What is the most important action to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting?
Clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant wipes
Wear gloves during all direct contact with clients
Wash hands before and after contact with each client
Clean equipment used for client care with disinfectant wipes
The Correct Answer is C
A. Clean frequently touched surfaces with disinfectant wipes: Environmental cleaning reduces the microbial load on surfaces, lowering the risk of indirect transmission. While important, it is not as effective as interrupting direct transmission at the source.
B. Wear gloves during all direct contact with clients: Gloves protect against exposure to bodily fluids and pathogens, but they are not a substitute for proper hand hygiene. Microorganisms can still be transmitted if hands are not washed before and after glove use.
C. Wash hands before and after contact with each client: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of microorganisms in healthcare settings. It removes transient pathogens acquired from clients, surfaces, or equipment and significantly reduces healthcare-associated infections.
D. Clean equipment used for client care with disinfectant wipes: Disinfecting shared equipment helps prevent indirect transmission, but it is supplementary to hand hygiene. Equipment cleaning alone does not address pathogens transmitted via direct contact.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Monitor the wound for any redness or purulent drainage: Regular assessment helps identify early signs of infection, but it does not actively prevent infection. Monitoring is important for detection, not risk reduction.
B. Assess body temperature at regularly scheduled intervals: Measuring temperature can help detect systemic infection, yet it does not prevent the development of a wound infection. It is a monitoring intervention rather than a preventive action.
C. Apply heat to the surgical site to increase blood flow: Applying heat may promote circulation, but excessive or inappropriate heat can increase inflammation or tissue damage. Heat is not a standard preventive measure for surgical site infections.
D. Utilize strict aseptic technique during dressing changes: Aseptic technique minimizes the introduction of pathogens into the wound during dressing changes. Proper hand hygiene, sterile supplies, and careful handling directly reduce the risk of infection and are considered a primary preventive measure in postoperative care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Maintain intravenous (IV) access: IV access affects line management during movement but does not determine whether the client can safely bear weight or assist with a transfer. Tubing can be secured and managed during mobility. This order does not guide the transfer method or level of assistance required.
B. No weight bearing to the right lower leg: Weight-bearing status directly determines how a transfer should be performed and whether assistive devices or additional staff are required. Ignoring this restriction can result in injury, delayed healing, or surgical complications. This order is critical for safe transfer planning.
C. Change wound dressing twice daily: Dressing frequency relates to wound management rather than mobility or transfer technique. While wounds should be protected during movement, this order does not affect how the transfer is carried out. It is not a determining factor in transfer planning.
D. Perform skin assessment every 12 hours: Routine skin assessment supports pressure injury prevention but does not influence immediate mobility decisions. This order does not dictate positioning, weight bearing, or transfer assistance needs. Transfer safety depends more on musculoskeletal and mobility restrictions.
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