EAQ Ch. 29 Infection Prevention

A community nurse is conducting an awareness program for sex workers and community members with substance abuse problems. What should the nurse tell the attendees about prevention of the spread of the hepatitis C virus? A symptomatic patient cannot transmit hepatitis C. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Only symptomatic patients can transmit the virus. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus.

Both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients can transmit the virus. Hepatitis C is a communicable disease. A person with or without symptoms can transmit the virus. It is present in blood and body fluids. It can be spread through sexual contact but not through the fecal-oral route.

The nurse in a postoperative surgical unit is instructed to perform wound care for a patient with an open fracture to his right tibia. What steps are included in wound cleaning? Clean inward from a wound site. Clean outward from a wound site. When applying antiseptic, wipe around the wound edge first. When applying antiseptic, wipe outward and away from the wound first. Use clean gauze for each revolution around the wound's circumference.

Clean outward from a wound site. When applying antiseptic, wipe around the wound edge first. Use clean gauze for each revolution around the wound's circumference.

A patient who is on antibiotic therapy visits the primary health care provider with severe diarrhea. The primary health care provider diagnoses the patient with antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Which microorganism causes antibiotic-induced diarrhea? Bacteroides fragilis Clostridium difficile Staphylococcus aureus Legionella pneumophila

Clostridium difficile Clostridium difficile is a common spore-forming bacterium that causes antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Bacteroides fragilis are normal flora of the human colon that may cause infections when displaced into the bloodstream or tissues near the site of injury or surgery. Staphylococcus aureus can cause wound infection and pneumonia. Legionella pneumophila can grow in 25-degree to 42-degree water. This microorganism may not cause antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

A patient is diagnosed with a bronchial airway obstruction after performing a bronchoscopy. Which type of infection may the patient contract after performing the test? Suprainfection Iatrogenic infection Exogenous infection Endogenous infection

Iatrogenic infection Iatrogenic infections are caused by an invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Patients who underwent a bronchoscopy and are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics are at a greater risk of developing this type of infection. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for the treatment of infection may cause a suprainfection. An exogenous infection is caused by organisms that are found outside of an individual. Endogenous infections occur when a patient receives broad-spectrum antibiotics that alter the normal flora.

A patient reporting sore throat and pain while swallowing arrives at the hospital. The laboratory reports revealed the presence of beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus. What would be the patient's stage of infection? Illness stage Convalescence Prodromal stage Incubation period

Illness stage The interval when a patient manifests signs and symptoms (such as a sore throat and pain while swallowing) that are specific to a type of infection is the illness stage. Convalescence is the interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear. The prodromal stage is the interval from the onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms. The incubation period is the first stage of the infection process. It is the interval between the entrance of a pathogen into body and the appearance of the first symptoms.

The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the normal defense mechanisms of the body against infections. Which statements are true about the skin as a primary defense against infections? It provides a barrier to microorganisms. It helps in removing organisms when they adhere to outer layers of the skin. It contains fatty acids that have an antibacterial action. It helps in washing away particles containing microorganisms. It contains microbial inhibitors.

It provides a barrier to microorganisms. It helps in removing organisms when they adhere to outer layers of the skin. It contains fatty acids that have an antibacterial action. The multilayered surface of the skin acts as a barrier against microorganisms. The periodic shedding of outer layers of the skin helps in removing organisms that adhere to the outer layers of the skin. The sebum secreted from the skin glands contains fatty acids that have antibacterial action. The skin does not help in washing away particles containing microorganisms or have microbial-inhibiting action. Saliva in the oral cavity helps to perform these actions.

The nurse finds that a patient is a chain smoker and bathes more than five times a day. On assessing medical reports, the nurse finds that the patient is on contraceptive therapy. Based on the nurse's findings, which of the patient's body defense mechanisms may weaken? Saliva Sebum Flora in the vagina Tearing and blinking of the eyes Macrophages in the respiratory tract Shedding of the outer layer of skin cells

Macrophages in the respiratory tract Saliva Sebum Flora in the vagina

A registered nurse teaches a nursing student about normal flora. Which statement of the nursing student indicates a need for further learning? Normal flora of the large intestine exist in large numbers. Normal flora maintain a sensitive balance with other microbes. A healthy person excretes trillions of microbes daily through the intestines. Normal flora may cause disease when residing in their usual area of the body.

