A patient has been put on Contact Precautions. The patient’s family is extremely apprehensive about visiting due to fear of being “contaminated” by the patient. What is the best course of action for the nurse?
Clarify that these precautions are mandated by law.
Emphasize the importance of their visit to the patient.
Assure the family that they will not contract the infection.
Demonstrate to the family how to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Clarify that these precautions are mandated by law.
While it's important to acknowledge the legal requirements for Contact Precautions, this approach alone may not adequately address the family's emotional concerns and fears. It could potentially increase their anxiety if they feel forced to visit without understanding the reasons behind the precautions.
Choice B: Emphasize the importance of their visit to the patient.
While family support is crucial for the patient's well-being, emphasizing the importance of their visit without addressing their fears could inadvertently pressure them to visit without feeling comfortable or confident in their ability to protect themselves.
Choice C: Assure the family that they will not contract the infection.
It's not always possible to guarantee that the family won't contract the infection. Making such assurances could create a false sense of security and potentially lead to lapses in infection control practices.
Choice D: Demonstrate to the family how to prevent the spread of the disease.
Empowering the family through education and demonstration is the most effective approach. It addresses their concerns directly, promotes understanding, and instills confidence in their ability to protect themselves while visiting.
Key elements of this demonstration include:
Proper hand hygiene techniques
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns Safe handling of potentially contaminated items
Maintaining a safe distance from the patient when appropriate Understanding the modes of transmission for the specific disease
By providing clear guidance and allowing for practice, the nurse can help the family feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to visit safely.
Additional considerations:
Addressing the family's emotional concerns: Acknowledge their fears and provide reassurance in a compassionate and understanding manner.
Tailoring education to the family's level of understanding: Use simple language and visual aids as needed.
Encouraging questions and open communication: Create a supportive environment where the family feels comfortable asking questions and expressing their concerns.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals: Involve infection control specialists or other relevant team members to provide additional support and expertise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While verifying the suitability of the solution for a central line is important, it is not the immediate next step after insertion. Solutions that are incompatible with central lines can cause damage to the catheter or precipitate in the bloodstream, leading to serious complications. However, confirming placement takes priority to ensure the line is correctly positioned before any infusion is initiated.
Choice B rationale:
Double-checking medication calculations is a crucial safety measure, but it is not the most urgent step after central line insertion. Medication administration can only occur after confirming proper placement to avoid unintended infusion into incorrect sites or tissues, potentially leading to tissue damage or ineffective treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating the prescribed infusion via the new access is the desired outcome, but it cannot be done before confirming placement. Infusing medications or fluids through a misplaced line can have severe consequences, such as:
Infiltration of medications into surrounding tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential necrosis.
Administration of medications into unintended areas, such as the pleural space or the vasculature of the head and neck, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
Delay in the delivery of necessary medications or fluids if the line is not positioned correctly within the central venous system.
Choice C rationale:
Confirming placement with an x-ray is the essential next step to ensure the central line is in the correct position within the central venous system. This verification is crucial for several reasons:
Prevention of complications: Misplaced central lines can cause serious complications, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and nerve damage.
Accurate medication and fluid delivery: Proper placement ensures that medications and fluids are delivered directly into the central circulation, allowing for rapid and effective distribution throughout the body.
Safe and effective infusion: X-ray confirmation provides visual evidence of the line's position, guiding subsequent infusion practices and reducing the risk of errors.
Early identification of malposition: If the x-ray reveals a misplaced line, adjustments can be made promptly to prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate infusion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Planning activities to prevent fatigue is a valid self-care strategy for SLE patients. Fatigue is a common symptom of SLE, and it can be exacerbated by overexertion. By planning activities and pacing themselves, patients can help to manage their fatigue and conserve energy.
Fatigue management strategies include:
Prioritizing tasks and delegating when possible.
Breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Taking frequent rest breaks throughout the day.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Engaging in moderate exercise, as tolerated.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can interfere with sleep.
Addressing any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to fatigue, such as anemia or depression.
Choice B rationale:
Prioritizing rest is another essential self-care strategy for SLE patients. Rest allows the body to conserve energy and repair itself. Patients with SLE may need more rest than healthy individuals, especially during flares.
Resting strategies include:
Getting enough sleep at night. Napping during the day, as needed.
Taking breaks from activities throughout the day.
Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
Choice C rationale:
Sunbathing is not recommended for SLE patients, as it can trigger flares. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and exacerbate inflammation in SLE patients. This can lead to a flare-up of symptoms, such as skin rash, joint pain, and fatigue.
Sun protection strategies include:
Avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis.
Applying sunscreen liberally and reapplying it every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding direct sunlight is a correct self-care strategy for SLE patients.
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