[community Public Health] Chapter 8: Communicable Diseases

The most appropriate response from the FNP is to explain to the patient that antibiotics will not be effective in treating a viral upper respiratory tract infection. In addition, the FNP should inform the patient that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can put the patient at a higher risk of getting sicker in the future. This response educates the patient about the appropriate use of antibiotics and the potential risks associated with their misuse.

Performing frequent hand-washing with soap and water, especially before eating or touching the face, is the most important intervention to include in the health presentation for preventing the spread of illness. Hand-washing is a simple and effective way to remove germs and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. It helps to reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading illnesses to others. Washing hands before eating or touching the face is particularly important as it prevents the entry of germs into the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes.

A member of the janitorial staff who cleans floors and equipment in the hospital is probably most at risk for an infectious disease because they are regularly exposed to potentially contaminated surfaces and equipment in a healthcare setting. They may come into contact with bodily fluids or other infectious materials while performing their cleaning duties, increasing their risk of infection compared to the other individuals mentioned.

The first action that a community/public health nurse will take when beginning an investigation of a communicable disease is to identify the disease, isolate the causative agent, and determine the method of transmission. This is crucial in order to understand the nature of the disease, how it spreads, and how to effectively control and prevent its further transmission. Diagnosing the disease, asking patients to name contacts, and finding those contacts may be part of the investigation process, but it is not the first action that the nurse will take. Treating the problem and interviewing the client are also important steps, but they come after the initial identification and isolation of the disease. Using the media to share information and obtaining names of infected persons may be part of the public health response, but it is not the first action in the investigation process.

Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause a range of symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. In some cases, it can lead to more severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Checking for ticks after each hike is important to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease and ensure early detection and treatment if necessary.

The best choice of action for the elderly man would be to bring his elderly wife and both receive the influenza immunization. This is because getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent influenza, especially for older adults who are more vulnerable to serious complications from the virus. Additionally, even if they received a vaccine last year, it is still recommended to get vaccinated annually as the strains of the virus can change each year.

Health care professionals are particularly at risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This is because HBV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Health care professionals often come into contact with blood and body fluids while providing medical care, making them more susceptible to HBV infection. It is important for health care professionals to take precautions such as getting vaccinated and following proper infection control practices to prevent the transmission of HBV.

The nurse could truthfully say that wearing insect repellent is necessary to protect oneself from the West Nile virus because the disease is spread by infected mosquitoes. This statement provides a practical measure that individuals can take to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. It does not provide false information or make any claims about the disease being present in isolated areas or the need to avoid specific locations.

The nurse would know whether his or her time and effort were effective based on the local health department reporting a downward trend in newly diagnosed HIV infections. This indicates that the needle exchange program has been successful in reducing the spread of HIV among the drug users at the homeless shelter. The decrease in newly diagnosed infections suggests that the exchange of new needles for used needles has been effective in preventing the transmission of the virus.

The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test might be controversial because it involves testing for a virus that is associated with stigma and discrimination. Some individuals may have concerns about their privacy and fear the potential consequences of a positive result, such as discrimination in the workplace or social ostracization. Additionally, there may be legal and ethical considerations surrounding the disclosure of HIV status. Therefore, the HIV test result is likely to be controversial compared to the other tests mentioned.

Persons older than 65 who live in nursing homes and other extended-care facilities are most at risk for an outbreak of pneumococcal pneumonia because they are more likely to have weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, living in close quarters with others increases the risk of transmission of the bacteria that causes pneumococcal pneumonia.

Passive immunity refers to the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another. In this case, the newborn who has not received any immunizations yet represents an accurate example of passive immunity. The newborn relies on the antibodies passed from the mother through the placenta or breast milk for protection against diseases. These antibodies provide temporary immunity until the newborn's immune system develops its own antibodies.

Safe water and sewage systems, as well as milk pasteurization, have had the most success in protecting the public's health. These actions have been crucial in preventing the spread of waterborne diseases and improving overall sanitation. Safe water and sewage systems ensure that people have access to clean drinking water and proper disposal of waste, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses such as cholera and typhoid. Milk pasteurization, on the other hand, kills harmful bacteria in milk, preventing the transmission of diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis. These measures have significantly contributed to improving public health and reducing the incidence of infectious diseases.

Jacob Henle developed the scientific criteria of identifying the organism, isolating it, and observing if it produces disease. This method allows for the direct connection between a specific organism and the disease it causes. By isolating the organism and testing its ability to produce disease, researchers can determine if it is the causative agent of a particular illness. This approach helps in understanding the relationship between organisms and diseases and is crucial in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases in the United States today account for 25% of all physician visits and are still a major cause of death. This suggests that infectious diseases continue to have a significant impact on the healthcare system and mortality rates in the country. Despite advancements in healthcare and public health measures, infectious diseases remain a significant concern in the United States.

