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. A staff member places a midstream urine sample in a specimen refrigerator after collecting it:

This is a proper practice. Refrigerating the sample after collection helps preserve its integrity and prevents bacterial growth until it can be analyzed.

B. A staff member wipes a countertop with chlorhexidine solution to clean the area following a blood spill:

This is a proper infection control practice. Chlorhexidine is an effective disinfectant, and cleaning the area following a blood spill helps prevent the spread of infectious agents.

C. A nurse uses alcohol-based antiseptic to clean his hands after talking with a client who has varicella zoster:

This is a proper practice. Alcohol-based antiseptic is effective in killing a broad spectrum of germs, and hand hygiene is crucial, especially after contact with a client who may have an infectious condition.

D. A nurse pours sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution on an open pressure wound prior to collecting a specimen for culture:

This is an infection control hazard. Sterile saline irrigation should not be poured onto an open wound before specimen collection, as it can introduce contaminants and interfere with the accuracy of culture results. Specimens should be collected using aseptic technique to avoid contamination.

A. The statement "You can resume sexual activity 2 days after you complete your antiviral treatment" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, and the standard treatment is with antibiotics, not antivirals. Additionally, the client should wait until they have completed the full course of antibiotics and have been re-evaluated by their healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity to prevent the spread of the infection.

B. The statement "Your sexual partners can receive a chlamydia vaccine to protect against infection" is incorrect. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there is no chlamydia vaccine available. Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, and preventing transmission involves safe sexual practices and partner notification.

C. The statement "Chlamydia is an incurable infection that causes a thick, curd-like discharge" is incorrect. Chlamydia is a curable bacterial infection, and it may or may not cause symptoms. It does not typically cause a thick, curd-like discharge; that description is more characteristic of a yeast infection.

D. The statement "The law requires a report of each case of chlamydia to the local health department" is correct. Chlamydia is a notifiable disease, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to the local health department. This reporting is essential for public health surveillance, tracking the prevalence of the infection, and implementing measures to control its spread.