A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about preventing health care associated infections (HAIs).
The nurse should include which of the following as a common cause of these infections?

Allowing time during the workday when each nurse can demonstrate proficiency is the best way to evaluate staff competency with the new equipment. This method ensures that the nurses can perform the skills correctly and safely under the charge nurse’s supervision and feedback.

Choice A is wrong because verbally questioning the staff about the new equipment does not assess their practical skills or ability to use the equipment correctly.

Choice B is wrong because requiring each nurse to take a written examination about the new equipment does not assess their hands-on skills or ability to troubleshoot problems with the equipment.

Choice D is wrong because asking each nurse to read the procedure and sign a form acknowledging competency does not verify that the nurses have understood the procedure or can apply it in practice.

It also relies on the nurses’ honesty and self-assessment, which may not be accurate or reliable.

A cultural assessment is a systematic way to identify the beliefs, values, meanings, and behaviours of people while considering their history, life experiences, and social and physical environments. A nurse should include reviewing all ordered treatments in relation to the client’s culture and listening to the client’s perceptions as part of a cultural assessment.

These actions show respect for the client’s preferences and facilitate communication and understanding.

Choice C is wrong because explaining the purpose of the treatments without regard to the client’s culture may be insensitive or inappropriate for some clients who have different beliefs or practices about health and illness. Choice D is wrong because acknowledging that the client will have to adapt their perceptions to the dominant culture may be disrespectful or oppressive for some clients who value their cultural identity and diversity.