A man who has remediated water-damaged basements for over thirty years presents to an acute care clinic for ongoing breathing problems. He has never smoked, has never been exposed to asbestos, and is afebrile. The nurse knows the man is most likely suffering from what condition?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis or extrinsic allergic alveolitis is an inflammatory reaction to environmental aerosolized substances. The most likely cause of the man’s allergies is from a microorganism (e.g. Bacillus subtilis, Cephalosporium) that he became sensitized to while working in basement remediation. His lack of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoke make it less likely his breathing problems are due to mesothelioma or COPD. MRSA pneumonia is uncommon and, once it occurs, is very aggressive. The man would have a fever, at least.

A man who has remediated water-damaged basements for over thirty ...

NCLEX Practice
Categories
Safety and Infection Control
View Question

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 10

Topics: Respiratory Immunity Infection Inflammation Lifestyle Choices and High Risk Behavior

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Safety and Infection Control Questions

After reviewing the patient’s chart, which order(s) require clarification? Review the patient’s chart, then select all that apply.

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select All
Difficulty: 10

The nurse is asked to help properly dispose of the patient’s soiled linens. Which question is most important for the nurse to ask?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 7

The nurse is participating in a project to reduce infection of multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO). Which type of surveillance will assist in this endeavor?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 2

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Safety and Infection Control Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX