The correct answer is (A). The transmission of rabies occurs from direct contact with a pathogen-containing substance, often blood. Indirect contact (B) would be when you touch a contaminated surface and then your own mucous membranes. Airborne transmission (C) is when the pathogen is transmitted directly on the air. Droplet transmission (D) is when the pathogen is contained within a droplet of mucus or saliva. This is different than airborne transmission.
The correct answer is (D). TB is a droplet-borne infection caused by a bacterium that can be transmitted from one person to the next when a person with the disease coughs or sneezes. Hepatitis B is transmitted only through direct contact. Fungal pneumonia (B) is not communicable (spread from one person to the next). Scabies is a parasite and can be transmitted only through direct or indirect contact with the patient. A surgical mask will not prevent transmission.
The correct answer is (B). C-diff is the most common and severe form of antibiotic-related diarrhea. It is known for its particularly watery consistency. Although VRE (C) can be caused by the overuse of antibiotics, fluroquinolone use, such as levofloxacin, is more closely correlated with a C-diff infection rather than VRE. Because the patient did not travel out of the country, amoebic dysentery (A) is highly unlikely. MRSA (D) is not typically associated with infections leading to diarrhea and is more common as a skin infection.
The correct answer is (A). NSS of up to 1 L in a patient without signs of CHF is the initial treatment because the patient is showing signs of dehydration. Lactated Ringer solution (B) is not preferred because it may raise already elevated potassium levels. Pressors (C) and (D) are not appropriate until after at least 2 L of NSS has failed to raise the blood pressure, or the patient begins showing signs of fluid overload.