An assistive personnel (AP) asks a nurse what precautions he should take when measuring the vital signs of a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"Wear a mask when entering the client's room."
"Gloves are not necessary if you wash your hands well."
"Place a mask on the client when you check her vital signs."
"Wear a gown whenever you come in close contact with the client."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain infectious pathogens, such as those causing pneumonia. It protects both the client from potential pathogens carried by the AP and the AP from potential exposure to the client's respiratory secretions.
B. Gloves should be worn when there is a risk of contact with the client's body fluids, including respiratory secretions, to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Hand hygiene (washing hands well) is important but does not replace the need for gloves in situations where there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids.
C. Placing a mask on the client would not typically be required unless the client is coughing excessively and the mask is intended to contain respiratory droplets. However, the focus of precautions should primarily be on protecting the AP.
D. Wearing a gown may be necessary if there is a risk of contamination with respiratory secretions or if the AP anticipates contact with the client's body fluids. However, it is not specifically required for routine vital sign measurement unless there is visible contamination or extensive contact with the client's secretions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is a crucial step to prevent aspiration (the inhalation of oral contents into the lungs). Turning the client on their side helps to facilitate drainage and prevents oral fluids and debris from entering the airway during oral care.
B. Using a stiff toothbrush can be harmful to the gums and oral tissues, especially for clients who are unresponsive and may not be able to indicate discomfort. A soft-bristled toothbrush or moistened gauze is recommended for cleaning the teeth and gums to prevent injury and maintain oral hygiene effectively.
C. Applying petroleum jelly or a similar barrier ointment helps to moisturize and protect the lips from dryness and cracking, which can be common in clients who are unresponsive and may not be able to moisten their lips independently.
D. Using the thumb and index finger to keep the client's mouth open is gentle and effective. This technique allows the nurse to visualize and clean the oral cavity adequately without causing discomfort or injury to the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Contact precautions primarily focus on preventing direct transmission of pathogens through physical contact. Therefore, wearing a mask is not typically required unless the client is also suspected or known to have respiratory infections that require airborne precautions. The standard precautions include wearing gloves and a gown when entering the client's room.
B. This is a key principle of contact precautions. The nurse should ensure that equipment (such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes) and supplies (like thermometers) used for the client are dedicated solely to that client and are not shared with other clients. This helps prevent the spread of pathogens to other clients or areas of the healthcare facility.
C. Contact precautions involve limiting the client's movement outside of their room to essential purposes only. Allowing the client to leave the room frequently increases the risk of spreading infectious agents to other areas of the healthcare facility and to other individuals.
D. Potted plants can harbor soil that may contain microorganisms. Contact precautions focus on preventing direct transmission through physical contact, and while soil is not typically a medium for transmission of common healthcare-associated pathogens, removing plants helps maintain cleanliness and reduces potential reservoirs for contamination.
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