Which interventions should the nurse implement to prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Wearing a gown and gloves is essential when handling chemotherapy drugs to prevent exposure to cytotoxic agents. These drugs are hazardous, causing skin irritation or systemic toxicity upon contact or inhalation. Personal protective equipment ensures nurse safety by minimizing direct contact with drugs during preparation, administration, or disposal, adhering to oncology safety protocols.

Choice B reason: Administering chemotherapy in a positive pressure room is incorrect. Positive pressure rooms are used for immunocompromised patients to prevent infections, not for chemotherapy administration. Chemotherapy requires a controlled environment, often with negative pressure for preparation, to contain hazardous drug aerosols, ensuring safety for staff and other patients.

Choice C reason: Disposing of chemotherapy waste in regular trash bins is unsafe and incorrect. Cytotoxic drugs and contaminated materials must be disposed of in designated hazardous waste containers to prevent environmental contamination and exposure to healthcare workers or the public. Proper disposal follows strict regulatory guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.

Choice D reason: Using a regular IV pump for chemotherapy is not always appropriate. Many chemotherapy drugs require specialized pumps for precise delivery rates to prevent toxicity or infusion reactions. Regular pumps may lack the accuracy needed for cytotoxic agents, increasing the risk of dosing errors or complications, making this an unsafe practice.

Choice A reason: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, reduces gastric acid production by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in parietal cells. This decreases acid-related damage to the gastric mucosa, promoting healing of peptic ulcers. It is highly effective for H. pylori-associated ulcers when combined with antibiotics, making it a standard choice for peptic ulcer treatment.

Choice B reason: Ranitidine, an H2 receptor antagonist, reduces acid secretion by blocking histamine receptors on parietal cells. While effective for mild ulcers, it is less potent than proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole for severe cases or H. pylori-related ulcers. It is not the first-line choice for peptic ulcer disease in most modern treatment protocols.

Choice C reason: Sucralfate forms a protective barrier over the ulcer, shielding it from acid and pepsin, promoting healing. It does not reduce acid production, unlike proton pump inhibitors. While useful as an adjunct, it is not a proton pump inhibitor, so it would not be the anticipated medication in this context.

Choice D reason: Metronidazole is an antibiotic used in H. pylori eradication regimens, often combined with proton pump inhibitors and other antibiotics. It does not reduce gastric acid or directly treat ulcers. Its role is to eliminate bacterial infection, not to inhibit acid production, so it is not classified as a proton pump inhibitor.