A nurse at a long-term care facility is assisting with teaching staff about infection control practices. Which of the following examples should the nurse include as an infection control hazard?
A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after-collecting it.
A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill.
A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster.
A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture
The Correct Answer is C
A. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it: This action is appropriate as long as the specimen is labeled correctly and stored at the correct temperature. Proper handling of specimens is essential for accurate testing and does not represent an infection control hazard.
B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill: This action is appropriate for cleaning a contaminated surface. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant for blood spills. Therefore, this action does not represent an infection control hazard.
C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster: While alcohol-based antiseptics are effective for most pathogens, varicella zoster is primarily spread through direct contact and airborne transmission. It is recommended to wash hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with varicella zoster, especially if hands are visibly soiled. This action may not adequately control the infection hazard.
D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture: This action is appropriate as long as sterile technique is maintained. Using sterile saline for irrigation is standard practice to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens before specimen collection. Therefore, this action does not represent an infection control hazard.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Disinfect hands using an alcohol-based waterless antiseptic:
While alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against many germs, including bacteria, they may not be as effective against C. difficile. Soap and water are preferable for hand hygiene in C. difficile cases because alcohol does not effectively kill the spores.
B. Wear an N95 respirator when caring for the client:
The primary mode of transmission for C. difficile is through the fecal-oral route, and respiratory precautions are not necessary. Standard precautions, including wearing gloves and gowns, are generally sufficient.
C. Use diluted bleach to clean soiled equipment:
This is the correct answer. Bleach is an effective disinfectant against C. difficile spores. It is recommended for cleaning surfaces and equipment that may be contaminated.
D. Provide a room with negative-pressure airflow:
Negative-pressure airflow rooms are typically reserved for airborne infections, and they are not necessary for C. difficile. Standard precautions, along with thorough cleaning and disinfection, are the key measures.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease:
While a 24-hour urine collection is important for assessing kidney function, it is not an urgent task and can be scheduled at a later time without compromising the client's immediate well-being.
B. Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer:
Changing the dressing for a decubitus ulcer is important for wound care, but it is not as urgent as addressing respiratory distress in a client with COPD.
C. Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus:
Administering an antibiotic for a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is important, but it is not as immediately critical as ensuring adequate oxygenation in a client with COPD. Respiratory issues take precedence in the hierarchy of priorities.
D. Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD.
The priority should be given to tasks that address immediate threats to the client's well-being or safety. In this scenario, initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is a priority because it addresses respiratory distress and hypoxia, which are critical concerns in individuals with COPD. Respiratory interventions take precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.