A 65-year-old male is intubated and placed on a mechanical ventilator after a motor vehicle ...

(Answer to Q. 1)  ANS: C
The information indicates that the patient has ventilator-associated pneumonia; ventila-tor-associated pneumonia must be suspected anytime intubation develops shortly after endotra-cheal intubation. There are many actions that can be taken to prevent its development. Current standards state that the ventilator circuit should be changed only when it is grossly contaminated.

(Answer to Q. 2)  ANS: B
Acetic acid is the agent of choice to disinfect home care equipment due to its low cost and effec-tiveness. Alkaline glutaraldehyde requires a use of a hood for protection from fumes. Pasteuriza-tion and autoclave both require specialized equipment.

(Answer to Q. 3)  ANS: A
Corticosteroid therapy disrupts the normal flora of the oral cavity, leaving the patient at risk for the development of Candida albicans, which is otherwise known as thrush.

(Answer to Q. 4)  ANS: A
Needles should not be recapped. When it is necessary to recap a syringe, both hands should never be used; instead, use the one-hand scoop technique or a mechanical device to recap syringe needles safely. Gloves should always be worn when using a needle to draw blood. Needles must be disposed of in a biohazard sharps (i.e., hard plastic) container.

(Answer to Q. 5)  ANS: B
The skin and mucosal barrier have been disrupted by the burns; therefore, this patient is suscepti-ble to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of several pathogens that can affect hospitalized patients. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, liver failure, or vasculitis are susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Oncochemotherapy and antibiotic therapy increase a patient's susceptibility to Candida albicans and Clostridium difficile.

Makes more sense now, TY