Author Question: The nurse admits a 78-year-old patient to the intensive care unit and swabs the patient's nares for ... (Read 59 times)

saliriagwu · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

The nurse admits a 78-year-old patient to the intensive care unit and swabs the patient's nares for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). What is the best rationale for the nurse's action?

A) If the patient is positive for MRSA, her risk of mortality is extremely high.
B) The presence of MRSA on the patient's skin may pose a potential threat to other patients.
C) The absence of available drug treatments for MRSA means that early identification is crucial.
D) The diarrhea and gastritis associated with MRSA is highly communicable in a hospital setting.

Question 2

The family of an older patient with dysphagia comes to the skilled nursing facility at mealtimes to feed the patient. Which of the family's feeding practices should the nurse follow up with teaching or correction?

A) The family makes sure that the patient does not talk while eating
B) The family checks for pocketing of food prior to introducing another bite
C) The family places the patient in high Fowler position during and after feeding
D) The family introduces large pieces of food to prevent accidental inhalation of small food particles

underwood14 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
MRSA poses a particular threat to patients with lowered immune response and/or comorbidities. The mortality rate for a carrier of MRSA is low, especially if the microorganism is present only on superficial surfaces. Drug treatment options are limited, but not absent and the infection does not often cause gastritis and diarrhea.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
For patients with dysphagia, small pieces of food are preferable. The other actions by the family are appropriate when feeding a patient with dysphagia.