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. The statement "The costs associated with complications after a surgical procedure are factored into the scheduled reimbursement" is incorrect. Complications after a surgical procedure may lead to increased costs, but these costs are not always fully reimbursed. Preventing complications is a key strategy to control costs, as it can reduce the need for additional resources and interventions.

B. The statement "Charging the client for only a portion of the supplies used will help to decrease the costs to the hospital" is not a sustainable or ethical approach to cost containment. Proper billing practices and transparency are essential in healthcare, and passing on costs to clients in an arbitrary manner can lead to ethical and legal issues.

C. The statement "A high cost of treatment ensures that the best quality of care was provided to the client" is incorrect. While high-quality care is important, high costs do not necessarily guarantee quality. Cost-effectiveness and efficiency in healthcare delivery are critical considerations to ensure quality care without unnecessary expenses.

D. The statement "Client care should be organized for efficient use of time" is correct. Efficient organization of client care helps optimize resources, reduce unnecessary delays, and enhance overall productivity. Streamlining processes and workflow contributes to effective cost containment within a healthcare facility.

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.