Question

Which criteria would the nurse consider when determining if an infection is a health care-associated infection?

A) Originated primarily from an exogenous source
B) Is associated with a medication-resistant microorganism
C) Occurred in conjunction with treatment for an illness
D) Still has the infection despite completing the prescribed therapy

Answer 1

The nurse would consider several criteria when determining if an infection is a health care-associated infection (HAI), including whether it originated from an exogenous source, is associated with a medication-resistant microorganism, occurred in conjunction with treatment, and persists despite completing therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would consider several criteria when determining if an infection is a healthcare-associated infection (HAI). These criteria include:

1. Originated primarily from an exogenous source: An HAI is an infection that is acquired in a healthcare setting, so the nurse would consider whether the infection was acquired from an external source, such as contaminated equipment or from another patient.
2. Is associated with a medication-resistant microorganism: HAIs can be caused by microorganisms that are resistant to common antibiotics, so the nurse would consider whether the infection is caused by a drug-resistant microorganism.
3. Occurred in conjunction with treatment for an illness: HAIs often occur in patients who are receiving treatment for another illness or medical condition, so the nurse would consider whether the infection developed while the patient was undergoing treatment.
4. Still has the infection despite completing the prescribed therapy: The nurse would also consider whether the patient still has the infection despite completing the prescribed therapy, as this could indicate that the infection is an HAI.