UPDATE 2026
What are the stages of infection? - Answers incubation period, prodromal stage, full
stage of illness, convalescent period
Incubation period - Answers Interval between the pathogens invasion of the body and
the appearance of symptoms of infection, in this stage organisms are growing and
multiplying.
prodromal stage - Answers Person is most infections during this stage, early signs of
symptoms and disease are present, but are often vague and nonspecific.
full stage of illness - Answers The presence of infection specific signs and symptoms
indicates the full stage of illness, localized symptoms and systemic symptoms.
convalescent period - Answers Involves the recovery from infection. The signs and
symptoms disappear and person returns to a healthy state.
inflammatory response - Answers A protective mechanism
Factors affecting the risk for infection - Answers 1. Integrity of skin and mucus
membranes
2. pH levels
3. Integrity and number of WBCs
4. Age, sex, race, heredity
5. Immunizations
6. General health status
7. Stress level
8. Use of invasive devices
infectious agent - Answers bacteria, viruses, fungi
What is a reservoir - Answers A place where microorganisms survive, multiply, and
await transfer to a susceptible host
portal of exit - Answers point of escape for the organism
portal of entry - Answers a way for the infectious agent to enter a new reservoir or
host
Means of transmission - Answers Transmitted from its reservoir by various means or
routes. Some can be transmitted more than one route. Direct and indirect contact.
susceptible host - Answers Microorganisms survive only in a source that provides
shelter and nourishment and only if the microorganisms overcome any resistance
mounted by the hosts defenses.
Immune response - Answers Involves the collective reaction of the immune system to
an invading organism.
A nurse is changing a patients bed linens ps after drainage from an infected abdominal
wound leaked. Which nursing action reflect proper use of of medical asepsis? -
Answers Moving the patient table away from the body when wiping it off.
An outbreak of measles has occurred at the local elementary school. The parents of a
child in the prodromal phase of the illness are told the child should stay home until
well. What is important for the nurse to teach the parents about the prodromal phase?
- Answers A person typically has vague, nonspecific symptoms and is highly
contagious.
A nursing unit has multiple patients with MRSA infections requiring contact isolation.
In which situations is it appropriate for the nurses to use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer to decontaminate their hands? Select all that apply. - Answers a. Before
providing a bed bath