A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is evaluating an assistive personnel’s use of infection control precautions. Which of the following actions by the AP indicates correct use of the precautions?

a. The AP wears a surgical mask when caring for a client who has respiratory tuberculosis.

Incorrect. AP should wear an N95 Maskwhen caring for a client with respiratory tuberculosis helps prevent the spread of airborne pathogens, protecting both the healthcare worker and others in the environment.

b. The AP uses alcohol-based hand sanitizer after emptying the bedpan of a client who has Clostridium difficile.

This action is incorrect. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against the spores of Clostridium difficile. Handwashing with soap and water is necessary to effectively remove the spores.

c. The AP bundles the client side of linen inward when changing the sheets for a client who has an infected surgical wound.

When handling soiled linen, it is essential to fold the client side of the linen inward to minimize the spread of contaminants. This helps to ensure that any contaminated surfaces do not come into contact with other surfaces, which is crucial for preventing the spread of infection.

d. The AP removes her gloves before leaving the room of a client who has MRSA.

For MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the AP should remove gloves and perform hand hygiene before leaving the room.

a. "You can ask an AP to teach a simple task to a client."

While assistive personnel may assist with client education under the supervision of a licensed nurse, the primary responsibility for teaching tasks to clients usually rests with licensed healthcare providers.

b. "You should assign tasks you are unfamiliar with to an experienced AP."

Delegating tasks to assistive personnel should be based on their competency and the complexity of the task, not necessarily on the nurse's familiarity with it. It is essential to delegate tasks that the AP is trained and competent to perform.

c. "If you are unsure about an AP’s ability, observe them performing the task."

This is the correct statement. It emphasizes the importance of assessing an assistive personnel's competence by observing their performance before delegating tasks, especially if there is uncertainty about their abilities.

d. "The person who delegates a task is not held accountable for the outcome."

This statement is incorrect. The person delegating a task is ultimately accountable for ensuring that the task is performed correctly and safely. Delegation does not relieve the delegator of accountability.