Normal flora may cause disease when residing in their usual area of the body.

The nurse is assessing a group of patients in a health screening program. A patient complains of itching and irritation under the right arm and the nurse suspects a localized infection. What assessments should be done on this patient? Examine for paleness of skin. Palpate the area for tenderness. Inquire about pain and tightness. Inspect the area for redness and swelling. Inquire about gastrointestinal disturbances.

Palpate the area for tenderness. Inquire about pain and tightness. Inspect the area for redness and swelling.

The nurse works in a hospital. What precautions are necessary to help prevent health care-associated infections? Frequently irrigate urinary catheters. Insert drug additives to IV fluids. Ensure a closed, urinary catheter drainage system. Change the IV access site if inflamed. Use aseptic technique when suctioning the airway.

Ensure a closed, urinary catheter drainage system. Change the IV access site if inflamed. Use aseptic technique when suctioning the airway. A closed urinary catheter drainage system helps to contain microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection. An IV access site should be changed as soon as signs of inflammation appear. Inflammation can lead to infection. Microorganisms can be introduced into the airway if aseptic technique is not followed for suctioning. Repeated catheter irrigation may increase the risk for contracting an infection because irrigation bypasses the normal defenses of the body. Adding drug additives to IV fluids also increases the risk of infections.

A patient who had a hysterectomy 10 days ago has come for a follow-up visit. The patient is experiencing pain and itching at the incision site. The nurse suspects a wound infection and performs an assessment for confirmation. When assessing this patient, what actions should the nurse perform to reduce the spread of infection? Call for a senior nurse. Wait for the laboratory results. Perform hand-hygiene practices. Use gloves when assessing the wound. Use appropriate, personal protective equipment.

Perform hand-hygiene practices. Use gloves when assessing the wound. Use appropriate, personal protective equipment. Proper hand-hygiene practices are important to control the spread of infection to other sites or other patients. The nurse should use gloves when assessing the wound to prevent cross contamination of the wound and her hand. The nurse should use appropriate, personal protective equipment (PPE) when assessing the wound to prevent the microorganisms from spreading. Calling a senior nurse may be considered only if there is additional assistance required. Waiting for the laboratory results is not required to perform an assessment.

A patient reporting itching and tingling arrives at the hospital. The nurse suspects a herpes simplex infection and keeps the patient in an isolation room. What would be the patient's stage of infection? Illness stage Convalescence Prodromal stage Incubation period

Prodromal stage The prodromal stage is the interval from onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms. During this stage, microorganisms grow and multiply and the patient may be capable of spreading the disease to others. Therefore, the patient may be in an isolation room to reduce the spread of infection. The illness stage is the interval when a patient manifests signs and symptoms that are specific to a type of infection. The convalescence stage is the interval when acute symptoms of an infection disappear. The incubation period is the first stage of the infection process; it is the Interval between the entrance of the pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms.

During which stage is a patient capable of spreading a disease because microorganisms are growing and multiplying? Illness stage Prodromal stage Incubation period Convalescence stage

Prodromal stage The prodromal stage is the time interval of onset of nonspecific symptoms to more specific symptoms. During this stage, microbes grow and multiply and the patient is capable of spreading the disease to others. The illness stage is the time interval when a patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection. The incubation period is the time interval between the entrance of a pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms. The convalescence stage is the time interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear.

A patient who had a hysterectomy 10 days ago has come for a follow-up visit. The patient is experiencing pain and itching at the incision site. After assessment, the health care provider suspects the incision site is infected. Which interventions would help control infection? Reduce water intake. Administer antibiotics. Administer anxiolytics. Provide adequate nutrition. Monitor response to drug therapy.

Provide adequate nutrition. Monitor response to drug therapy. Administer antibiotics. Antibiotics should be administered to control the wound infection. Adequate nutrition is a supportive therapy, which helps in wound healing and recovery from infection. The response to drug therapy should be monitored to plan further management. Reducing water intake is not advisable; instead adequate water intake should be encouraged. Administration of anxiolytics is only considered for anxious patients and not for wound infection.

