Problem 93 - Cliffs Test Prep NCLEX-RN

Question

A stool culture reveals “Shigella.” The nurse recognizes what corollaries regarding this bacterial infection? 1\. Persons who have been in contact with the client will need to be tested. 2\. Shigella is an airborne infection. 3\. Shigella is a bacteria sometimes found in stagnate water. 4\. The nurse will wear a one-way breathing apparatus when giving patient care.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Correct corollaries are 1 and 3; Shigella is not airborne.

Step 1: Identify the correct corollary

First, identify which statements are true and relevant regarding a Shigella bacterial infection. Analyze each statement to determine if it accurately describes a characteristic or precaution related to Shigella.

Step 2: Evaluate statement 1

Statement 1 suggests that persons who have been in contact with the client will need to be tested. This is true. Shigella is highly contagious, and testing and monitoring of close contacts is a standard precaution.

Step 3: Evaluate statement 2

Statement 2 suggests that Shigella is an airborne infection. This is false. Shigella spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, not through the air.

Step 4: Evaluate statement 3

Statement 3 suggests that Shigella can be found in stagnant water. This statement holds some truth as Shigella can be present in contaminated water sources, especially if human waste has contaminated the water.

Step 5: Evaluate statement 4

Statement 4 suggests that the nurse should wear a one-way breathing apparatus. This is unnecessary, as Shigella is not airborne. Standard contact precautions are required, which include personal protective equipment to prevent fecal-oral transmission, but not a breathing apparatus.

Step 6: Conclude the understanding

Based on the evaluation, statements 1 and 3 are correct corollaries of a Shigella infection. It's important to test close contacts and recognize potential water contamination.

Key Concepts

Infection Control

Infection control is an essential aspect of nursing education and practice. The aim of infection control is to prevent the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings and the community.

It involves implementing a variety of practices and precautions that help minimize the risks of disease transmission. These precautions can be simple hand hygiene procedures, using personal protective equipment (PPE), or more advanced isolation practices. Understanding different modes of transmission is crucial, such as knowing whether an infection spreads through direct or indirect contact, droplets, or aerosols.

In the case of infections like Shigella, understanding the correct method of transmission is key to applying the right precautions. For diseases that spread through the fecal-oral route, controlling transmission involves ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and appropriate handling of food and water.

Shigella Infection

Shigella infection, also known as shigellosis, is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. This infection is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning the bacteria are transmitted when a person comes into contact with infected fecal matter and subsequently ingests the bacteria.

This can occur through consuming contaminated food or water, or by direct contact with an infected person. Shigella is highly contagious, making infection control measures vital to prevent its spread within communities and healthcare environments.

The symptoms of shigellosis can include diarrhea, stomach cramping, and fever. These symptoms might appear a few days after exposure to the bacteria, and they can range from mild to severe. Monitoring and testing of close contacts are necessary steps since those exposed might also become carriers of the bacteria.

Precautionary Measures

Precautionary measures are the steps taken to prevent the spread of infections. In the context of Shigella, specific precautions are applied to limit its transmission. Understanding and implementing these measures is essential for healthcare providers and individuals alike.

Key precautionary steps include:

• Practicing good hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
• Ensuring safe food practices: Proper cooking and handling to prevent food contamination.
• Avoiding ingestion of potentially contaminated water: Consuming only treated or boiled water, especially in areas where Shigella outbreaks are common.
• Using PPE: Healthcare workers should wear gloves and gowns when in contact with infected individuals or their environments.

In healthcare settings, standard contact precautions are followed. Unlike airborne infections, gloved and gown barriers are sometimes sufficient to prevent infection, while respiratory masks or breathing apparatuses are not typically necessary for Shigella.