenuated vaccines do not require replication, while inactivated vaccines do

Live attenuated: live virus or bacteria; organism must replicate
advantages: immunity similar to that from natural disease; 1 dose usually produces long lasting immunity
disadvantages: severe reaction possible; circulating antibody can decrease immune response; unstable vaccine
inactivated: virus or bacteria is not living
advantages: organism cannot replicate
disadvantages: generally not as effective as live virus vaccine; usually need 3-5 doses; immunity diminishes with time so boosters are needed often

Severe reactions are more common with inactivated vaccines than with live attenuated vaccines

Inactivated vaccines produce longer lasting immunity compared to live attenuated vaccines

Live attenuated vaccines contain live virus or bacteria that must replicate, leading to long-lasting immunity with just one dose but also posing risks of severe reactions. Inactivated vaccines, on the other hand, do not contain living organisms and are generally less effective, requiring multiple doses and booster shots over time.

Explanation

Live attenuated vaccines contain live virus or bacteria that must replicate, leading to long-lasting immunity with just one dose but also posing risks of severe reactions. Inactivated vaccines, on the other hand, do not contain living organisms and are generally less effective, requiring multiple doses and booster shots over time.

12. Differentiate common communicable diseases according to their causes, symptoms, complications, and medical management across the lifespan: chickenpox.

Chickenpox is also known as varicella
causes: varicella-zoster virus; primary secretions of respiratory tract of infected persons
symptoms: incubation period (2-3 weeks, usually 14-16 days); prodromal stage: slight fever, malaise, and anorexia for first 24 hours
complications: secondary bacterial infections (abscesses, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, pneumonia, sepsis); encephalitis, varicella pneumonia; thrombocytopenia
medical management: antiviral agent acyclovir (Zovirax); varicella-zoster immunoglobulin after exposure in high risk children

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus and has symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs

Measles is caused by rubella virus and primarily spreads through contact with respiratory secretions

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and primarily spreads through respiratory secretions. The symptoms include fever, malaise, and anorexia. Complications can include bacterial infections and pneumonia. Medical management includes antiviral medications like acyclovir.

Explanation

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and primarily spreads through respiratory secretions. The symptoms include fever, malaise, and anorexia. Complications can include bacterial infections and pneumonia. Medical management includes antiviral medications like acyclovir.

13. What is a communicable, infectious, contagious disease?

A condition that is only transmitted through physical contact but not through the air.

A disease caused by a specific agent such as a bacteria or virus and can be transmitted from one person to another

A disease caused by genetic factors and not by external agents.

A non-communicable disease that cannot be transmitted between individuals.

Communicable, infectious, and contagious diseases are those that are caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and can spread from one person to another through various means.

Explanation

Communicable, infectious, and contagious diseases are those that are caused by pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and can spread from one person to another through various means.

14. What is a pathogen?

Viruses that can only cause mild symptoms.

Bacteria that help in digestion.

Fungi that are harmless to humans.

Microorganisms that can infect the body and cause disease

Pathogens are microorganisms that can infect the body and cause disease, they include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. While some bacteria can help in digestion, viruses can cause more than just mild symptoms, and some fungi can indeed be harmful to humans.

Explanation

Pathogens are microorganisms that can infect the body and cause disease, they include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. While some bacteria can help in digestion, viruses can cause more than just mild symptoms, and some fungi can indeed be harmful to humans.

15. What is a nosocomial infection?

An infection transmitted through the air.

Acquired in a health care institution

An infection caused by eating contaminated food.

An infection transmitted by animals.

Nosocomial infections are specifically acquired in healthcare settings due to close proximity to germs and bacteria.

Explanation

Nosocomial infections are specifically acquired in healthcare settings due to close proximity to germs and bacteria.

16. What does the term 'endemic' refer to?

Sporadic occurrence

Limited to a specific region

Temporary presence

Constantly present in the community and occurs at the expected rate

The term 'endemic' refers to a disease or condition that is constantly present in a particular community or population and occurs at the expected rate. It is not limited to a specific region, does not have sporadic occurrences, and is not temporarily present.

Explanation

The term 'endemic' refers to a disease or condition that is constantly present in a particular community or population and occurs at the expected rate. It is not limited to a specific region, does not have sporadic occurrences, and is not temporarily present.

17. What is a pandemic?

World-wide epidemic

A highly contagious disease

An infectious disease

An outbreak of a new virus

18. What is the definition of prodromal?

A type of medication used to treat symptoms of a disease

The final stage of a disease before recovery

Interval between onset and the development of more specific symptoms of the disease

A term used to describe a disease that affects the entire body

Prodromal refers to the early stage of a disease where non-specific symptoms are present before the more specific symptoms manifest. It is an important period for early detection and intervention.

