what are the key differences between viral and bacterial infections

ATI LPN

ATI NCLEX PN Predictor Test

1. What are the key differences between viral and bacterial infections?

A. Viral infections typically last longer than bacterial infections.
B. Bacterial infections typically cause high fever.
C. Both bacterial and viral infections cause rashes.
D. Viral infections cause sudden onset of symptoms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Viral infections typically last longer than bacterial infections. This is because viral infections often require the body's immune system to fight off the virus, leading to a longer duration of illness. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, often cause a rapid onset of symptoms due to the toxins produced by bacteria. Choice B is incorrect because not all bacterial infections cause high fever. Choice C is incorrect because rashes can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections, but not always. Choice D is incorrect because while some viral infections may cause a sudden onset of symptoms, it is not a key distinguishing factor between viral and bacterial infections.

2. What are the primary differences between left-sided and right-sided heart failure?

A. Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema
B. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Systemic edema
C. Left-sided: Systemic edema; Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion
D. Right-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Left-sided: Heart failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Left-sided: Pulmonary congestion; Right-sided: Systemic edema." Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion, which manifests as symptoms like shortness of breath and cough. On the other hand, right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion and edema, often presenting as swelling in the legs and abdomen due to fluid retention. Choice B is incorrect because it swaps the features of left-sided and right-sided heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as it also incorrectly switches the characteristics of the two types of heart failure. Choice D is incorrect because it inaccurately associates left-sided heart failure with pulmonary congestion and right-sided heart failure with heart failure itself, which is not a distinguishing feature.

3. Which of the following is the best intervention for managing dehydration?

A. Administer antiemetics to prevent nausea
B. Monitor fluid and electrolyte levels
C. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
D. Administer intravenous fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best intervention for managing dehydration is to monitor fluid and electrolyte levels. This approach allows healthcare providers to assess the severity of dehydration, determine appropriate fluid replacement therapy, and prevent complications. Administering antiemetics (Choice A) may help with nausea but does not address the underlying issue of dehydration. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids (Choice C) may be appropriate for mild dehydration but can be inadequate for moderate to severe cases. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is crucial for severe dehydration or cases where oral rehydration is ineffective, but monitoring fluid and electrolyte levels should precede this intervention.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Administer the medication into the client's nondominant arm.
B. Pull the skin laterally before inserting the needle.
C. Massage the injection site after administration.
D. Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when administering enoxaparin subcutaneously is to pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger. Pinching the skin helps to lift the subcutaneous tissue, reducing the risk of injecting into the muscle. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is not relevant as the injection site for enoxaparin is typically in the abdomen or thigh, not the arm. Choice B is incorrect as pulling the skin laterally is not a recommended technique for subcutaneous injections. Choice C is also incorrect as massaging the injection site after administration can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

5. A client is postoperative following a hip replacement. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

A. Encourage the client to bend at the waist
B. Maintain the client in a high-Fowler's position
C. Place a pillow between the client's legs
D. Avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is beneficial after hip replacement surgery to maintain proper alignment and prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. This position helps keep the hip in a neutral position, reducing the risk of dislocation. Encouraging the client to bend at the waist (Choice A) can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Maintaining the client in a high-Fowler's position (Choice B) and avoiding placing a pillow under the client's knees (Choice D) do not directly address the need to maintain proper alignment of the hip joint to prevent dislocation.