A nurse is assisting with staff education about hand hygiene.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Wear sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids.
Use alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled.
Artificial nails can be worn when performing direct client care.
Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D, Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
Hand hygiene is a critical practice in preventing the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. Here's why the other options are incorrect:
Wearing sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids in (option A) is incorrect because it is important for preventing the transmission of pathogens, but it is not directly related to hand hygiene. Hand hygiene refers to the cleaning of hands to remove pathogens, and sterile gloves provide a barrier to protect the healthcare worker and the patient.
B. Using an alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled in (option B) is not recommended. Alcohol-based cleansers are effective in killing many types of germs, but they are not as effective in removing visible dirt, blood, or body fluids. In such cases, it is important to wash hands with soap and water to thoroughly clean them.
Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care in (option C). They can harbor and transmit pathogens and make it more difficult to effectively clean hands. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthcare workers maintain short, clean, and natural nails without the use of artificial nails or nail extensions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When collecting data from a child with pertussis (whooping cough), the nurse should expect the following manifestations:
- Paroxysmal cough: The hallmark symptom of pertussis is a severe, uncontrollable cough that often occurs in bursts (paroxysms) followed by a characteristic "whooping" sound as the child inhales.
- Posttussive vomiting: The coughing spells can be so severe that they may lead to vomiting.
- Inspiratory whoop: As mentioned earlier, during the inhalation phase after a coughing episode, the child may make a distinctive whooping sound.
- Cyanosis: The prolonged coughing episodes can sometimes cause the child's face to turn blue (cyanosis) due to inadequate oxygen intake.
- Fatigue and exhaustion: The frequent and intense coughing episodes can be exhausting for the child, leading to fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Other possible manifestations of pertussis can include a mild fever, runny nose, and sneezing. However, these symptoms are less specific to pertussis and can be seen in other respiratory infections as well.

The manifestations listed in the question (beefy, red tongue; facial erythema; peeling of the hands and feet) are not typically associated with pertussis and may be indicative of other conditions or diseases. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Chemotherapy treatments, which are used to treat cancer, can suppress the immune system and weaken the body's ability to respond to vaccines. As a result, receiving a live attenuated vaccine like the varicella immunization can pose a risk of severe complications for individuals undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, it is contraindicated to administer the varicella vaccine in this case.
Medications for a cardiac anomaly, clear rhinorrhea, and two diarrhea stools in the last day are not contraindications for receiving a varicella immunization.
While medications for a cardiac anomaly and certain medical conditions may require special consideration or precautions when administering vaccines, they are not absolute contraindications for the varicella vaccine. The decision to administer the vaccine would depend on the individual's specific circumstances and the healthcare provider's assessment. Clear rhinorrhea (runny nose) and two diarrhea stools in the last day are considered minor illnesses and do not contraindicate the varicella vaccine. Generally, mild illnesses without fever or systemic symptoms do not pose a significant risk when receiving vaccines. However, it is always important to assess the overall health status of the individual and consult with a healthcare provider if there are concerns.
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