A charge nurse is concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures.
Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections
Revise the current policy for catheter care
Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections
The Correct Answer is D
The correct first action for the charge nurse to take in response to an increase in facility-acquired catheter infections is to identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections. This is because understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial before implementing any changes or interventions. By identifying the factors contributing to the increase in infections, the nurse can then develop targeted strategies to address these specific issues.
Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not the first actions to take:
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Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: While training is important, it should be based on identified needs. Without first understanding the precipitating factors of the increased infections, the training may not address the actual issues at hand.
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Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: This could be a subsequent step after identifying the precipitating factors. Meeting with providers without concrete data or understanding of the problem may lead to ineffective solutions.
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Revise the current policy for catheter care: Policy revision should be based on evidence and identified needs. It would be premature to revise policies without first understanding what factors are contributing to the increase in infections.
In summary, the first step in addressing a problem is always to understand its causes. Only then can effective solutions be developed and implemented.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because after puncturing the skin and the vein, the nurse needs to advance the catheter into the vein with the finger hub to ensure proper placement and prevent complications such as infiltration or phlebitis.
Choice A is wrong because flushing the catheter with saline should be done after securing the catheter to the skin with a transparent dressing and attaching a primed piece of extension tubing to the catheter.
Choice B is wrong because retracting the stylet should be done after advancing the catheter into the vein and releasing the tourniquet from the client’s arm.
Choice C is wrong because releasing the tourniquet should be done after advancing the catheter into the vein and before retracting the stylet.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Substitute tobacco use with an electronic cigarette Electronic cigarette, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are not recommended as a primary treatment for nicotine withdrawal. While they may be considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products, their long-term safety and effectiveness in helping individuals quit smoking are still a subject of debate and research. It is generally better to opt for proven nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, or other medications approved by healthcare providers for smoking cessation.
Choice B reason:
Limitin use of nicotine gum to 6 months is the correct choice. When discussing treatment options with a client experiencing nicotine withdrawal, the nurse should include the information that the use of nicotine gum should be limited to 6 months. Nicotine gum is a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) used to help individuals quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
However, prolonged use of nicotine gum can lead to its own dependence on nicotine, which is counterproductive to the goal of quitting smoking altogether. The use of NRT is typically recommended for a limited duration, and the goal is to gradually reduce the dosage over time until the individual can comfortably quit nicotine use altogether.
Choice C reason:
Using progressively larger nicotine patches Using progressively larger nicotine patches is not a recommended approach for nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine patches are available in different strengths, and the appropriate dosage should be determined based on the individual's smoking history and nicotine dependence. Starting with the appropriate strength and gradually reducing the dosage over time is the preferred approach to help clients quit smoking.
Choice D reason:
Using up to 40 nicotine lozenges per day the use of nicotine lozenges should be guided by the instructions provided with the product or as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is not advisable to exceed the recommended dosage. Using excessive amounts of nicotine lozenges or any other NRT product can lead to nicotine toxicity and other adverse effects.
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