Which action by the nurse is most helpful to prevent clients from ...

[asmith134]

Which action by the nurse is most helpful to prevent clients from acquiring infections while hospitalized?
 
  a. Assessing skin and mucous membranes
  b. Consistently using appropriate hand hygiene
  c. Monitoring daily white blood cell counts
  d. Teaching visitors not to visit if they are ill

Question 2

A nurse is observing as an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performs hygiene and changes a client's bed linens. What action by the UAP requires intervention by the nurse?
 
  a. Not using gloves while combing the client's hair
  b. Rinsing the client's commode pan after use
  c. Shaking dirty linens and placing them on the floor
  d. Wearing gloves when providing perianal care

[johnharpe]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Consistent practice of proper hand hygiene is the best method to prevent infection, as most healthcare-associated infections are due to staff members' contaminated hands. Assessing the client and monitoring laboratory values will help the nurse catch signs of infection quickly but will not prevent infection from occurring. Teaching visitors not to come see the client when they are ill will also help prevent infection, but not to the degree that hand hygiene will.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Shaking dirty linens (or even clean linens) can spread microbes through the air. Placing linens on the floor contaminates the floor surface and can lead to infection spread via shoes. The other actions are appropriate. If the client has a scalp infection or infestation, the UAP should wear gloves; otherwise it is not required.