Author Question: The nurse is changing linens for a postoperative patient and feels a stick in her hand. A ... (Read 32 times)

V@ndy87 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is changing linens for a postoperative patient and feels a stick in her hand. A nonactivated safe needle is noted in the linens. This scenario would indicate that the nurse may be at risk for

a. Hepatitis B.
b. Clostridium difficile.
c. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
d. Diphtheria.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a bloodborne pathogen. The nurse splashes blood above the glove to intact skin while discontinuing an intravenous infusion. The nurse's best next step is to

a. Obtain an alcohol swab, remove the blood with an alcohol swab, and continue care.
b. Immediately wash the site with soap and running water, and seek guidance from the manager.
c. Delay washing of the site until the nurse is finished providing care to the patient.
d. Do nothing; accidentally getting splashed with blood happens frequently and is part of the job.

nikmaaacs · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Bloodborne pathogens such as those associated with hepatitis B and C are most commonly transmitted by contaminated needles. Clostridium difficile is spread by contact with and ingestion of this microbe, and MRSA is spread by contact. Diphtheria is spread by droplets when one is within 3 feet of the patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
After getting splashed with blood from a patient who has a known bloodborne pathogen, it is important to cleanse the site immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water and notify the manager and employee health for guidance on next steps in the process. Removing the blood with an alcohol swab, delaying washing, and doing nothing because the splash was to intact skin could possibly spread the blood within the room and could spread the infection. Contain contamination immediately to prevent contact spread.