The nurse is teaching a client about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?
Washes hands before handling the needle and syringe.
Wears gloves to dispose of the needle and syringe.
Dons a face mask before administering the medication.
Removes the needle before discarding used syringes.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Hand hygiene is the foundation of Standard Precautions and the single most effective action to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Performing handwashing or using an alcohol‑based hand rub immediately before preparing or administering an injection removes transient microorganisms acquired from touching surfaces and protects both the client and the environment from contamination
Choice B reason: While wearing gloves during handling and disposal of contaminated sharps is recommended whenever there is potential contact with blood or body fluids, it is a secondary barrier. Reliance on gloves alone is insufficient because gloves can have micro‑perforations and are removed after use, making hand hygiene before and after glove use the priority
Choice C reason: Donning a face mask before administering the medication is not a necessary action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. A face mask is only required when there is a risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents, such as when caring for a client with respiratory infections. It is not needed for self-administration of medications, unless the medication is aerosolized or nebulized.
Choice D reason: Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not a safe action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. It increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and contamination. The needle and syringe should be disposed of as a single unit in a puncture-resistant container.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Applying the client's positive airway pressure device is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement before leaving the client. It helps to prevent the collapse of the upper airway and maintain adequate ventilation and oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of respiratory depression and apnea that may be caused by the opioid analgesic.
Choice B reason: Lifting and locking the side rails in place is a safety measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to prevent the client from falling or injuring themselves, but it does not address the client's respiratory status or the effect of the medication.
Choice C reason: Removing dentures, or other oral appliances is a comfort measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to prevent the client from choking or aspirating on the foreign objects, but it does not improve the client's airway patency or ventilation.
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle is a supportive measure for the nurse to implement before leaving the client, but not the most important one. It helps to facilitate the client's breathing and drainage of secretions, but it does not prevent the obstruction of the airway or the respiratory depression that may occur with the opioid analgesic.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the most important assessment because abdominal girth is not a reliable indicator of fecal impaction. Abdominal girth can vary depending on the client's body type, fluid status, and other factors.
Choice B reason: This is also not the most important assessment because breath sounds are not directly related to fecal impaction. Breath sounds can be affected by respiratory conditions, smoking, allergies, and other factors.
Choice C reason: This is another incorrect choice because bowel sounds are not the most important assessment either. Bowel sounds can be diminished or absent in clients with fecal impaction, but they can also be altered by other gastrointestinal disorders, medications, and dietary factors.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because vital signs are the most important assessment prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction. Vital signs can indicate the client's hemodynamic status, pain level, and risk of complications such as vagal stimulation, perforation, or infection. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and temperature before, during, and after the procedure.
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