The mumps vaccine does not provide lifetime immunity. This means that even if individuals have received the vaccine in the past, they may still be susceptible to the virus as they grow older. This lack of lifelong immunity can contribute to mumps outbreaks among young adults, as their immunity from previous vaccinations may have waned over time. It highlights the importance of regular booster shots to maintain immunity against mumps and prevent outbreaks.

The elderly woman who recently emigrated with her family from Asia would be most at risk for contracting an infectious disease. This is because she has potentially been exposed to different pathogens in her home country that she may not have immunity against. Additionally, the change in environment and living conditions could weaken her immune system, making her more susceptible to infections. The other options, such as the woman taking antituberculosis medication, the full-time nurse, and the volunteer nurse aide, are all in professions or situations where they are likely to have some level of protection or knowledge about infectious diseases.

Immunization according to the recommended schedule is the best example of effective primary prevention. Immunization helps prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases by providing immunity against them. Following the recommended schedule ensures that individuals receive the necessary vaccines at the appropriate times, maximizing their protection. This proactive approach targets the root cause of the diseases and reduces the likelihood of transmission, making it an effective primary prevention strategy.

Antibiotics are important in reducing the spread of communicable diseases because they can shorten the duration of the contagious period in an infected person. By targeting and killing the infectious agent, antibiotics can help to control the replication and spread of the pathogen within the body. This reduces the time during which the infected person can transmit the disease to others, ultimately limiting the overall spread of the disease in the population.

The correct assumption is that the staff want to counsel him on safer sex practices regardless of the test results. This can be inferred from the fact that the young man is asked to come in to the public health department to get the results, indicating that the staff want to have a conversation with him. The assumption of the test being inconclusive or the result being negative or positive is not supported by the information given.

The correct answer is that the measles vaccine did not provide lifetime immunity. This means that individuals who received the vaccine were not fully protected against the measles virus for their entire lives. As a result, there were several measles epidemics in the 1990s because the vaccine's protection waned over time, leaving individuals susceptible to the virus.

The accurate definition of pathogenicity is how invasive and virulent the organism is. Pathogenicity refers to the ability of an organism to cause disease in a host. The more invasive and virulent the organism is, the more likely it is to cause illness in the host. This definition focuses on the characteristics of the organism itself, rather than factors such as mutation, agent presence, or host specificity.

The probable risk of the child getting measles in elementary school is low because most of the child's playmates have been immunized. Vaccination helps to create herd immunity, meaning that when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, it reduces the spread of the disease and protects those who are unable to be vaccinated. Since the child's playmates have been immunized, it decreases the likelihood of the child being exposed to measles.

The local health department is responsible for providing immunizations and direct care services. They are the primary agency at the local level that handles public health matters, including immunizations and direct care services. They work closely with the state health department and other organizations to ensure that the community's health needs are met. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention play a broader role in setting guidelines and providing support, but it is the local health department that directly delivers these services to the community.

Balancing individual autonomy against community protection is a major ethical and legal issue for all community/public healthcare professionals. This refers to the challenge of respecting an individual's right to make their own healthcare decisions while also considering the potential impact on the larger community. Healthcare professionals must navigate this delicate balance by ensuring that individuals have the autonomy to make choices about their own care, while also considering the potential harm or risk to the community. This issue raises questions about informed consent, public health interventions, and the responsibility of healthcare professionals to protect the well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole.

The correct answer is "The biologist decided to set up his living quarters in one of the dusty caves, which he first swept out." This is an example of indirect transmission because the biologist is potentially exposing himself to any pathogens or contaminants that may be present in the dusty cave. By sweeping out the cave, he is taking precautions to reduce the risk of transmission, but there is still a possibility of indirect transmission through contact with the dust or other environmental factors.

The young woman whose first child has just been enrolled in daycare would be most likely to experience illness because young children in daycare are often exposed to various viruses and bacteria, increasing the risk of illness. Additionally, as a new mother, she may experience fatigue and stress, which can weaken the immune system and make her more susceptible to getting sick.

The clients with indwelling portals of entry, such as Hickman catheters, should be the focus of infection control because these individuals have a higher risk of developing nosocomial infections. Indwelling catheters provide a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the body, increasing the chances of infection. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to prioritize infection control measures, such as proper catheter care and sterile techniques, to decrease the rate of nosocomial infections in this population.

Using the power to impose quarantine was one of the first public health measures legislated by the U.S. federal government. Quarantine is a practice of isolating individuals who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread. This measure was implemented to limit the transmission of diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever. By imposing quarantine, the government aimed to protect the public health and prevent the spread of infectious diseases within the population.