A charge nurse is concerned about a recent increase in facility-acquired catheter infections.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures.
Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections
Revise the current policy for catheter care
Identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections
The Correct Answer is D
The correct first action for the charge nurse to take in response to an increase in facility-acquired catheter infections is to identify possible precipitating factors related to the infections. This is because understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial before implementing any changes or interventions. By identifying the factors contributing to the increase in infections, the nurse can then develop targeted strategies to address these specific issues.
Now, let’s discuss why the other options are not the first actions to take:
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Schedule nursing staff training for infection control procedures: While training is important, it should be based on identified needs. Without first understanding the precipitating factors of the increased infections, the training may not address the actual issues at hand.
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Meet with providers to discuss measures to decrease the infections: This could be a subsequent step after identifying the precipitating factors. Meeting with providers without concrete data or understanding of the problem may lead to ineffective solutions.
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Revise the current policy for catheter care: Policy revision should be based on evidence and identified needs. It would be premature to revise policies without first understanding what factors are contributing to the increase in infections.
In summary, the first step in addressing a problem is always to understand its causes. Only then can effective solutions be developed and implemented.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.
Choice B reason:
"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.
Choice C reason:
"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.
Choice D reason
"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Comparing the client’s current weight with preprocedure weight is the best way to evaluate the effectiveness of the paracentesis, which is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. The fluid buildup, or ascites, is a common complication of end-stage liver disease (ESLD), which is a condition in which the liver is severely damaged and cannot function adequately.
Choice B is wrong because examining for leakage at the site of the procedure is not a measure of effectiveness, but a potential complication that should be monitored and reported.
Choice C is wrong because checking the client’s serum albumin levels is not relevant to the paracentesis.
Albumin is a protein that helps maintain fluid balance in the body, but it is not affected by the removal of fluid from the abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because confirming that the client is able to urinate is not related to the paracentesis.
Urination is a function of the kidneys, not the liver, and it does not reflect the amount of fluid removed from the abdomen.
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