Question 1

What is the most important principle in bag technique during a home visit in public health nursing?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The primary objective of bag technique in community/home visits is to prevent cross-contamination; minimizing the spread of infection is the most important principle.

Question 2

What is the most important client teaching for a client with inflammatory arthritis who takes prednisone and is scheduled for elective surgery?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Chronic prednisone suppresses immune response and can mask infection, increasing postoperative infection risk. Teaching to recognize infection signs is the highest priority for safety.

Question 3

What action should the nurse take when a visitor brings a potted plant to a client with neutropenia in the oncology unit?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Clients with neutropenia require protective precautions; soil and standing water in potted plants harbor bacteria and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus) that can cause serious infection. The plant should be removed from the room.

Question 4

What are the management strategies for an area with an Annual Parasitic Index (API) less than a certain threshold?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: For low-API areas, vector control through scheduled residual insecticidal spraying is a key public health strategy to prevent transmission; the other options reflect surveillance and case management activities rather than the primary prevention measure.

Question 5

Which solution is effective for disinfecting instruments to make them free of the HIV virus when kept for 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: 2% glutaraldehyde (Cidex) is a high-level disinfectant that is virucidal, including against HIV, and is used for cold disinfection of instruments; the other options are not reliable for instrument high-level disinfection.

Question 6

Which education points should the nurse prioritize for a patient with keratitis secondary to contact lens wear?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Adhering to the recommended replacement schedule reduces biofilm and microbial buildup on lenses, lowering keratitis risk. Tap water is unsafe for lenses; sleeping in lenses increases risk but only one priority is asked; the makeup statement is incorrect.

Question 7

What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a newborn's myelomeningocele prior to surgery?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: For myelomeningocele, the sac must be kept sterile and moist to prevent drying and infection before surgery. Use sterile normal saline–moistened dressings. Leaving it open, using petrolatum, or dry dressings increases risk of rupture and infection.

Question 8

What should the infection control nurse recommend during a norovirus outbreak in the facility?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Norovirus is highly contagious and environmentally hardy; effective control requires bleach-based disinfection of high-touch surfaces. Routine masking or face shields for meal prep and using disposable dishware are not standard control measures.

Question 9

What type of disinfection is performed after the discharge of material from the body of an infected person?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Concurrent disinfection is applied immediately after infectious material is discharged from the patient; terminal disinfection is done after the patient leaves or recovers.

Question 10

Which of the following is an important nursing intervention for a patient with Cushing syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Cushing syndrome causes immunosuppression from excess cortisol, increasing infection risk; protecting the patient from infection is a key nursing intervention. Hypotension is unlikely (hypertension is common), assessing the left MCA is unrelated, and carbohydrate restriction is less critical than infection prevention.

Question 11

What is the term for infections acquired by patients within a clinical facility?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Infections that develop during a stay in a healthcare facility are termed hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections.

Question 12

A baby born 2 hours ago by Cesarean section has a myelomeningocele with an intact sac and has been placed in an incubator; what potential complication should the nurse focus on when planning care?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Newborns with myelomeningocele are at high risk for meningitis and wound contamination, even with an intact sac. Preventing infection is the priority complication to focus on in early care.

Question 13

What term describes the restriction of activities of healthy persons or animals who have been exposed to a communicable disease?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Quarantine is the restriction of movement/activities of persons exposed but not yet ill to prevent disease spread. Isolation is for those already infected; contamination and carriers do not describe the control measure.

Question 14

Which of the following is an early sign of infection in a postoperative wound?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Local signs such as erythema and warmth at the incision occur early in wound infection; fever, purulent drainage, and leukocytosis are later systemic findings.

Question 15

What position helps reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in a patient on mechanical ventilation?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Elevating the head of the bed 30–45° reduces aspiration of secretions and gastric contents, a key VAP prevention measure. Supine increases risk; High Fowler’s (60–90°) is not the guideline for ventilated patients.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an important principle of bag technique?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Bag technique principles aim to save time, prevent infection, and adapt to the home setting. They should not compromise or overshadow patient and family concerns, making option C the incorrect principle.

Question 17

While providing wound care, how should the nurse clean the wound?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The wound should be cleaned from the least contaminated area (center) to the most contaminated area (periphery) to prevent the spread of microorganisms into the wound. Each stroke uses a new sterile swab to reduce infection risk.