A patient with a urinary tract infection is hospitalized due to severe discomfort. The primary health care provider advises the nurse to provide supportive therapy to the patient. Which actions of the nurse are included when providing supportive therapy? Provide adequate rest Provide adequate nutrition Maintain proper hand hygiene Monitor the patient's response to drug therapy Use standard precautions during therapy

Provide adequate rest Provide adequate nutrition Patients who require attentive care are provided with supportive therapy, which includes providing adequate rest and nutrition to the patient to improve the patient's defense mechanisms against infections. Maintaining proper hand hygiene, monitoring the patient's response to drug therapy, and the usage of standard precautions while handling patients during therapy are general responsibilities of the nurse while caring for a patient with exogenous or endogenous infections.

After assessing a patient with an infection, the nurse follows contact precautions. Which disease condition does the nurse suspect the patient to have? Scabies Pertussis Chickenpox Pneumonic plague

Scabies

patient admitted to the hospital for fever, diarrhea, and vomiting receives the lab reports. The neutrophils are 20%. The patient becomes worried and asks the nurse about it. What is the probable reason for a reduced neutrophil count? Sepsis Allergy Viral infection Mild food poisoning

Sepsis

A 10-year-old patient with symptoms of a throat infection develops rheumatic fever. What could be the possible causative organism for the throat infection and rheumatic fever in this patient? Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group A) Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group B) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group A) Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group A) organisms that cause throat infection can spread to other systems as well. The oropharynx, skin, and perianal areas are the reservoirs of this organism. It causes rheumatic fever in patients who are susceptible. Streptococcus (beta-hemolytic group B), Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus do not cause rheumatic fever.

Which statement regarding health care-associated infections requires correction? The costs of health care-associated infections are reimbursed. Health care-associated infections can significantly increase the cost of health care. The length of hospitalization influences the risk of health care-associated infections. Health care-associated infections result from the delivery of health services in a healthcare facility.

The costs of health care-associated infections are reimbursed.

Which statement is true regarding the illness stage of an infection? The illness stage is the time interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear. The illness stage is the time interval from the onset of nonspecific symptoms to more specific symptoms. The illness stage is the time interval when the patient has signs and symptoms specific to the infection type. The illness stage is the time interval between the entrance of the pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms

The illness stage is the time interval when the patient has signs and symptoms specific to the infection type. The illness stage is the time interval when patient manifests signs and symptoms specific to the type of infection. The convalescence stage is the time interval when acute symptoms of infection disappear. During the prodromal stage, the onset of nonspecific signs and symptoms to more specific symptoms occur. The incubation period is the time interval between the entrance of a pathogen into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms.

The nurse suspects the exit of an infectious organism through a purulent skin discharge. What would be the components of this discharge? Serum Platelets Red blood cells White blood cells

White blood cells A break in the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes may allow pathogens to exit the body, which may be exhibited by the presence of a purulent drainage. This purulent discharge contains white blood cells and bacteria. Serous exudates may contain serum. Platelets may not be present in any exudates. Sanguineous exudates may contain red blood cells.

The nurse is changing the dressing of a patient at a bedside table. Which are the techniques of asepsis that the nurse should perform? Wearing a mask Using protective eyewear Using an instant alcohol hand antiseptic Having well-manicured nails Washing hands with soap and water followed by rinsing under a stream of water for 15 seconds

Using an instant alcohol hand antiseptic Having well-manicured nails Washing hands with soap and water followed by rinsing under a stream of water for 15 seconds

Which statement regarding vascular and cellular responses is true? Vasodilation occurs at the site of injury. Chronic inflammation is an immediate response to cellular injury. Increased blood flow leads to coldness at the site of inflammation. The cellular response involves red blood cells at the site of infection.

Vasodilation occurs at the site of injury. Vasodilation occurs at the site of injury resulting in excessive blood loss at the site. The immediate response to a cellular injury is an acute inflammation. Increased blood flow at the site of inflammation leads to redness and warmth at the site of inflammation. The cellular response involves white blood cells at the site of inflammation.

