NURS 339 Ch. 3 Quiz: Periop Infection Prevention & Control

2.

What group of microorganisms is the most common cause of surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Gram-positive cocci
Gram-negative cocci
Gram-positive bacilli
Gram-negative bacilli

Correct Answer

A. Gram-positive cocci

Explanation

Gram-positive cocci are the most common group of microorganisms that cause surgical site infections (SSIs). These bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall, which makes them resistant to many antibiotics. They can easily colonize the skin, mucous membranes, and surgical wounds, leading to infections. Examples of gram-positive cocci include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are commonly found in the environment and on the skin of healthy individuals, making them a frequent cause of SSIs.

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3.

Which of the following situations is the least likely to breed resistance?

The patient's doctor prescribes a narrow-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the specific pathogen which is known to be infecting the patient.
The patient starts to feel better after 10 days of taking a 14-day antibiotic, so he stops taking the antibiotics.
The doctor prescribes a broad-spectrum antibiotic while awaiting the results of the culture and sensitivity test. After receiving the results, the patient continues to take the broad-spectrum antibiotic.
The patient is suspected to have a viral infection, but the doctor prescribes antibiotics just in case and does not order any tests.

Correct Answer

A. The patient's doctor prescribes a narrow-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the specific pathogen which is known to be infecting the patient.

Explanation

The least likely situation to breed resistance is when the patient's doctor prescribes a narrow-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the specific pathogen which is known to be infecting the patient. By targeting the specific pathogen, the narrow-spectrum antibiotic minimizes the exposure of other bacteria to the antibiotic, reducing the chances of developing resistance. This approach ensures that only the necessary bacteria are targeted, minimizing the overall selection pressure for resistance development.

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4.

Your patient is placed on airborne precautions awaiting the results of tests to confirm or rule-out the suspected diagnosis of tuberculosis. What precautions would be taken with this patient? Please check all boxes that apply.

Patient should be placed in a private, negative-pressure room.
Personnel should wear OSHA-specified respiratory protection when entering patient room.
Personnel should use standard precautions in addition to airborne-specific precautions.
Surgical mask should be placed over patient's nose and mouth during patient transport.
Personnel entering the patient's room should place a surgical mask over their mouth and nose to protect themselves from potential airborne microorganisms.

Correct Answer(s)

A. Patient should be placed in a private, negative-pressure room.
A. Personnel should wear OSHA-specified respiratory protection when entering patient room.
A. Personnel should use standard precautions in addition to airborne-specific precautions.
A. Surgical mask should be placed over patient's nose and mouth during patient transport.

Explanation

The patient should be placed in a private, negative-pressure room to prevent the spread of airborne microorganisms to other patients and healthcare personnel. Personnel should wear OSHA-specified respiratory protection when entering the patient's room to protect themselves from potential airborne microorganisms. In addition to airborne-specific precautions, standard precautions should also be followed to prevent the transmission of other infectious agents. During patient transport, a surgical mask should be placed over the patient's nose and mouth to minimize the release of infectious droplets. Personnel entering the patient's room should also wear a surgical mask to protect themselves from potential airborne microorganisms.

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5.

Dry heat sterilization should only be used when materials cannot be sterilized using any other method.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Dry heat sterilization is a method that involves using high temperatures to kill microorganisms. It is typically used when materials cannot withstand other sterilization methods such as steam or chemical sterilization. This is because dry heat sterilization does not involve moisture, which can cause damage to certain materials. Therefore, the statement that dry heat sterilization should only be used when materials cannot be sterilized using any other method is true.

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6.

Sterile gowns are considered sterile in front from shoulder to level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above elbow to the cuff; the cuff is considered unsterile.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Sterile gowns are considered sterile in the front from the shoulder to the level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff. This means that these areas of the gown are free from microorganisms and other contaminants. However, the cuff of the gown is considered unsterile, meaning that it may come into contact with non-sterile objects or surfaces. Therefore, the statement "Sterile gowns are considered sterile in front from shoulder to level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above elbow to the cuff; the cuff is considered unsterile" is true.

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7.

The ultimate goal of surgical hand hygiene is to sterilize the skin.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. False

Explanation

The ultimate goal of surgical hand hygiene is not to sterilize the skin, but rather to reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands to a safe level. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all microorganisms, which is not achievable through hand hygiene alone. Surgical hand hygiene aims to minimize the risk of infection by removing or killing as many microorganisms as possible, but it does not achieve sterilization.

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8.

A nursing student sees the surgical tech who is about to drape the patient's surgical site drop the drapes below waist level. The nursing student mentions this to the her and she says, "It's okay, they didn't touch the floor, so they're still sterile." The tech continues toward the patient. What should the nursing student do?

Leave the tech to her work and go back to his/her previous activities.
Tell another member of the surgical team (i.e. the circulating nurse) of the occurrence.
Hope that the tech is right and that the drapes are not contaminated.

Correct Answer

A. Tell another member of the surgical team (i.e. the circulating nurse) of the occurrence.

Explanation

The nursing student should tell another member of the surgical team (i.e. the circulating nurse) of the occurrence. This is because dropping the drapes below waist level can potentially contaminate them, regardless of whether they touched the floor or not. It is important to maintain a sterile environment during surgery to prevent infections and complications. By informing another team member, the student can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the situation and maintain patient safety.

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9.

The most important action a nurse or any healthcare provider can do to prevent the spread of infection is practice proper ______________________________________.

Correct Answer
hand hygiene

Explanation
Hand hygiene is the most important action that a nurse or any healthcare provider can do to prevent the spread of infection. Regularly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers helps to remove and kill harmful germs that may be present on the hands. By practicing proper hand hygiene, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections to patients and themselves.

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Nurs 339 Ch. 3 Quiz: Periop Infection Prevention & Control

The human body has three lines of defense to combat infection. Choose the answer that reflects the order in which the body's defenses are utilized. I. Immune Response II. External Barriers III. Glandular Secretions IV. Inflammatory Response

Quiz Preview

What group of microorganisms is the most common cause of surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Which of the following situations is the least likely to breed resistance?

Your patient is placed on airborne precautions awaiting the results of tests to confirm or rule-out the suspected diagnosis of tuberculosis. What precautions would be taken with this patient? Please check all boxes that apply.

Dry heat sterilization should only be used when materials cannot be sterilized using any other method.

Sterile gowns are considered sterile in front from shoulder to level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from 2 inches above elbow to the cuff; the cuff is considered unsterile.

The ultimate goal of surgical hand hygiene is to sterilize the skin.

The most important action a nurse or any healthcare provider can do to prevent the spread of infection is practice proper ______________________________________.