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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Serum potassium and sodium levels are not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. They are electrolytes that regulate fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. They may be affected by dehydration, renal failure, or diuretics.
Choice B reason: Neutrophil count is the most relevant laboratory value to note before reporting the wound infection. Neutrophils are white blood cells that fight bacterial infections and inflammation. A high neutrophil count indicates an acute infection or inflammation, while a low neutrophil count indicates a compromised immune system or a chronic infection.
Choice C reason: Blood pH level is not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. It is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. It may be affected by respiratory or metabolic disorders, such as acidosis or alkalosis.
Choice D reason: Hematocrit is not relevant to the assessment of the wound infection. It is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. It may be affected by anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving positive feedback to the PN and documenting the skill competency is not the appropriate action to take. The PN did not demonstrate proper sterile technique, as he touched the outside of the sterile glove package and the sterile sponges with his bare hands, contaminating them.
Choice B reason: Explaining to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure is not the relevant action to take. The PN may have been following the instructions of the healthcare provider, who may have requested the sponges for the procedure. The issue is not the need for the sponges, but the way the PN handled them.
Choice C reason: Reminding the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves is not the sufficient action to take. Washing the hands is an important step in maintaining infection control, but it does not correct the mistake the PN made by touching the sterile items with his bare hands.
Choice D reason: Asking the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set is the best action to take. It ensures that the PN follows the correct sterile technique and does not compromise the safety of the client or the procedure. It also provides an opportunity for the charge nurse to teach the PN how to avoid contamination.
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