A nurse is teaching a newly hired group of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) about infectioncontrol measures on the unit. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care?
Properly dispose of contaminated equipment
Discard used syringes into appropriate containers
Change soiled linens
Perform hand hygiene
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Contaminated equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, or needles, should be disposed of in designated containers or bags to prevent exposure or injury to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.
Choice B reason: Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Used syringes, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be discarded into punctureresistant, leakproof, and labeled containers to prevent needlestick injuries or exposure to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.
Choice C reason: Changing soiled linens is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Soiled linens, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be changed and handled with gloves and minimal agitation to prevent contamination or aerosolization of pathogens. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.
Choice D reason: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care, because it reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands of the health care worker, which are the most common source and mode of transmission of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with the client, after contact with potentially infectious materials, after removing gloves, and before and after performing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene can be performed by washing with soap and water or using alcoholbased hand rubs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Cleansing the skin around the pins is the action that the nurse takes first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a procedure that involves removing any dirt, debris, or secretions from the pin sites, which can help prevent or treat infection, inflammation, or pain. Cleansing the skin around the pins is a priority intervention, as it can reduce the risk of complications, such as osteomyelitis, sepsis, or pin loosening.
Choice B reason: Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is a procedure that involves obtaining a sample of the pus from the pin sites and sending it to the laboratory for analysis, which can help identify the type and source of infection. Collecting a culture of the purulent fluid is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a sterile technique.
Choice C reason: Administering an antibiotic is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Administering an antibiotic is a procedure that involves giving the client an antimicrobial agent, which can help fight or prevent infection. Administering an antibiotic is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a proper route.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is not the action that the nurse takes first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is a procedure that involves teaching the client how to move and strengthen the muscles and joints of the limb in traction, which can help prevent or treat atrophy, contracture, or thrombosis. Instructing the client to complete exercises of the affected extremity is an important intervention, but it should be done after cleansing the skin around the pins, and with a medical order and a safe technique.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Use gentle brushing and flossing techniques for clients with fragile mucosa is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Gentle brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque, gingivitis, and infection in the oral cavity, especially for clients with fragile mucosa due to dehydration, medication, or radiation. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice B reason: Handle dentures with care is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Handling dentures with care can prevent damage, loss, or misplacement of the dentures, which can affect the client's comfort, appearance, and nutrition. However, this intervention is not as urgent as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice C reason: Position the client on one side with the head turned towards you is an important nursing intervention, but it is not the priority. Positioning the client on one side with the head turned towards you can facilitate the access and visibility of the oral cavity, as well as prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris. However, this intervention is not as effective as having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside.
Choice D reason: Have a suction apparatus ready at the bedside is the priority nursing intervention, because it can prevent the aspiration of saliva, blood, or debris, which can cause choking, pneumonia, or respiratory distress. Having a suction apparatus ready at the bedside can allow the nurse to quickly and safely remove any secretions or foreign materials from the oral cavity or the airway of the unconscious client.
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