A float nurse is assigned to care for several clients with infectious conditions on a medical-surgical unit. Which actions by the float nurse demonstrate adherence to appropriate infection control protocols? (Select all that apply)
- Placing a standard surgical mask on a client with active mumps during transfer to the radiology department.Answer
- Donning a gown, gloves, and a face shield prior to performing tracheostomy suctioning on a client with no known infections.Answer
- CRemoving an N95 respirator immediately after stepping away from the bedside of a client with disseminated varicella zoster, prior to exiting the room.
- DUtilizing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after removing gloves that were used to empty a bedside commode for a client with Clostridioides difficile.
- Dedicating a reusable stethoscope and blood pressure cuff to remain strictly inside the room of a client diagnosed with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).Answer
- FCohorting a client with suspected pertussis in a shared room with a client who is currently receiving treatment for seasonal influenza.
Answer
The correct actions are placing a surgical mask on a client with mumps during transport, donning a gown, gloves, and face shield for tracheostomy suctioning, and dedicating reusable equipment for a client with VRE.
The correct actions reflect an accurate application of standard, droplet, and contact precautions. A client on droplet precautions must wear a surgical mask during transport to contain secretions. Tracheostomy suctioning poses a high splash risk, requiring comprehensive PPE even for clients without known infections under standard precautions. Finally, clients on contact precautions for drug-resistant organisms must have dedicated reusable medical equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions