Two nurses on a unit each contend that the other is not doing a fair share of work. The conflict is affecting the functioning of the unit. A charge nurse should approach this conflict in which of the following ways?

Choice A rationale:

Placing the sterile package with the top flap opening away from the body is the correct choice. This technique helps maintain the sterility of the contents by preventing potential contamination from the nurse's body and clothing.

Choice B rationale:

Pinching the flap on the inside of the package first to open it is not a recommended sterile technique. It could potentially introduce contamination from the nurse's hand into the sterile field when pinching the inner flap.

Choice C rationale:

Reaching over the package to open the left flap is not the ideal technique. Reaching over the sterile field can introduce the risk of contamination, as the nurse's arm and body might come into contact with the sterile supplies.

Choice D rationale:

Pulling the last flap of the package away from the body is not the most effective technique. This action could potentially lead to the nurse's hand coming close to or over the sterile field, increasing the risk of contamination.

Answer is: Wear an N95 respirator mask when in the client’s room.

Explanation: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that can spread through the air. The most common way of transmission is through respiratory droplets that are expelled when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks1. Therefore, the charge nurse should expect the newly licensed nurse to take precautions to protect themselves and the client from exposure to TB. One of these precautions is to wear an N95 respirator mask when in the client’s room2. An N95 respirator mask is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that filters out at least 95% of airborne particles, including bacteria and viruses3. It can prevent the nurse from inhaling or spreading TB to others.

The other options are incorrect because:

Place the client on droplet precautions: Droplet precautions are not enough to prevent transmission of TB, as they only protect against respiratory droplets that are less than 5 micrometers in diameter1. However, TB bacteria can be found in larger droplets that can travel farther and infect people who are not in direct contact with the source1.
Place the client in a room with positive-pressure airflow: Positive-pressure airflow is not effective against TB, as it does not reduce the concentration of airborne particles or prevent them from escaping through cracks and gaps in doors and windows. Moreover, positive-pressure airflow can create negative pressure in other areas of the facility, which can increase the risk of cross-contamination.
Wear a surgical mask when taking the client out of the room: A surgical mask is not sufficient to protect against TB, as it only filters out particles that are larger than 5 micrometers in diameter3. It also does not fit properly on the face and may allow some particles to pass through3.