A nurse on an inpatient care unit is working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?
Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours
Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full
Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care
Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit’s supply stock
The Correct Answer is C
A. Opened bottles of normal saline should be discarded after 24 hours to prevent contamination, even if stored in a refrigerator. Keeping them longer could increase the risk of infection, making this practice unsafe.
B. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are three-quarters full, not completely full, to prevent needlestick injuries and ensure staff safety. This is a critical safety measure, not an appropriate cost-containment strategy.
C. Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is an appropriate cost-saving measure without compromising care. Clean gloves are sufficient for this procedure and help reduce unnecessary use of sterile supplies, which are more expensive.
D. Unused supplies from the bedside should not be returned to the supply stock due to infection control protocols. Once supplies have been taken to the bedside, they are considered contaminated and should be disposed of, not reused.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. Providing a rest period prior to meals may be appropriate for some clients, but it is not a standard technique for managing dysphagia during mealtime.
b. Elevating the head of the client’s bed to 30 degrees during mealtime helps prevent aspiration and facilitates swallowing in clients with dysphagia.
c. Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing is not recommended and may increase the risk of aspiration.
d. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal is not recommended for clients with dysphagia, as they may need fluids to help with swallowing and to prevent dehydration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A: The autonomy of the patient is paramount in medical ethics. If the client understands the risks and still refuses the procedure, their choice must be respected. It is a fundamental right for patients to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.
B: While a durable power of attorney for health care is crucial when a patient is incapacitated, it does not override the wishes of a competent patient. As long as the client is capable of making decisions, their consent is required for any procedure.
C: Although religious beliefs are respected, they do not serve as the primary deciding factor if the client is competent. The client's understanding and decision-making capacity are the key determinants in whether to proceed with the surgery.
D: The ethics committee can provide guidance on complex cases, but it cannot make decisions for a competent patient. The committee's role is advisory, and the final decision rests with the patient.
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