Infection Overview and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of cellulitis?

Staphylococcus aureus (correct)

E. coli bacteria

Human papilloma virus

Influenza virus

Which population is at the highest risk for developing cellulitis?

Children with asthma

Young adults with no medical history

Elderly individuals with a weak immune system (correct)

Healthy individuals engaging in outdoor activities

What percentage of cervical cancers are caused by HPV?

39%

70%

91% (correct)

50%

What was the initial presentation of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China?

Pneumonia-like illness Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a patient having a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) compared to those without an HAI?

Longer average length of stay Signup and view all the answers

Which COVID-19 variant is currently the most prominent?

Omicron Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are targeted by broad spectrum antibiotics?

Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue with foam sanitizers as reported by the CDC?

They take too long to dry Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main methods to reduce the transmission of COVID-19?

Wearing masks and social distancing Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding the cleaning of stethoscopes after use?

They should be cleaned after each use Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people in the U.S. are fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

70% Signup and view all the answers

Which group has the highest mortality risk for COVID-19?

Adults over 65 years of age Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antibiotics is used to treat infections caused by bacterial pathogens?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to be done with uniforms after use in a healthcare setting?

Wash immediately at home Signup and view all the answers

What type of infection does Clostridium difficile typically cause?

Gastrointestinal infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical component of handwashing techniques emphasized by healthcare guidelines?

Friction is required Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing action is indicated for a patient with an upper left arm open wound infection?

Elevate the client’s left arm on a pillow Signup and view all the answers

What nursing action should be avoided due to being contraindicated?

Administering subcutaneous heparin (enoxaparin) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is considered non-essential for a patient with MRSA and cellulitis?

Taking a wound culture every shift Signup and view all the answers

For a patient admitted with an infection, which nursing action is appropriate?

Initiate IV access for fluids and antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which nursing intervention would be deemed appropriate for infection control?

Placing the patient on contact precautions Signup and view all the answers

What defines the difference between an infectious disease and a communicable disease?

Communicable diseases can be transmitted from a source to a susceptible host. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a disease that exceeds its usual frequency in a geographical area?

Epidemic Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process through which infection occurs in the body?

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a condition that promotes the transmission of healthcare-acquired infections?

Proper use of sterile instruments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key steps in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis?

Effective hand hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections account for Georgia's high ranking in new HIV infections?

Sexually transmissible diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which innate body defense mechanism is compromised when an infection occurs?

Skin integrity Signup and view all the answers

Infection can result from which of the following mechanisms?

Competitive metabolism and toxins from microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of statins in the context of COVID-19?

Statins are known to be beneficial for primary prevention and are associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for COVID-19. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is NOT typically included in the management of severe symptoms associated with COVID-19?

Statin therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is a common sequela of COVID-19 that can persist after recovery?

Long-haulers syndrome Signup and view all the answers

In the case study of a 44-year-old client, what initial vital sign indicates a potential risk for serious illness?

Blood pressure of 102/60 Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is essential for preventing micro-clotting in severe COVID-19 patients?

Administration of heparin Signup and view all the answers

For managing an upper left arm open wound infection caused by MRSA, which nursing action could be considered non-essential?

Providing emotional support Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of WBC count of 32,000 in the case study?

It suggests a very high likelihood of infection or inflammation. Signup and view all the answers

What preventative measure helps in reducing the risk of ventilation-associated complications in severe COVID-19 cases?

