A nurse studying infection control learns that which factor is the most effective and crucial barrier to infection?

Skin and mucous membranes

Gastrointestinal secretions

Colonization by host bacteria

Inflammatory processes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:
Skin and mucous membranes are the most effective and crucial barriers to infection. They provide a continuous physical barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body. Here's a detailed explanation of their protective mechanisms:
1.   Physical Barrier:
Skin: The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, is composed of tightly packed cells that are difficult for pathogens to penetrate. It's also covered in a layer of sebum, an oily substance that helps to repel water and microorganisms.
Mucous membranes: These moist linings cover the openings of the body, such as the nose, mouth, eyes, and digestive, respiratory, and urogenital tracts. They produce mucus, a sticky substance that traps pathogens and prevents them from entering the body. Mucus also contains enzymes and antibodies that can kill certain pathogens.
2.   Chemical Barrier:
Skin and mucous membranes secrete a variety of substances that have antimicrobial properties. These include: Sebum: Contains fatty acids that can kill bacteria and fungi.
Sweat: Contains salt and lysozyme, an enzyme that can break down bacterial cell walls. Saliva: Contains enzymes that can break down food and kill bacteria.
Gastric acid: The highly acidic environment of the stomach kills most pathogens that are ingested.
3.   Immune Barrier:
Skin and mucous membranes are home to a diverse community of microbes, known as the microbiome. These microbes play an important role in protecting against infection by competing with pathogens for resources and space.
Mucous membranes contain specialized immune cells, such as M cells and dendritic cells, that can recognize pathogens and initiate an immune response.
In contrast, the other choices are less effective barriers to infection:
Choice B: Gastrointestinal secretions, such as gastric acid, do play a role in preventing infection, but they are not as effective as skin and mucous membranes. Pathogens can still enter the body through the digestive tract, even in the presence of gastric acid.
Choice C: Colonization by host bacteria can actually help to protect against infection by competing with pathogens. However, it is not a primary barrier to infection.
Choice D: Inflammatory processes are a response to infection, not a barrier to it. They occur after pathogens have already entered the body.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Step 1 is (250 mL ÷ 90 min) × 10 gtt/mL. Step 2 is 2.78 mL/min × 10 gtt/mL. Step 3 is 27.78 gtt/min. Step 4 is approximately 28 gtt/min.

Final calculated answer: 28 gtt/min.

A. Arrange for a bedside commode for the patient. B. Ensure the bathroom light is kept on during the night. C. Use side rails to keep the patient in bed. D. Implement a toileting schedule for the patient.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale for Choice A:

Arranging for a bedside commode can be helpful for patients who have difficulty ambulating to the bathroom. However, it is not the most effective intervention for preventing falls in an ambulatory and independent patient. In fact, it could potentially increase the risk of falls if the patient attempts to use the commode without assistance or if they become disoriented in the dark.

Research has shown that bedside commodes are associated with an increased risk of falls in hospitalized patients. This is because patients may try to get out of bed to use the commode without assistance, or they may become disoriented in the dark and fall.

Additionally, bedside commodes can be a tripping hazard, especially for patients with impaired mobility.

Rationale for Choice B:

Ensuring the bathroom light is kept on during the night can help to reduce the risk of falls by making it easier for the patient to see. However, it is not the most effective intervention for preventing falls.

Patients may still fall even if the bathroom light is on, especially if they are weak, unsteady, or have impaired vision. Additionally, keeping the bathroom light on all night can disrupt the patient's sleep, which can also increase the risk of falls.

Rationale for Choice C:

Using side rails to keep the patient in bed is not an effective intervention for preventing falls. In fact, it can actually increase the risk of falls by making it more difficult for the patient to get out of bed safely.

Patients may try to climb over the side rails, which can lead to falls.

Additionally, side rails can restrict the patient's movement and make them feel trapped, which can lead to agitation and an increased risk of falls.

Rationale for Choice D:

Implementing a toileting schedule is the most effective intervention for preventing falls in an ambulatory and independent patient. This is because it helps to reduce the patient's need to get out of bed at night to use the bathroom.

When a patient has a scheduled time to toilet, they are less likely to try to get out of bed on their own and risk a fall. Additionally, a toileting schedule can help to prevent incontinence, which can also lead to falls.

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A nurse studying infection control learns that which factor is the most effective and crucial barrier to infection?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is scheduled to receive 250 ml of Normal Saline over a 90-minute time period. The drop factor is 10 gtts/ml. What is the correct calculation?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An elderly patient, who is ambulatory and independent, is admitted to the hospital. What intervention by the nurse would be most effective in preventing falls for this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale for Choice A:

Rationale for Choice B:

Rationale for Choice D:

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