Infection Control and Asepsis

Which of the following factors least affects the respiratory tract's defense mechanisms against infection?

The acidity of gastric secretions in the gastrointestinal tract hinders peristalsis in the small intestine.

How does the urinary tract's flushing action prevent infection?

In the vagina, normal flora maintain a low ______, which inhibits the growth of many pathogenic microorganisms.

Match the defense mechanism with factors that may alter it:

Which of the following best describes the primary distinction between medical and surgical asepsis?

The presence of nonpathogenic microorganisms on or in the body invariably leads to opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

In the context of infection prevention and control, what is the significance of identifying and understanding the 'chain of infection'?

A nurse explains to a patient that consistently practicing thorough hand hygiene is a critical measure to break the chain of infection at the _______ stage.

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Which scenario poses the greatest risk for Staphylococcus aureus transmission, considering its primary reservoir?

Infection with E. coli serotype O157:H7 invariably leads to hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).

A patient presents with a persistent cough, night sweats, and bloody sputum. Based on the table and the signs, what is the most likely infectious agent?

A patient is diagnosed with malaria after visiting a tropical region. The infectious agent responsible for this disease is transmitted by the ______.

Match the following organisms with the commonly associated infection/disease:

Which of the following scenarios poses the LEAST risk of transmitting HIV?

Which patient condition necessitates the most rigorous sterile technique to prevent infection?

Compromised skin integrity primarily affects a patient's susceptibility by disrupting the portal of entry in the chain of infection.

In the context of infection control, differentiate explicitly between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis, emphasizing their respective applications.

A patient undergoing chemotherapy is more vulnerable to infections primarily due to the treatment's impact on the ______.

Match each element of the infection chain with its implication for infection control:

What is the most effective method for a nurse to interrupt the 'mode of transmission' link in the chain of infection?

A patient with COPD might be more susceptible to infection due to impaired mucociliary clearance in the respiratory tract.

Describe how diabetes mellitus increases a patient's susceptibility to infection, focusing on its impact on the host's defense mechanisms.

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes viruses from bacteria, leading to the term 'filterable viruses'?

Viruses, being complete cells with the ability to self-replicate independently, are susceptible to antibiotic treatments.

Describe the fundamental structural difference between viruses and cells, and explain how this difference affects viral reproduction.

Viruses gain entry to the host through various routes, including respiratory pathways, breaks in ______, or via vectors such as mosquitoes.

Match the historical events with their impact on the understanding and management of viruses.

During which stage of an infectious process is the host potentially infectious, even before specific symptoms manifest?

Localized infections affecting only a specific area of the body generally pose a higher risk of fatality compared to systemic infections which affect the entire body.

An increase in what type of blood cells is indicative of leukocytosis, a sign of systemic inflammation?

In the context of healthcare, infections acquired by patients during medical treatment are known as ______ infections.

Match the stage of infection with its key characteristic:

Which of the following is NOT a typical trigger for the inflammatory response?

Administering antimicrobial agents is solely the responsibility of physicians; nurses only assist in monitoring the patient's response.

Besides administering medications, name one supportive therapy that nurses use to aid a patient's body in defending against infection.

Redness that occurs during the inflammatory response is also known as ______.

Which organization monitors and sets standards for the prevention of health care-associated infections (HAIs)?

Which characteristic of bacterial spores contributes most significantly to the challenges in eliminating them from the environment?

A bacterium is observed moving rapidly via a wiggling motion of its entire cell body. Based on this characteristic, to which of the following morphological groups does it MOST likely belong?

Gram-positive bacteria are easily identified because their cell walls dissolve completely when exposed to a solvent during the staining process.

What specialized structure do some bacteria form under unfavorable environmental conditions to ensure their survival?

The hair-like projections that enable some bacteria to move are called ______.

What is the primary purpose of performing a bacterial sensitivity test?

Anaerobic bacteria thrive in oxygen-rich environments.

Why does capsule formation in bacteria pose challenges in treatment?

What is the term used to describe bacteria that require oxygen to survive?

Match each bacterial characteristic with its corresponding description: