Author Question: A hospital nurse is aware that nosocomial infections pose a significant threat to many patients' ... (Read 103 times)

DelorasTo · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A hospital nurse is aware that nosocomial infections pose a significant threat to many patients' health status. In order to reduce the spread of nosocomial infections, the nurse should prioritize which of the following actions?

A) Increased use of empiric antibiotic therapy
B) Use of disinfectants when providing patient hygiene
C) Vigilant and thorough hand hygiene
D) Patient education on the causes of infection

Question 2

A surgical patient's postoperative orders include the twice-daily administration of docusate sodium. The patient is concerned about developing diarrhea from this medication, so the nurse has begun patient education.

What should the nurse teach the patient about docusate sodium? A) This medication will soften your stools over the next couple of days.
B) You'll usually have a bowel movement within 2 to 3 hours of taking this.
C) This medication will cause your bowels to contract more strongly than they normally do.
D) This drug will help you pass regular stools while you're in the hospital, but you should not take it for more than 5 days.

ashely1112 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Good hand hygiene is probably the most effective method of preventing infections. This supersedes the importance of education regarding the causes of infection or the use of disinfectants. Antibiotic therapy should only be used on patients who clearly need this treatment.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Surfactant laxatives (e.g., docusate calcium or docusate sodium) decrease the surface tension of the fecal mass to allow water to penetrate into the stool. They also act as a detergent to facilitate admixing of fat and water in the stool. As a result, stools are softer and easier to expel. These agents have little, if any, laxative effect. Their main value is to prevent straining while expelling stool. They usually act within 1 to 3 days and should be taken daily.