The nurse is examining a patient's lower leg and notices a ...

[Kthamas]

The nurse is examining a patient's lower leg and notices a draining ulceration. Which of these actions is most appropriate in this situation?
 
  a. Washing hands, and contacting the physician
  b. Continuing to examine the ulceration, and then washing hands
  c. Washing hands, putting on gloves, and continuing with the examination of the ulceration
  d. Washing hands, proceeding with rest of the physical examination, and then continuing with the examination of the leg ulceration

Question 2

When performing a physical examination, safety must be considered to protect the examiner and the patient against the spread of infection. Which of these statements describes the most appropriate action the nurse should take when performing
 
  a physical examination?
  a.
  Washing one's hands after removing gloves is not necessary, as long as the gloves are still intact.
  b.
  Hands are washed before and after every physical patient encounter.
  c.
  Hands are washed before the examination of each body system to prevent the spread of bacteria from one part of the body to another.
  d.
  Gloves are worn throughout the entire examination to demonstrate to the patient concern regarding the spread of infectious diseases.

[Harbringer]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The examiner should wear gloves when the potential contact with any body fluids is present. In this situation, the nurse should wash his or her hands, put on gloves, and continue examining the ulceration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse should wash his or her hands before and after every physical patient encounter; after contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions; after contact with any equipment contaminated with body fluids; and after removing gloves. Hands should be washed after gloves have been removed, even if the gloves appear to be intact. Gloves should be worn when potential contact with any body fluids is present.

[Kthamas]

TYSM

[aruss1303]

Excellent