title: Preconceptions about the infection process among prenursing students.
abstract: Two hundred seven prenursing students in a large university-based nursing college participated in a study about their preconceptions concerning the infection process. Most students had a poor understanding of the distinction between bacteria and viruses and had little knowledge about the immune system or the mechanism of action of antibiotics. Instructors can use knowledge of student preconceptions to create more relevant learning experiences.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX. Electronic address: adthomas@uta.edu.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Dombrowsky
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Frye
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Conceptual change learning model; Nursing education