Author Question: The nurse has been caring for a patient in the perioperative area for several hours. The surgical ... (Read 158 times)

jwb375 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse has been caring for a patient in the perioperative area for several hours. The surgical mask the nurse is wearing has become moist. The nurse's best next step is to

a. Change the mask when relieved.
b. Air-dry the mask while at lunch, and reapply.
c. Ask for relief, step out of the surgical area, and apply a new mask.
d. Not change the mask, if the nurse is comfortable.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient on Contact Precautions. Which of the following actions would be appropriate to prevent the spread of disease?

a. Wear a gown, gloves, face mask, and goggles for interactions with the patient.
b. Use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only.
c. Place the patient in a room with negative airflow.
d. Transport the patient quickly when going to the radiology department.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A mask should fit snugly around the face and nose. After the mask is worn for several hours, it can become moist. The mask should be changed as soon as possible because moisture encourages the growth of microorganisms. Waiting to change the mask, air-drying it, or wearing it because it is comfortable does not support the principles of infection control.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Contact Precautions are a type of Isolation Precaution used for patients with illness that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. A patient is placed on Contact Precautions if a disease is present that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact. Patients who are on Contact Precautions should have dedicated equipment wherever possible. This would mean, for example, that one blood pressure cuff and one stethoscope would stay in the room with the patient and would be used for that patient only. A gown and gloves may be required for interactions with a patient who is on Contact Precautions. A face mask and goggles are not part of Contact Precautions. A room with negative airflow is needed for patients placed on Airborne Precautions; it is not necessary for a patient on Contact Precautions. When a patient on Contact Precautions needs to be transported, he should wear clean gowns, and wheelchairs or gurneys should be covered with an extra layer of sheets. Anyone who might come in contact with the patient needs to be protected, and equipment must be cleaned with an approved germicide after patient use and before another patient uses the shared equipment.