Explanation

Prodromal refers to the early stage of a disease where non-specific symptoms are present before the more specific symptoms manifest. It is an important period for early detection and intervention.

19. What is incubation?

A term used in business to describe the development of new ideas before they are brought to market.

Interval between entrance of pathogen into the body and appearance of first symptoms

Process of keeping eggs warm until they hatch.

A type of medical equipment used in hospitals.

Incubation in the context of pathogens refers to the period between the pathogen entering the body and the onset of symptoms. It is an important factor in understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Explanation

Incubation in the context of pathogens refers to the period between the pathogen entering the body and the onset of symptoms. It is an important factor in understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

20. Describe the links in the chain of infection.

Mode of transmission-->pathogen-->reservoir-->portal of entry-->portal of exit-->characteristics of the host

Pathogen-->portal of entry-->reservoir-->portal of exit-->mode of transmission-->characteristics of the host-->pathogen

Portal of exit-->pathogen-->mode of transmission-->reservoir-->portal of entry-->characteristics of the host

Reservoir-->pathogen-->portal of entry-->mode of transmission-->portal of exit-->characteristics of the host

The correct sequence of links in the chain of infection is crucial in understanding how infections spread and cause disease. Each step plays a specific role in the transmission of pathogens from one host to another, highlighting the importance of breaking the chain to prevent infections.

Explanation

The correct sequence of links in the chain of infection is crucial in understanding how infections spread and cause disease. Each step plays a specific role in the transmission of pathogens from one host to another, highlighting the importance of breaking the chain to prevent infections.

21. What are the characteristics of the portal of entry in the chain of infection?

Only enters through ingestion of contaminated food or water

Can enter through the eyes, mucous membranes, respiratory tract, placenta, breaks in host barriers such as nonintact skin or chemical barriers

Can only penetrate intact skin to enter the body

Can enter only through direct contact with infected individuals

Portals of entry in the chain of infection can vary, including those mentioned in the correct answer and not limited to direct contact, ingestion, or penetration of intact skin.

Explanation

Portals of entry in the chain of infection can vary, including those mentioned in the correct answer and not limited to direct contact, ingestion, or penetration of intact skin.

22. What are the characteristics of the reservoir in the chain of infection?

Food, beverages, medications; pathogens prefer cold and open environments.

Humans, animals, enviromental surfaces;
many organisms grow best in warm, moist, and dark environments

Plants, insects, parasites; most pathogens cannot survive in plant environments.

Water, air, sunlight; most organisms thrive in dry and well-lit conditions.

The reservoir in the chain of infection can include humans, animals, and environmental surfaces, as many organisms grow best in warm, moist, and dark environments. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately describe the characteristics of the reservoir and the ideal conditions for pathogen growth.

Explanation

The reservoir in the chain of infection can include humans, animals, and environmental surfaces, as many organisms grow best in warm, moist, and dark environments. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately describe the characteristics of the reservoir and the ideal conditions for pathogen growth.

23. What are the characteristics of the portal of exit in the chain of infection?

Can exit the host through the skeletal system only

Can exit the host only through the respiratory tract

Can exit the host through the respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin or mucosal surfaces, placenta (mother to child), and blood

Can exit the host through the circulatory system only

The portal of exit in the chain of infection can vary and include multiple routes such as respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin or mucosal surfaces, placenta (mother to child), and blood.

Explanation

The portal of exit in the chain of infection can vary and include multiple routes such as respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin or mucosal surfaces, placenta (mother to child), and blood.

24. Explain the modes of transmission in the chain of infection.

3 main modes: direct contact (person-to-person), droplets (talking, sneezing, coughing), airborne (breathing in contaminated air, chicken-pox)
other modes: vector (fly), vehicle (food)

5 main modes: sexual contact, blood transfusion, organ transplant, vertical transmission (mother to child), contaminated surfaces.

4 main modes: indirect contact, body fluids, fomites, respiratory secretions.

2 main modes: waterborne (drinking contaminated water), fecal-oral (ingesting contaminated food or water).

The correct answer includes the primary modes of transmission in the chain of infection, while the incorrect answers include other modes that are not part of the main modes of transmission.

Explanation

The correct answer includes the primary modes of transmission in the chain of infection, while the incorrect answers include other modes that are not part of the main modes of transmission.

25. What are the characteristics of the host in the chain of infection?

Nonimmune person who is capable of developing the infectious disease;
tissue destruction, age, smoking, presence of a chronic disease (diabetes, cancer), nutritional status

Individuals who consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly

People with strong immune systems who cannot get infected

Young individuals with no history of chronic diseases

The characteristics of the host in the chain of infection include factors such as being a nonimmune person who is capable of developing the infectious disease, tissue destruction, age, smoking, presence of chronic diseases, and nutritional status. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the characteristics of the host as described in the correct answer.

