A nurse is educating a child and family about how to prevent health care-associated infections (HAIs). Which of the following statements by the nurse would be most appropriate to include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer, as standard precautions are the minimum infection control practices that should be used for all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or infection status. They include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices, safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces, and respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. A private room may also help reduce the exposure of other patients or health care workers to the infectious agent.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer, as contact precautions are additional infection control practices that should be used for patients who have infections that can be spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. They include wearing gloves and gowns, using dedicated equipment, and limiting patient movement outside the room. A semi-private room may also increase the risk of cross-contamination between patients.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer, as airborne precautions are additional infection control practices that should be used for patients who have infections that can be spread by small droplets that remain in the air for long periods of time and can be inhaled by others. They include wearing a respirator, placing the patient in a negative pressure room with an air filtration system, and limiting patient movement outside the room.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer, as droplet precautions are additional infection control practices that should be used for patients who have infections that can be spread by large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking and can be transmitted to others who are within 3 feet of the patient. They include wearing a surgical mask, placing the patient in a private room or cohorting with other patients with the same infection, and limiting patient movement outside the room. A positive pressure room may also increase the risk of spreading the infection to other areas of the hospital.

Choice A reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through hand contact between the health care workers and the patient or their equipment.

Choice B reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms through self-inoculation of the mucous membranes with unwashed hands.

Choice C reason: This statement by the nurse may not be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it may not be feasible or realistic for the patient or family to keep their room clean and tidy and dispose of any waste properly. This may be more of a responsibility of the environmental services staff.

Choice D reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps detect and treat any HAIs early and prevent complications or spread of infection.

Choice E reason: This statement by the nurse would be appropriate to include in the teaching, as it helps reduce the exposure of the patient to potential sources of infection from visitors and protect them from transmitting any infection to others.

Questions on Safety measures