A nurse is preparing to obtain a client's vital signs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when washing their hands?
Rinse their forearms with running water before applying soap.
Hold their hands above elbow level while washing and rinsing.
Generate a lather by rubbing their hands together vigorously for 5 seconds.
Turn off the faucet with a clean paper towel after drying hands.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
Rinsing forearms with running water before applying soap is not a recommended step in the handwashing procedure. The primary step is to wet the hands, apply soap, and create a lather.
Choice B rationale:
Holding hands above elbow level while washing and rinsing is not a standard practice for handwashing. The hands should be washed thoroughly, and the focus is on scrubbing the hands, not their positioning.
Choice C rationale:
Generating a lather by rubbing hands together vigorously for 5 seconds is insufficient for effective handwashing. Proper handwashing involves rubbing hands together for at least 20 seconds to ensure thorough cleaning.
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer. After washing and drying hands, turning off the faucet with a clean paper towel is recommended to avoid recontaminating the clean hands. Touching the faucet directly with clean hands could potentially transfer pathogens back onto the hands.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice d. Notify the charge nurse of the client’s concerns.
Choice A rationale:
Offering information about alternative therapies is not appropriate in this situation. The nurse’s role is to ensure the client understands the current procedure and to address their concerns, not to suggest alternatives unless directed by the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Contacting a family member to convince the client to change their mind is not ethical. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made by the client, based on their understanding and consent, not under pressure from family members.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the client the benefits of the surgery might be helpful, but it does not address the client’s lack of understanding about the procedure. The nurse should ensure the client has all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the charge nurse of the client’s concerns is the correct action. The charge nurse can facilitate further discussion with the surgeon to ensure the client receives the necessary information and support to make an informed decision. This ensures that the client’s autonomy and right to informed consent are respected.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.
Choice A rationale:
Count the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously with another nurse. Rationale: In the presence of an irregular heart rate, a pulse deficit might indicate a discrepancy between the peripheral (radial) and central (apical) pulses. Counting the pulses simultaneously with another nurse helps to accurately assess this deficit. By comparing the two pulse rates, the nurse can identify if there is a difference, which might indicate inadequate circulation or irregular heartbeats that aren't effectively transmitting to the peripheral arteries.
Choice B rationale:
Calculate the client's pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Rationale: While calculating the pulse rate for 30 seconds and then multiplying by 2 is a valid method to determine the heart rate, it doesn't address the specific concern of a pulse deficit. This approach might help in assessing the overall heart rate but doesn't provide information about potential irregularities or discrepancies between peripheral and central pulses.
Choice C rationale:
Assist the client to a side-lying position. Rationale: Assisting the client to a side-lying position doesn't directly relate to the assessment of a pulse deficit. The position of the client wouldn't significantly impact the assessment of irregular heart rates or pulse deficits.
Choice D rationale:
Auscultate the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point. Rationale: Auscultating the area of the client's chest over the Erb's point is a technique used to assess heart sounds, particularly the S2 heart sound. This technique is not relevant to assessing a pulse deficit. It can provide information about heart valve function but doesn't help in evaluating a discrepancy between peripheral and central pulses.
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