Which statement(s) uphold the principles of sterility? Select all that apply.
Sterile items can be used if they touch clean surfaces.
Sterile objects can be handled with clean gloves.
Sterile objects must remain within the sterile field.
Sterile fields must always be kept in sight to be sterile.
Sterile items must be kept above waist level.
Correct Answer : C,D,E
A. Sterile items can be used if they touch clean surfaces: Contact with clean but nonsterile surfaces contaminates sterile items. Sterility requires that items only touch other sterile surfaces or instruments. Using contaminated items violates aseptic principles.
B. Sterile objects can be handled with clean gloves: Clean gloves are not sterile and can transfer microorganisms to sterile items. Only sterile gloves or sterile instruments should touch sterile objects to maintain asepsis.
C. Sterile objects must remain within the sterile field: Sterile items must stay within the designated sterile field to prevent contamination. Movement outside the field exposes items to microorganisms from the environment or nonsterile surfaces.
D. Sterile fields must always be kept in sight to be sterile: Maintaining visual control ensures the field is not accidentally contaminated. Out-of-sight fields may be inadvertently compromised by environmental exposure or improper handling.
E. Sterile items must be kept above waist level: Sterile items below waist level are considered contaminated because of potential contact with clothing, floors, or nonsterile surfaces. Keeping items above waist level supports aseptic technique.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Low risk: Using the Fall Risk Screening Tool, the client scores 3 points for a fall in the past year, 0 points for age (56 years), 1 point for urinary frequency (as the client was walking to the bathroom when they tripped), 0 points for a steady gait, and 0 points for mental status. The total score is 4 points, which places the client in the low-risk category (0–5 points).
B. Moderate risk: Moderate risk requires 6–9 points. With a total score of 4, the client does not meet this threshold.
C. High risk: High risk is defined as 10 or more points, well above the client’s total score.
D. Very high risk: The tool does not include a “very high risk” category; the highest category is “high risk” (≥10 points).
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices
• Standard precautions: Clients with HIV who are asymptomatic and not showing signs of infection require standard precautions. These precautions are used for all patients to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, regardless of diagnosis. Standard precautions focus on protecting healthcare workers and preventing cross-contamination.
• Wear gloves when anticipating contact with bodily fluids: Gloves prevent exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. This is a fundamental part of standard precautions, reducing the risk of transmission of HIV and other pathogens during routine care.
• Perform hand hygiene before and after client care: Hand hygiene is the most effective method for preventing the spread of infections. Washing hands before and after patient contact is critical for protecting both the client and healthcare personnel, and is a key component of standard precautions.
• Viral load: Monitoring viral load in clients with HIV provides information about the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and disease progression. It helps guide clinical decisions and assess risk for opportunistic infections.
• Surgical site: Post-operative clients are at risk for surgical site infections. Monitoring the surgical site ensures early detection of infection, redness, drainage, or delayed healing, which is crucial for a client with compromised immunity.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Place the client in a negative-pressure airflow room: Negative-pressure rooms are required for airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis or measles, not for asymptomatic HIV. Using such rooms unnecessarily can strain resources and is not indicated in this scenario.
• Place client in a private room: While private rooms may be used for client comfort, standard precautions do not mandate isolation unless there is a specific infectious risk. HIV alone does not require a private room.
• Administer anti-fungal medications: There is no evidence of fungal infection in this asymptomatic client. Prophylactic antifungal therapy is not indicated and could cause unnecessary side effects.
• Contact precautions: Contact precautions are required for infections that can be transmitted via direct or indirect contact (e.g., MRSA, C. difficile). This client has no active infectious condition requiring contact isolation.
• Droplet precautions: Droplet precautions are used for respiratory infections that spread via large droplets (e.g., influenza, pertussis). This client is not symptomatic and does not require droplet precautions.
• Airborne precautions: Airborne precautions are reserved for infections transmitted via small airborne particles (e.g., tuberculosis, measles, varicella). Asymptomatic HIV is not airborne, so these precautions are unnecessary.
• Sputum production: Monitoring sputum is relevant for clients with respiratory infections or pulmonary concerns. This client has no respiratory symptoms and sputum monitoring is not indicated.
• Serum electrolytes: Routine electrolyte monitoring is not specifically related to infection control or HIV management in this stable post-operative client.
• Urine output: While important in certain contexts, urine output does not specifically assess infection risk or progression of HIV in this scenario.
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