Questions and Answers
What is the most significant indicator of a patient's compromised defence mechanisms against infection?
Which of the following would least likely be assessed to determine a patient’s defence mechanisms against infection?
In the context of infection risk, what role does a normal vital sign play in assessing a patient's defence mechanisms?
Which physical assessment finding is considered most critical in evaluating a patient's ability to fend off infection?
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How can a nurse best determine the status of a patient's defence mechanisms against infection?
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What is a significant risk factor for a chronic smoker after general surgery regarding respiratory infections?
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Which of the following best describes the role of cilia in the respiratory system?
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What is a possible consequence of reduced primary or secondary defenses against infection in a surgical patient?
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Why are patients with compromised respiratory function considered more susceptible to infections?
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Which statement accurately reflects a factor influencing susceptibility to infection?
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What factor is NOT typically assessed by nurses to determine a patient's risk for infection?
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In the nursing process of infection control, which assessment is most crucial for initiating preventive therapy?
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Which group of signs may indicate a need for further assessment of infection in a patient?
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What aspect contributes significantly to a patient's susceptibility to infections?
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Which statement accurately reflects a role of the nurse during the assessment phase of infection control?
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Study Notes
Assessment in Infection Control
- Nurses assess patients' defense mechanisms, susceptibility, and infection knowledge.
- Disease history review with patients and families can reveal exposure to communicable diseases.
- Clinical condition evaluation allows detection of infection signs or risk factors.
- Laboratory findings can inform nurses about patients' defenses against infection.
- Understanding susceptibility factors aids in planning preventive therapies, including aseptic techniques.
- Early recognition of infection signs enables timely alerts to the healthcare team for potential therapy needs.
Status of Defence Mechanisms
- Review of physical assessment findings helps determine patients' normal defense mechanisms.
- Breaks in the skin present potential entry points for infections.
- Chronic smoking increases the risk of respiratory infections post-surgery due to impaired mucus clearance.
- A reduction in primary or secondary defenses elevates infection risk.
Patient Susceptibility
- Various factors influence patient susceptibility to infections.
- Recognition of risk factors is crucial for effective infection prevention.
Inadequate Primary Defences
- Skin or Mucosa: Damage allows microbial entry.
- Traumatized Tissue: Higher susceptibility from compromised tissues.
- Decreased Ciliary Action: Impairs lung clearance, increasing respiratory infection risk.
- Obstructed Urine Outflow: Can lead to urinary tract infections.
- Altered Peristalsis: Disruption can predispose to gastrointestinal infections.
- pH Changes: Altered secretions can inhibit natural defense mechanisms.
- Decreased Mobility: Mobility reduction can contribute to infection risks.
Inadequate Secondary Defences
- Reduced Hemoglobin Levels: Limits oxygen delivery to tissues, affecting healing and defense.
- Suppressed WBCs: Medications or diseases can lower infection-fighting capabilities.
- Suppressed Inflammatory Response: May hinder the body's initial response to injury or infection.
- Low WBC Count (Leukopenia): Diminishes the overall immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections.
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Description
Test your knowledge on infection control assessment practices crucial for nurses. This quiz covers defense mechanisms, susceptibility factors, and clinical evaluations essential for patient care. Understand the importance of recognizing infection signs and the role of laboratory findings in infection management.