Place the patient in a prone position Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infection

Infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body tissues
Infection may or may not result in noticeable symptoms
Infection may lead to injury to cells due to competitive metabolism, toxins, or the body's immune response
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens invading the host, colonizing, and stimulating an inflammatory response
Communicable diseases are infectious diseases that are transmitted by contact from a source to a susceptible host
Tetanus is an example of an infectious disease preventable by vaccination but not a communicable disease because it can't spread from person to person

Types of Infection

Endemic: constant presence in a geographical area
Epidemic: exceeds usual frequency in geographical area
Pandemic: global epidemic

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Patients with HAIs typically have twice the length of stay as patients without HAIs
Hospital workers need to follow preventive strategies to minimize the spread of HAIs

Bacteria

Bacteria can affect humans in two ways: by producing toxins or by directly invading tissues
MDROs are multi-drug resistant organisms - take all antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections

Clostridium difficile

A bacterium that causes severe diarrhea
It's transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces

Infection Prevention Strategies

Hand washing is a perpetual strategy for infection prevention
Friction is required for effective hand washing and drying
Foam sanitizers take greater than 30 seconds to dry
Hand washing is only recommended for visibly soiled hands or when handling fecal material

Fomites

Nurses need to sanitize their stethoscopes frequently because they can be contaminated with bacteria
Cell phones can also carry pathogens and should be cleaned with foam sanitizers
Nurses' uniforms can be contaminated with bacteria and should be washed immediately after use

Precautions

Standard precautions should be used for all clients.
Transmission-based precautions should be used in addition to standard precautions when caring for clients with known or suspected infections
Specialized precautions include contact, airborne, and droplet precautions

Medical Surgical Floor Client Examples

Mr. Hall with tuberculosis: room 201: Airborne precautions should be used
Ms. Vance with C. diff: room 213: Contact precautions should be used
Mr. Leon with HIV: room 216: Standard precautions should be used
Child Bonnie with streptococcal pharyngitis: Room 223: Droplet precautions should be used

Gowns

Gowns help to prevent the spread of infections by covering the nurse's clothing
Gowns should be worn when there is a risk of contact with bodily fluids

Masks

Masks are an important barrier for respiratory secretions from both the nurse and the client
The type of mask depends on the type of infection being cared for

Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment of Infection

Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications from infection
Medications for infection are used to treat specific infections
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections
Antivirals are used to treat viral infections
Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections
Antiparasitics are used to treat parasitic infections

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancer
HPV is preventable by immunization

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin
Cellulitis can occur when bacteria enter the skin through a break in the skin
Risk factors for cellulitis include aging, obesity, and a weakened immune system

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Symptoms can range from mild to severe
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications
Current variants are: Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron
Omicron is the most infectious variant
Risk factors include being older than 65, having underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, and having a weakened immune system

COVID-19 Transmission Prevention Strategies

Masks, social distancing, avoiding crowds, early testing and vaccination are all important to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19

COVID-19 Treatment

Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the illness
Mild symptoms can be treated at home
Moderate symptoms may require hospitalization
Severe symptoms may require intensive care
Treatment options include supplemental oxygen, ventilatory support, antiviral medications, and monoclonal antibodies

Long-Hauler Syndrome

Long-hauler syndrome is a condition that can occur after COVID-19 infection
Symptoms of long-hauler syndrome can persist for months after the initial infection

Statins

Statins are a type of medication used to lower cholesterol
Studies have shown that statin use is associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for COVID-19

Case Study 1

Prioritize the following actions for a client presenting with fever, cough, and neck pain:
- Obtain vital signs
- Assess airway, breathing, and circulation
- Obtain a medical history and allergies
- Perform a physical exam
- Order diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray and blood work

Case Study 2

A client with a left upper arm open wound infection (MRSA) and cellulitis should be placed in contact precautions
Warm compresses are indicated for the client's left upper arm to promote blood flow
The client's left arm should be elevated on a pillow
A wound culture should be obtained once to determine the type of organism causing the infection so that appropriate medications can be selected
IV access should be initiated to administer IV fluids and antibiotics
Subcutaneous heparin (enoxaparin) may be administered to prevent blood clots, as cellulitis can increase the risk of blood clots

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of infections, including their definitions, types, and the distinction between communicable and non-communicable diseases. This quiz also covers healthcare-associated infections and their implications for patient care. Test your knowledge on how infections affect health and society.