An 84-year-old patient is hospitalized for an infected stasis ulcer on his ankle. The nurse is aware that this patient is at risk for a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) because the:

Choice A rationale

Lowering a used mask below the chin to reuse it later is not safe as it can lead to contamination of the mask and facial area, increasing the risk of infection.

Choice B rationale

Removing the mask first before any other personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to contamination and is not the recommended sequence for doffing PPE.

Choice C rationale

Discarding the mask only if it is wet and storing it for reuse is not safe. Masks should not be reused, as they can harbor infectious agents and increase the risk of contamination.

Choice D rationale

Untying the bottom ties first, then the top, and disposing of the mask without touching it ensures that the person removing the mask avoids contamination. This method adheres to proper doffing procedures and minimizes the risk of infection.

Choice A rationale

Opening the sterile tray by first unfolding the flap furthest from the body is a correct practice to avoid reaching over the sterile field, which helps maintain the sterility of the field.

Choice B rationale

Holding a sterile item just above waist level is appropriate as long as the item remains within the sterile field's boundaries. Keeping items at this level helps prevent accidental contamination from lower surfaces.

Choice C rationale

Placing a sterile dressing 5 cm (2 in) from the border of the sterile field is acceptable, as the border is considered non-sterile, and maintaining this distance helps ensure the sterility of the item within the field.

Choice D rationale

Opening a sterile package directly over the middle of the sterile field can lead to contamination. Any particles or contaminants from the package may fall into the sterile field, compromising its sterility. .