A patient is suspected of having malaria. Which mode of transmission spreads malaria? Vector Vehicle Airborne Direct contact

Vector Vector transmission, such as infection by a mosquito, is responsible for malaria. Vehicles such as water, solution, and blood do not transmit malaria. Respiratory infections are possible through the airborne transmission of microorganisms. Malaria is not transmitted by direct contact with infected persons.

Which patients are at a low risk of disease transmission? A patient with Ebola A patient with influenza A patient with pneumonia A patient with chickenpox A patient with viral meningitis

A patient with pneumonia A patient with viral meningitis

Which factor can alter the defense mechanism of sebum? Abrasions Dehydration Excessive bathing Improper hand washing technique

Excessive bathing

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a respiratory infection. The nurse understands that an infection occurs in a cycle and involves several elements. What are the elements in the chain of infection? An infectious agent A vaccine schedule The source of pathogen growth A clean surrounding A susceptible host

An infectious agent The source of pathogen growth A susceptible host

Which equipment is used to sterilize surgical instruments? Autoclave Boiling water Chemical sterilants Ethylene oxide (ETO) gas

Autoclave Autoclaves use moist heat to kill pathogens and spores on surgical instruments to prevent infections. Boiling water is used to clean urinary catheters, suction tubes, and drainage collection devices. Chemical sterilants are used to disinfect heat-sensitive instruments and equipment such as endoscopes and respiratory therapy equipment. Ethylene oxide (ETO) gas is used for medical materials.

Which vaccinations are recommended to reduce the risk of infectious diseases in older adults? Flu vaccination DTaP vaccination Rubella vaccination Varicella vaccination Pneumonia vaccination

Pneumonia vaccination Flu vaccination Flu and pneumonia vaccinations are recommended for older adults to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. DTaP vaccinations are effective for preventing whooping cough in children. Children are vaccinated for rubella infections. Varicella vaccination is used to prevent chicken pox in children.

What is the portal of exit of the influenza virus? Blood Respiratory tract Reproductive tract Skin and mucous membrane

Respiratory tract

A registered nurse teaches a student nurse about how age influences infection prevention and control. Which statements made by the nursing student indicate the need for further learning? "The immune system declines as the child grows." "Adults in old-age have decreased cell-mediated immunity." "Middle-aged adults have refined defenses against infections." "An infant's immune system produces a large amount of immunoglobulins." "Infants who are breastfed have greater immunity than bottle-fed infants."

"An infant's immune system produces a large amount of immunoglobulins." "The immune system declines as the child grows." The immune system of the child matures with age. An infant's immune system is incapable of producing immunoglobulins and white blood cells. Cell-mediated immunity decreases with an increase in age because older adults experience alterations in the structure and function of body parts. Young and middle-aged adults have refined defenses and immunity against infections. Breastfed infants receive antibodies through breast milk; these infants have greater immunity than infants who are bottle-fed.

A registered nurse is teaching a student nurse about the various stages of infections. Which statement made by the student nurse indicates a need for additional teaching? "The incubation period for mumps is 1 to 5 days." "The acute symptoms of malaria will disappear during the convalescence stage." "Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus causes a sore throat, pain, and swelling at the illness stage." "Herpes simplex at the prodromal stage begins with itching at the site before the lesion appears."

"The incubation period for mumps is 1 to 5 days." The average incubation period for mumps is 16 to 18 days, but can range from 12-25 days. The recovery of the patient is noticed during the convalescence stage of malaria. Acute infections are noticed during the illness stage. Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus causes strep throat manifested by a sore throat, pain, and swelling. Herpetic whitlow is the infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The nonspecific signs and symptoms, such as itching and tingling, develop during the prodromal stage at the site before the appearance of the lesions.

After reviewing the laboratory reports of a patient, the nurse suspects that the patient has an acute suppurative infection. What would be the patient's neutrophil count? 60% 65% 70% 75%

75% The normal range of neutrophils in a healthy adult ranges from 55% to 70%. A high neutrophil count (such as 75%) would indicate an acute suppurative infection.

