When caring for a client, the nurse knows the best method to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is to do what?
Provide small bedside bags to dispose of used tissues.
Instruct each staff member to wear a mask while providing care.
Administer antibiotics as ordered.
Perform strict hand washing before and after care of each client.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Proper hand-washing technique involves washing hands for at least 20 seconds. This duration ensures thorough cleansing and removal of germs, dirt, and contaminants from the hands. Washing for a shorter time, such as 10 seconds (Choice B), may not effectively eliminate all harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections and transmission of diseases.
Choice B rationale:
Washing hands for only 10 seconds is insufficient to achieve the necessary level of cleanliness. It is essential to follow recommended guidelines to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings and other environments where hygiene is crucial.
Choice C rationale:
Washing hands for 45 seconds (Choice C) is longer than the recommended duration and might not be practical, especially in busy healthcare settings. While thorough hand hygiene is essential, excessively long washing times could lead to reduced compliance among healthcare workers, potentially compromising patient safety.
Choice D rationale:
Proper hand-washing technique involves scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds, making Choice D incorrect. Following the recommended guidelines is crucial to maintaining a safe and hygienic healthcare environment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I will keep my walker at the end of my bed." This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of having the walker within reach. Placing the walker at the end of the bed ensures that the client can use it immediately upon getting up, providing support and stability, thus reducing the risk of falls.
Choice B rationale:
"I will keep the fluorescent ceiling light on in my room at night." While having adequate lighting is important, using a fluorescent ceiling light throughout the night might disrupt the client's sleep. Additionally, a nightlight or a bedside lamp with a low-wattage bulb can provide sufficient illumination without disturbing sleep.
Choice C rationale:
"I will place an area rug at the entry of my bathroom." This statement indicates a lack of understanding. Area rugs can be tripping hazards, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms. It is advisable to remove rugs and ensure non-slip flooring to prevent slips and falls.
Choice D rationale:
"I will place a bath seat in my shower to use when I bathe." While using a bath seat is a good safety measure, it does not address the client's risk of falling outside the shower area. Installing grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom, along with removing potential hazards, would be more comprehensive in ensuring the client's safety. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
Performing strict hand washing before and after the care of each client is the most effective method to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention and control. Proper hand washing helps eliminate the spread of pathogens from one patient to another, as well as from patients to healthcare providers and vice versa. The rationale behind this choice lies in the fact that many infections are transmitted via contaminated hands. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of HAIs. It is essential to perform hand hygiene before and after every patient contact, after exposure to body fluids, and after touching patient surroundings.
Choice A rationale:
Providing small bedside bags to dispose of used tissues addresses a specific aspect of infection control (proper disposal of contaminated items) While this practice is important, it does not cover the comprehensive approach of standard precautions, which includes various infection prevention measures. Using bedside bags for tissue disposal is not a substitute for strict hand hygiene or the use of personal protective equipment.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing staff members to wear masks while providing care is important in specific situations, such as when dealing with patients on airborne precautions. However, it does not cover all aspects of infection prevention. Masks are just one component of personal protective equipment (PPE) and are used in addition to other measures like gloves and gowns, depending on the type of isolation precautions required for a particular patient. Moreover, the most crucial aspect of infection prevention remains hand hygiene.
Choice C rationale:
Administering antibiotics as ordered is a medical intervention for treating infections, not a preventive measure to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) While appropriate use of antibiotics is essential in the treatment of bacterial infections, it does not address the broader issue of preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings. In fact, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future.
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