A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a syringe needle after administering an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
Wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water.
Go to employee health services.
Complete an incident report.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is important, but it's not the first action to take in this situation. The immediate concern should be addressing the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct choice. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first step the nurse should take after an accidental needlestick. It helps reduce the risk of infection by cleaning the wound and removing any potential contaminants.
Choice C rationale:
Going to employee health services is a valid step, but it's not the immediate action needed after an accidental needlestick. Cleaning the wound should come first.
Choice D rationale:
Completing an incident report is important for documentation purposes, but it is not the nurse's first priority in this situation. Immediate wound care takes precedence.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
This statement by an assistive personnel (AP) indicates a need for further teaching. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the transmission of microorganisms, and it involves both handwashing and the appropriate use of gloves. Changing gloves between clients is important to prevent cross-contamination, but it doesn't replace the need for handwashing. Hands can become contaminated even with the use of gloves, and proper hand hygiene should be practiced before and after glove use.
Choice A rationale:
The statement about using alcohol-based hand products after most client contact is accurate. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the number of microorganisms on the hands when soap and water are not readily available. They are especially useful in healthcare settings.
Choice B rationale:
Washing hands before providing client care is a fundamental principle of infection control. It helps remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Choice C rationale:
The statement about not wearing artificial nails when providing client care is correct. Artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and are challenging to clean thoroughly. They pose an infection risk and are generally not recommended for healthcare workers who provide direct patient care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is a component of blood used to replace clotting factors and is typically indicated for specific medical conditions like bleeding disorders or massive transfusions. In this case, the client requires red blood cells due to significant blood loss, so FFP alone is not the appropriate choice.
Choice B rationale:
Initiating an immediate blood transfusion without the client's consent is not ethically appropriate, especially considering the client's religious beliefs as a Jehovah's Witness. Respecting the client's autonomy and religious convictions is important.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to decide about the blood transfusion is the correct course of action. Since the client is able to respond to questions appropriately, they should be informed about their condition, the need for a blood transfusion, and the potential risks and benefits. This respects the client's autonomy while ensuring they have the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Choice D rationale:
Notifying the client's family immediately is not the best initial action. While involving the family is important, the client's own decision about the blood transfusion should take precedence, especially when they are conscious and able to make decisions for themselves.
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