The nurse is assessing a group of patients in a health screening program. A patient has an abscess under the right arm. The nurse suspects the possibility of a systemic infection. What signs and symptoms may indicate a systemic infection? Increased appetite Fatigue and malaise Enlarged lymph nodes Increased blood pressure Elevated body temperature

Elevated body temperature Fatigue and malaise Enlarged lymph nodes

A patient who is diagnosed with laryngeal tuberculosis requires isolation precautions. The nurse finds that the patient is depressed, angry, and rejected. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention that would provide relief to the patient? Provide a dark, quiet room to calm the patient Explain the isolation procedures to provide meaningful stimulation Disallow visits by the patient's family members to reduce the risk of spreading the infection Avoid explaining the patient's risk for depression to the patient's family members

Explain the isolation procedures to provide meaningful stimulation

What major infections are caused by Escherichia coli? Hepatitis A Pneumonia Gastroenteritis Food poisoning Urinary tract infections

Gastroenteritis Urinary tract infections Gastroenteritis and urinary tract infections are major infections caused by Escherichia coli. The hepatitis A virus causes Hepatitis A. Pneumonia and food poisoning are major infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Which disease can be transmitted when a nurse is drawing blood from a patient with an infection? Chickenpox Scarlet fever Tuberculosis Hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus

Which disease is a communicable disease that can be asymptomatic? Meningitis Pneumonia Tuberculosis Hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a communicable disease that can be asymptomatic. Viral meningitis and pneumonia have a low or no risk for transmission and are not considered communicable diseases. Tuberculosis is a communicable and symptomatic disease.

While caring for a patient with testicular cancer in a health care setting, the nurse observes that the patient develops a urinary tract infection. Which actions of the nurse could be responsible for the development of this health care-associated infection? Repeated irrigation of the catheter The use of a contaminated antiseptic solution Improper specimen collection technique Improper care of the intravenous (IV) insertion site Improper disposal of respiratory exudates

Improper specimen collection technique Repeated irrigation of the catheter

A 65-year-old patient is undergoing treatment for chronic bronchitis and develops a health care-associated exogenous infection. What could be the reason for this condition? Infection caused by Aspergillus Infection caused by Streptococci Infection caused during bronchoscopy Infection caused by broad spectrum antibiotics

Infection caused by Aspergillus Exogenous infections are caused by microorganisms found outside the individual such as Aspergillus, Salmonella and Clostridium tetani. Therefore, a patient infected with Aspergillus is considered to have an exogenous infection. Endogenous infections are caused by organisms such as Streptococci or Enterococci. Infections caused by a bronchoscopy or the administration of broad spectrum antibiotics are iatrogenic infections.

Which is a mode of transmission for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection? Vectors Droplet Vehicles Airborne

Vehicles Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are transmitted through vehicles such as blood and body fluids. Vectors such as mosquitoes transmit malaria. Infections such as Ebola and tuberculosis are transmitted by droplet nuclei. Infections such as influenza, Ebola, and tuberculosis are airborne.

Which microorganism causes gas gangrene? Escherichia coli Neisseria gonorrheae Staphylococcus aureus Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens Clostridium perfringens causes gas gangrene. Escherichia coli causes gastroenteritis and urinary tract infection. Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhea and pelvic inflammatory disease. Staphylococcus aureus causes wound infection and pneumonia.

The nurse is planning discharge instructions for a patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which statement made by the patient would indicate effective teaching? "The virus cannot spread through sexual contact." "The virus can spread through feces only when I have symptoms of the disease." "The virus can be spread to another person by contact with body fluids." "The virus can cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever."

"The virus can be spread to another person by contact with body fluids." The primary routes of HIV infection are associated with contact of HIV-infected body fluids such as blood or semen, blood transfusions, sharing of infected needles, and needle-stick injuries. The virus spreads through sexual contact and does not spread through feces. The virus does not cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.

The nurse works in a hospital. The nurse understands that health care-associated infections (HAIs) are difficult to treat. Which patient may be at increased risk of developing an HAI? A patient who underwent bronchoscopy A patient who receives broad-spectrum antibiotics A patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter A patient who suffers from diabetes mellitus A patient who has a fever

A patient who underwent bronchoscopy A patient who receives broad-spectrum antibiotics A patient who has an indwelling urinary catheter A patient who suffers from diabetes mellitus Bronchoscopy bypasses the natural defenses of the body and predisposes the patient to HAIs. Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress the normal flora and promote growth of resistant strains of microorganisms. An indwelling urinary catheter bypasses the natural defenses and also serves as a port of entry for microorganisms. Diabetes mellitus suppresses the body's immunity and increases the risk of HAIs. Fever does not affect the natural defense mechanism, and therefore does not increase the risk of HAIs.