Explanation

The characteristics of the host in the chain of infection include factors such as being a nonimmune person who is capable of developing the infectious disease, tissue destruction, age, smoking, presence of chronic diseases, and nutritional status. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the characteristics of the host as described in the correct answer.

26. How can the spread of pathogens be prevented?

Using antibiotics for every illness

Not washing your hands regularly

First line of defense is hand hygiene; medical asepsis (prevent or reduce the transmission of microorganisms from one person to another); surgical asepsis (protection of the client against infection before, during, and after surgery); environmental controls (routine cleaning of environment); sharps disposal; disposing of bodily wastes; promoting air quality (prevent growth of molds and bacteria)

Ignoring infection control measures

To prevent the spread of pathogens, it is important to follow proper hygiene practices, maintain a clean environment, and adhere to infection control measures. Using antibiotics unnecessarily, not practicing hand hygiene, and ignoring infection control measures can actually contribute to the spread of pathogens.

Explanation

To prevent the spread of pathogens, it is important to follow proper hygiene practices, maintain a clean environment, and adhere to infection control measures. Using antibiotics unnecessarily, not practicing hand hygiene, and ignoring infection control measures can actually contribute to the spread of pathogens.

27. What are important components to consider for safe vaccine storage and administration?

The nurse must be familiar with the manufacturer's directions for storage and reconstitution of the vaccine. For example, if the vaccine is to be refrigerated, it should be stored on a center shelf, not in the door, where frequent temperature increases from opening the refrigerator can alter the vaccine's potency. For protection against light the vial can be wrapped in aluminum foil. Periodic checks are established to ensure that no vaccine is used after its expiration date.

C. Not following manufacturer's instructions for reconstitution of vaccines.

D. Not checking vaccine storage conditions regularly for temperature and light exposure changes.

B. Ignoring the expiration date of vaccines as long as they appear unchanged.

A. Storing vaccines in the refrigerator door to easily access them for administration.

It is important to follow manufacturer's instructions for proper vaccine storage to ensure potency and effectiveness. Storing vaccines on the door where temperatures fluctuate, ignoring expiration dates, not following reconstitution instructions, and failing to check storage conditions can all lead to ineffective vaccines and jeopardize patient safety.

Explanation

It is important to follow manufacturer's instructions for proper vaccine storage to ensure potency and effectiveness. Storing vaccines on the door where temperatures fluctuate, ignoring expiration dates, not following reconstitution instructions, and failing to check storage conditions can all lead to ineffective vaccines and jeopardize patient safety.

28. What is an epidemic?

A seasonal flu outbreak affecting a specific region.

Spreads rapidly through a community and occurs in larger numbers than expected

A common cold affecting a few individuals in a community.

A rare disease outbreak with limited transmission between individuals.

An epidemic is characterized by the rapid spread of a disease through a community, affecting a larger number of individuals than expected.

Explanation

An epidemic is characterized by the rapid spread of a disease through a community, affecting a larger number of individuals than expected.

29. Describe the characteristics of a pathogen in the chain of infection.

Virulence: measure of the organism's ability to avoid detection by host immune system

Toxigenicity: ability to produce beneficial substances for the host

Pathogen type: plant: multicellular organisms with leaves and roots

Pathogen type:
virus: tiny, can only replicate inside the cell of a host
bacteria: small, single celled organism that can grow independently outside of cells
fungi: eukaryotic organisms with cell walls which contain chitin, cellulose, or both
parasites: organism living in or on another creature
virulence (2 types):
measure of the organism's ability to invade and create disease in a host
invasiveness(3 parts): ability to survive in the environment while transferring between hosts, method of transfer to another host, ability to grow once attached to another host
toxigenicity: ability to produce toxic substances that can damage the host
# of organisms:
certain number of organisms must be present in order for infection to occur

The question asks for the characteristics of a pathogen in the chain of infection, focusing on the type of pathogen, virulence, invasiveness, toxigenicity, and the number of organisms needed for infection. The correct answer provides detailed information about these characteristics, while the incorrect answers are inaccurate and do not align with the typical characteristics of pathogens.

Explanation

The question asks for the characteristics of a pathogen in the chain of infection, focusing on the type of pathogen, virulence, invasiveness, toxigenicity, and the number of organisms needed for infection. The correct answer provides detailed information about these characteristics, while the incorrect answers are inaccurate and do not align with the typical characteristics of pathogens.