A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about preventing health care associated infections (HAIs).
The nurse should include which of the following as a common cause of these infections?

These are some of the criteria used to assist in making the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2015 report.

Choice B is wrong because recent exposure to influenza is not a criterion for CFS diagnosis. Although some cases of CFS may be triggered by viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus 6, there is no specific evidence that influenza causes CFS.

Choice A is correct because CFS is not caused by a primary condition. CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that other possible causes of fatigue, such as sleep disorders, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, or mental health issues, must be ruled out before making the diagnosis.

Choice C is correct because unrefreshing sleep is one of the required symptoms for CFS diagnosis. Patients with CFS may not feel better or less tired even after a full night of sleep despite the absence of specific objective sleep alterations. Choice D is correct because fatigue that is not relieved by stress reduction is another required symptom for CFS diagnosis. Patients with CFS experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), which means that their symptoms worsen after physical, mental, or emotional exertion that would not have caused a problem before the illness.

Choice E is correct because severe tiredness for 2 months or more is one of the additional manifestations that must be present for CFS diagnosis. The IOM 2015 report states that the fatigue associated with CFS must last for more than 6 months and occur at least half the time at moderate, substantial or severe intensity.

The Nurse Practice Act is a law that outlines the legal scope of practice for nursing in each state. It defines the roles, functions, responsibilities and activities that a nurse is educated, competent and authorized to perform. The Nurse Practice Act also establishes the regulatory bodies that create and implement rules and regulations to protect the public.

Choice B. Nursing process is wrong because it is a systematic method of providing nursing care, not a legal document that defines the scope of practice.

Choice C. Code of Ethics is wrong because it is a set of principles that guide the moral and professional conduct of nurses, not a legal document that defines the scope of practice.

Choice D. Facility policies and procedures are wrong because they are specific guidelines for each healthcare organization, not a legal document that defines the scope of practice.