Question 18

A client who is receiving chemotherapy through a central line is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis. Which of the following nursing interventions should receive PRIORITY?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In a septic patient, the priority is rapid assessment to identify the source of infection so treatment can be initiated. Inspecting potential entry sites (e.g., central line, wounds) addresses this first. Reverse isolation and contact restriction are preventive, and changing the dressing is not the initial priority in active sepsis.

Question 19

A surgical client develops a wound infection during hospitalization. How is this type of infection classified?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An infection acquired in the hospital setting is classified as a nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection.

Question 20

A client is being admitted to a medical unit with a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Which type of room should this client be assigned by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Tuberculosis is an airborne disease; clients must be placed in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), also called a negative-airflow or negative-pressure room. These rooms prevent contaminated air from flowing into hallways by maintaining lower pressure inside the room and filtering exhaust air. This is the highest-level isolation required for TB.

Question 21

Which physical assessment finding is most indicative of a systemic infection?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Fever (101.1°F) indicates a systemic inflammatory response consistent with systemic infection; the other findings suggest local symptoms or noninfectious conditions.

Question 22

What action by the nurse is most important when performing a dressing change using surgical aseptic technique?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: In a sterile dressing change, the critical priority is maintaining sterility to prevent infection; the other actions are secondary.

Question 23

Which family member exposed to TB is at highest risk for contracting the disease?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Elderly individuals have decreased immune function, placing them at higher risk of contracting and progressing to active tuberculosis compared with healthy adults and adolescents.

Question 24

A client with frequent urinary tract infections asks the nurse how she can prevent the reoccurrence. The nurse should teach the client to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Frequent voiding reduces urinary stasis and bacterial growth, helping prevent recurrent UTIs. Douching can increase risk, routine monthly urinalysis does not prevent infection, and wiping back to front promotes contamination.

Question 25

The physician has ordered a histoplasmosis test for the elderly client. The nurse is aware that histoplasmosis is transmitted to humans by?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum) is acquired by inhaling fungal spores from soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings; among the options, birds best represent the source.

Question 26

The nurse is teaching the client with AIDS regarding needed changes in food preparation. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Immunocompromised clients should avoid foodborne pathogens by cooking meats thoroughly. Fresh ground pepper and raw produce can harbor microbes, and dairy products do not prevent AIDS-related diarrhea.

Question 27

The chart of a client hospitalized for a total hip repair reveals that the client is colonized with MRSA. The nurse understands that the client?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Colonization indicates MRSA is present without causing active disease, so the client has no signs or symptoms. They remain at risk for transmission and should not be roomed with non-colonized clients.

Question 28

After attending a company picnic, several clients are admitted to the emergency room with E. coli food poisoning. The most likely source of infection is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Coli O157:H7 is most commonly linked to undercooked ground beef; hamburgers at picnics are a typical source. Hot dogs are cooked/processed, potato salad is more associated with Staphylococcus aureus, and baked beans are less likely.

Question 29

A pediatric client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of diarrhea caused by an infection with salmonella. Which of the following most likely contributed to the child's illness?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Reptiles, especially turtles, commonly carry Salmonella and can transmit it to children through handling or contact. Dogs, cats, and pony rides are less typical sources.

Question 30

A client is admitted with disseminated herpes zoster. According to the Centers for Disease Control Guidelines for Infection Control?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Disseminated herpes zoster (varicella-zoster virus) is spread by both airborne and contact routes. Immunocompromised clients or those with widespread lesions require full airborne isolation plus contact precautions to prevent transmission of aerosolized viral particles.

Question 31

The nurse is aware that the best way to prevent post-operative wound infection in the surgical client is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent surgical site and wound infections; antibiotics or masks are adjuncts and not as universally effective.

Question 32

The nurse is preparing to suction the client with a tracheotomy. The nurse notes a previously used bottle of normal saline on the client's bedside table. There is no label to indicate the date or time of initial use. The nurse should?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An opened solution without a date/time is considered potentially contaminated. For tracheostomy suctioning sterile technique is required; discard the questionable bottle, obtain a new one, and label it at first use.

Question 33

During a home visit, a client with AIDS tells the nurse that he has been exposed to measles. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Immunocompromised clients exposed to measles should receive immune globulin within 6 days to prevent or modify disease. Antibiotics do not treat measles, there is no specific antiviral therapy, and isolation alone is not the priority intervention.

Question 34

Teaching the mother about treatment for pediculosis capitis. Which instruction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Pediculosis capitis is treated with topical pediculicide; linens and clothing must be laundered in hot water to kill lice and nits. Therapy is not IV, does not last a year, and is safe in young children.

