Risk of infection

ERNurse752, RN · Nov 21, 2008

I'd choose MRSA since there's a vaccine for Hep B and a way to verify immunity to it. Plus you'd typically get it from a needlestick or bood exposure, and you can get MRSA from anywhere.

Conejita, BSN · Nov 21, 2008

I would say MRSA just because most health care workers are immunized against Hep B. But that is just a guess, I have no idea about the stats. If Hep C was in the running though, I might be tempted to pick that.

StrwbryblndRN · Nov 21, 2008

Definitely MRSA. Hep A in not as common as MRSA at least in the US. HIv does not need to be on contact precautions unlike MRSA. Even though HIV acquired through blood, standard precautions is all that is needed. FOr Hep B, vaccinations are given,.

Correct me if I am wrong with anything.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Nov 21, 2008

I would still say HepB, because it can live on fomites for something like 7 days and everybody does not respond to the vax.

Now, if the question had something about being a carrier, I would say MRSA in a heartbeat.

PinkNBlue, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2008

I would think MRSA as well. Some don't even know they're exposed. That's an interesting question. Let us know the answer if you get a chance!

Hilinenursegrl · Nov 22, 2008

The answer is Hep B. Yes there is a vaccination for it, but most facilities don't require it, Also it is the one we would be most at risk for because it is the most widespread I believe.

Music in My Heart · Nov 22, 2008

Silly question with a subjective answer. Only the teacher knows what they *think* is the *best* answer.

Practice universal precautions and contact/respiratory/isolation as indicated.

I'm amazed at the inane questions that show up on exam after exam. Lazy teachers in my experience.

K os · Nov 22, 2008

Thanks to all for your responses.

Low and behold, the correct answer (at least in my instructors opinion) was Hep B. Her rationale was that many health care workers are not Hep B vaccinated and that Hep B is a "risky" disease (eventhough that is not what the question was asking).

"Music in my heart" I agree with your statement. It is a bad test question because it is subjective in nature. When asked about her reasoning, she said that a percentage of HCW are not vaccinated for Hep B. Those stats don't really apply to the way the question was written. She said that she mentioned it in class although it was not included in the class notes that she posts online.

As a nursing student, I am required to be vaccinated for Hep B annually to participate in clinical rotations. I made the assumption (dumb me) that all HCW were required to be vaccinated as well.

justme1972 · Nov 22, 2008

I would say Hep A is the right anwer b/c it's transmitted via oral-fecal. Not all nurses are as methodic about handwashing as they could be and you don't necessarily have to change a bedpan to get this.

justme1972 · Nov 22, 2008

Thanks to all for your responses.
Low and behold, the correct answer (at least in my instructors opinion) was Hep B. Her rationale was that many health care workers are not Hep B vaccinated and that Hep B is a "risky" disease (eventhough that is not what the question was asking).
"Music in my heart" I agree with your statement. It is a bad test question because it is subjective in nature. When asked about her reasoning, she said that a percentage of HCW are not vaccinated for Hep B. Those stats don't really apply to the way the question was written. She said that she mentioned it in class although it was not included in the class notes that she posts online.
As a nursing student, I am required to be vaccinated for Hep B annually to participate in clinical rotations. I made the assumption (dumb me) that all HCW were required to be vaccinated as well.

I would disagree with your instructor on the rationale that while true, not all heathcare workers are vaccinated for Hep B, Hep B is also transmitted the same way HIV infections are...through body fluids...and no one has a vaccination against HIV.