A client wants to start doing magnet therapy. The nurse should explain to the client, which would be a contraindication for the use of magnet therapy?

Choice A Reason:

Open the client’s visual acuity using a Snellen chart is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve II (optic nerve), which is responsible for vision. The Snellen chart is used to measure visual acuity, not the function of cranial nerve VI

Choice B Reason:

Whisper none of the client’s ears while blocking the other is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear nerve), which is responsible for hearing and balance. Whispering tests the auditory function of this nerve.

Choice C Reason:

Ask the client to inspect up is correct. Cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve) controls the lateral rectus muscle, which is responsible for moving the eye outward. Asking the client to look up and outward helps assess the function of this nerve.

Choice D Reason:

Ask the client to smile is incorrect. This action assesses cranial nerve VII (facial nerve), which controls the muscles of facial expression. Smiling tests the motor function of this nerve.

Effective hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations provide guidelines on proper hand hygiene techniques to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Choice A Reason:

“Rub soap on hands for 20 seconds.”

This is the correct action for effective hand hygiene. According to the CDC, scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds is essential to remove germs effectively. This duration ensures that all surfaces of the hands, including the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. The CDC recommends singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice as a timer to ensure you scrub for the full 20 seconds.

Choice B Reason:

“Allow hands and arms to dry.”

While drying hands is an important step in hand hygiene, it is not the primary action that makes hand hygiene effective. The focus should be on the thorough scrubbing and cleaning of the hands. After washing, hands should be dried using a clean towel or air dryer to prevent the transfer of germs from wet hands.

Choice C Reason:

“Hold the hands higher than the elbows.”

This technique is often used in surgical hand antisepsis to prevent water from running from the hands down to the elbows, potentially contaminating the hands again. However, for routine hand hygiene, this is not necessary. The primary focus should be on the thorough washing and scrubbing of the hands.

Choice D Reason:

“Adjust the water temperature to feel hot.”

The temperature of the water is less important than the act of scrubbing itself. The CDC states that hands can be washed with either warm or cold water. The key is to use soap and scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Hot water can actually be harsh on the skin and is not required for effective hand hygiene.