Question 35

What is the recommended period of isolation for a child with mumps?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Mumps is spread by respiratory droplets; standard teaching recommends isolating affected children for about two weeks to limit transmission. Thus, 14 days is the best choice among the options.

Question 36

The nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with nephotic syndrome. Based on the client's treatment, the nurse should?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Clients with nephrotic syndrome are commonly treated with corticosteroids, which increase infection risk; limiting visitors helps reduce exposure. A low-protein diet is not indicated (protein losses require adequate intake), dialysis is not typical, and fluids are usually restricted due to edema.

Question 37

Which statement describes the contagious stage of varicella?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Varicella is communicable from about 1 day before rash onset until all lesions have crusted; once crusted, transmission risk is minimal.

Question 38

A client with a C4 spinal cord injury has been placed in traction with cervical tongs. Nursing care should include?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Cervical tongs traction must remain continuous and pins are never loosened; HOB is not raised to 90°. Sterile pin-site care is required to prevent infection.

Question 39

A 5-month-old is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Nursing interventions will focus on?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Atopic dermatitis disrupts the skin barrier and itching leads to excoriations, making secondary infection a priority risk. Antipyretics are not indicated, skin should be moisturized rather than kept dry, and fluid restriction is unnecessary.

Question 40

Which of the following is used for sterilization of cystoscopes, endoscopes, and bronchoscopes?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant used for cold sterilization of heat-sensitive instruments like flexible endoscopes, cystoscopes, and bronchoscopes; alcohols are low-level disinfectants and ethylene oxide is not typically used for these scopes.

Question 41

What is a person called who carries a disease-producing organism without showing any symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An asymptomatic individual who harbors and can transmit a pathogen is a carrier; a host is any organism that harbors the pathogen, and the agent is the pathogen itself.

Question 42

What is the oldest communicable disease control measure?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Isolation of the sick (e.g., lepers) has been practiced since ancient times, predating the later concept of quarantine from the 14th century.

Question 43

What is the final step in the purification of water?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The final stage in water treatment is disinfection; chlorination kills remaining microorganisms after earlier steps like coagulation/filtration.

Question 44

The client with AIDS tells the nurse that he has been using acupuncture to help with his pain. The nurse should question the client regarding this treatment because acupuncture uses?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific points. In an immunocompromised client with AIDS, needle use poses infection risk, so the nurse should question this therapy.

Question 45

The charge nurse is making assignments for the day. After accepting the assignment to a client with leukemia, the nurse tells the charge nurse that her child has chickenpox. Which initial action should the charge nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: First assess the nurse’s immunity to varicella. If she has had chickenpox (or is immune), risk to an immunocompromised leukemia client is minimal; if not, reassignment is needed. Assessment precedes intervention.

Question 46

The nurse caring for the child with a large meningomyelocele is aware that the priority care for this client is to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An open meningomyelocele sac is highly susceptible to drying and infection. The priority is to protect the sac with a moist, sterile saline dressing. Supine positioning risks pressure/rupture, and feeding or I&O are not the immediate priority.

Question 47

The nurse is aware that a common mode of transmission of clostridium difficile is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Difficile spreads via the fecal–oral route; spores are shed in stool and contaminate hands and surfaces. Sputum, urinary catheters, or unsterile surgical equipment are not common transmission routes.

Question 48

Which of the following roommates would be best for the client newly admitted with gastric resection?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Postoperative gastric resection patients should avoid exposure to infectious roommates. Phlebitis is a localized, non-infectious condition, whereas pneumonia poses respiratory infection risk and GI conditions may involve higher contamination risk. Thus the safest roommate is the client with phlebitis.

Question 49

To assist with the prevention of urinary tract infections, the teenage girl should be taught to?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Front-to-back perineal cleansing prevents transfer of fecal bacteria (e.g., E. coli) to the urethra, reducing UTI risk. Tampons are not a UTI risk, citrus juices are not evidence-based for prevention, and showers over baths are less critical than proper wiping technique.

Question 50

Which of the following roommates would be most suitable for the client with myasthenia gravis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Myasthenia gravis clients must avoid infection risk due to respiratory weakness. Hypothyroidism is non-infectious, while the others pose infection risk.

Train with a large NCLEX question bank and jump into a full exam-style simulator

Infection Control NCLEX Practice Test

Continue Learning