The nurse is teaching a client about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?
Washes hands before handling the needle and syringe.
Wears gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe.
Dons a face mask before administering the medication.
Removes the needle before discarding used syringes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Hand hygiene is the foundation of Standard Precautions and the single most effective action to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Performing handwashing or using an alcohol‑based hand rub immediately before preparing or administering an injection removes transient microorganisms acquired from touching surfaces and protects both the client and the environment from contamination
Choice B reason: While wearing gloves during handling and disposal of contaminated sharps is recommended whenever there is potential contact with blood or body fluids, it is a secondary barrier. Reliance on gloves alone is insufficient because gloves can have micro‑perforations and are removed after use, making hand hygiene before and after glove use the priority
Choice C reason: Donning a face mask before administering the medication is not a necessary action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. A face mask is only required when there is a risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents, such as when caring for a client with respiratory infections. It is not needed for self-administration of medications, unless the medication is aerosolized or nebulized.
Choice D reason: Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not a safe action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. It increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and contamination. The needle and syringe should be disposed of as a single unit in a puncture-resistant container.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct action as it prevents the risk of spillage, scalding, or infection. The basin of water should not be placed on the bed, but on a bedside table or stand. The nurse should also check the temperature of the water and the condition of the client's foot.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect action as it may cause irritation or allergic reaction. The skin cream should not be added to the basin of water, but applied after the foot is dried and inspected. The nurse should also verify the type and amount of skin cream to be used.
Choice C reason: This is an important action, but not the priority. The UAP should dry between the client's toes completely to prevent fungal growth or maceration. The nurse should also monitor the UAP's technique and provide feedback.
Choice D reason: This is an inaccurate statement. The procedure of soaking the client's foot in a basin of warm water is not damaging to the skin, if done properly and safely. The nurse should explain the rationale and benefits of the procedure to the UAP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying the client's positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. It helps to prevent the collapse of the upper airway and maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of respiratory depression and apnea that may be caused by the opioid analgesic.
Choice B reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is a safety measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to prevent the client from falling or injuring themselves, but it does not address the client's respiratory status or the effect of the medication.
Choice C reason: Removing dentures, or other oral appliances is a comfort measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to prevent the client from choking or aspirating on the foreign objects, but it does not improve the client's airway patency or ventilation.
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is a supportive measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to facilitate the client's breathing and drainage of secretions, but it does not prevent the obstruction of the airway or the respiratory depression that may occur with the opioid analgesic.

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