A charge nurse is reviewing ethical principles with a group of staff nurses. Which of the following statements by a staff nurse indicates an understanding of ethical principles?

A. Disinfecting hands using an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic is not effective against Clostridium difficile spores. C. difficile is a bacterium that forms spores, which are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Handwashing with soap and water is recommended for effective removal of the spores.

B. Wearing an N95 respirator is not specifically indicated for caring for clients with Clostridium difficile. The primary mode of transmission for C. difficile is fecal-oral, and standard precautions, including gloves and gowns, are usually sufficient. N95 respirators are more commonly used for airborne precautions.

C. Using diluted bleach to clean soiled equipment is the correct instruction. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants, but bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is effective in killing C. difficile spores. Diluted bleach solutions are recommended for cleaning surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated with C. difficile.

D. Providing a room with negative-pressure airflow is not typically necessary for clients with Clostridium difficile. Standard precautions, including appropriate cleaning and disinfection, are generally sufficient to prevent the spread of C. difficile in healthcare settings.

A.While it is important to have nonperishable food items, they should generally be checked and rotated every 6 months to a year to ensure they remain within expiration dates and to maintain freshness. Depending on storage conditions, some items may degrade sooner, so this timeframe may be insufficient.

B.In a disaster situation, access to pharmacies may be limited, so having a backup supply of essential nonprescription medications like pain relievers, antacids, and allergy medications is essential. This ensures that individuals have what they need to manage minor health issues without needing immediate access to stores.

C.Current recommendations typically advise having enough supplies for at least 3 days (72 hours) to a week, as this is generally the period required before external help may arrive during a disaster. While gathering supplies for two weeks can be helpful, it may not be feasible for everyone due to storage limitations.

D.The recommended amount of water for emergency situations is 1 gallon (approximately 3.8 liters) per person per day, which accounts for drinking and basic hygiene needs. Two liters would not be sufficient for most people’s daily water needs during an emergency.