While preparing to do a sterile dressing change, the nurse accidentally sneezes over the sterile field that is on the over-the-bed table. Which principles of surgical asepsis, if any, has the nurse violated? When a sterile field comes in contact with a wet surface, the sterile field is contaminated by capillary action. Fluid flows in the direction of gravity. A sterile field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air. None of the principles were violated.

A sterile field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air. Avoid activities that create air currents, such as sneezing. When you sneeze, microorganisms travel through the air by droplets, contaminating the sterile field . Therefore, "a sterile field becomes contaminated by prolonged exposure to air" is the principle violated. The other two choices are correct but they do not describe the principle violated.

The nurse is caring for a 37-year-old male who had abdominal surgery 1 day ago. Upon examining the incision, the nurse notices a purulent exudate has formed around the incision site. Of what does a purulent exudate consist? Bacteria Neutrophils Monocytes White blood cells (WBCs) Red blood cells

Bacteria Neutrophils Monocytes White blood cells (WBCs) Accumulation of fluid, dead tissue cells, and WBCs form a purulent exudate at the site of inflammation. Exudate may be serous (clear, like plasma), sanguineous (containing red blood cells), or purulent (containing white blood cells and bacteria). Neutrophils and monocytes are forms of white blood cells.

Which environment would limit the growth of bacteria? Bacteria growing in a pH of 3.0 Bacteria growing under dressings Bacteria growing in a moist surgical wound Bacteria growing in at a temperature of 38° C

Bacteria growing in a pH of 3.0 Most bacteria prefer an environment within a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. Therefore, bacterial growth may be prevented in a pH of 3.0. Bacteria grow vigorously in dark environments such as under dressings and within body cavities. Most bacteria require water or moisture for survival. Therefore, bacteria can grow in a moist surgical wound. Bacteria can grow vigorously if the temperature is 38° C because most bacteria grow in an ideal temperature that ranges from 20° to 43° C.

Which normal flora of the human colon can cause an infection when it enters the bloodstream? Escherichia coli Candida albicans Bacteroides fragilis Plasmodium falciparum

Bacteroides fragilis Bacteroides fragilis is a part of the normal flora of the human colon. This microorganism can cause infections if it enters the blood stream or tissue during injury or surgery. Escherichia coli causes gastroenteritis in the colon. Candida albicans causes candidiasis, pneumonia, and sepsis. Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria.

A patient who had undergone a hysterectomy 10 days ago came for a follow-up visit. The patient notices purulent drainage at the incision site. The nurse suspects wound infection and performs assessment for confirmation. Which clinical findings would the nurse evaluate? Pain Redness Paleness Tenderness Cold sensation

Pain Redness Tenderness

A 30-year-old patient with a history of irritable bowel syndrome complains of diarrhea. The nurse finds that the patient is infected with Clostridium difficile and is on appropriate treatment. What could be the most likely reason for the patient's current complaints of diarrhea? The use of antibiotics Secondary viral infection Irritable bowel syndrome Aerobic bacteria

The use of antibiotics The patient currently has diarrhea related to Clostridium difficile. Clostridium difficile is an organism that is increased in proportion to beneficial microorganisms by taking antibiotics. (The resulting diarrhea is known as antibiotic-induced diarrhea.) Therefore, the most likely reason for this particular patient's current complaints of diarrhea is the use of antibiotics. If a patient in a hospital setting acquires Clostridium difficile and has not been on antibiotics, the diarrhea is most likely due to cross contamination from another patient. A secondary viral infection could be a reason for diarrhea but not the most likely reason in this situation. Because the patient has a history of irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause diarrhea as well, it could also be a reason. However, Clostridium difficile is a more likely cause given that the patient is currently infected with it. Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic bacterium that thrives where little or no free oxygen is available. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to survive and are not the cause of this patient's diarrhea.