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Questions and Answers
A client with a known latex allergy is scheduled for a wound Irrigation. Which intervention is most appropriate to prevent an allergic reaction during the procedure?
A client with a known latex allergy is scheduled for a wound Irrigation. Which intervention is most appropriate to prevent an allergic reaction during the procedure?
- Administer an antihistamine prophylactically as prescribed.
- Monitor the client closely for signs of a reaction without altering standard supplies.
- Ensure all supplies used are latex-free, including gloves and irrigation solution. (correct)
- Apply a barrier cream to the client’s skin to protect against latex exposure.
While assisting with the insertion of a central venous catheter, a nurse accidentally splashes blood onto their intact skin. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
While assisting with the insertion of a central venous catheter, a nurse accidentally splashes blood onto their intact skin. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Cover the area with a sterile dressing and continue assisting with the procedure.
- Apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the affected skin.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. (correct)
- Report the incident immediately and seek prophylactic antiviral treatment.
A patient has been admitted with suspected novel influenza A (H1N1). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
A patient has been admitted with suspected novel influenza A (H1N1). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
- Initiate airborne and contact precautions. (correct)
- Obtain a nasopharyngeal swab for diagnostic testing.
- Administer antiviral medications as prescribed.
- Provide supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation.
During the care of a patient on contact precautions, the nurse notes that the patient's caregiver consistently fails to wear a gown when entering the room. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
During the care of a patient on contact precautions, the nurse notes that the patient's caregiver consistently fails to wear a gown when entering the room. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change on a central line. Which of the following actions demonstrates adherence to surgical asepsis principles?
A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change on a central line. Which of the following actions demonstrates adherence to surgical asepsis principles?
A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions is most important in preventing the spread of the infection?
A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following actions is most important in preventing the spread of the infection?
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a patient. After cleansing the site with an alcohol swab, how long should the nurse wait before injecting the medication?
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a patient. After cleansing the site with an alcohol swab, how long should the nurse wait before injecting the medication?
A patient is diagnosed with a respiratory infection requiring droplet precautions. Which of the following actions by the nurse indicates proper understanding of these precautions?
A patient is diagnosed with a respiratory infection requiring droplet precautions. Which of the following actions by the nurse indicates proper understanding of these precautions?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is allergic to bananas, kiwis, and avocados. What additional allergy should the nurse assess for in this patient?
A nurse is caring for a patient who is allergic to bananas, kiwis, and avocados. What additional allergy should the nurse assess for in this patient?
A facility has identified an increase in surgical site infections (SSIs). Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the infection control nurse to implement to address this issue?
A facility has identified an increase in surgical site infections (SSIs). Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the infection control nurse to implement to address this issue?
Flashcards
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions
Apply to all clients in all settings, regardless of suspected infection. Includes hand hygiene and use of PPE.
Transmission-Based Precautions
Transmission-Based Precautions
Used when standard precautions are not enough. Implemented based on the route of transmission of the infectious agent (e.g., contact, droplet, airborne).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eyewear used to prevent contact with blood, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.
Hand Hygiene
Hand Hygiene
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Preventing Latex Allergies
Preventing Latex Allergies
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Use of Gowns
Use of Gowns
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Contact Precautions
Contact Precautions
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Droplet Precautions
Droplet Precautions
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Airborne Precautions
Airborne Precautions
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Handling Soiled Linens
Handling Soiled Linens
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Study Notes
- Standard precautions are used for all clients in every setting.
- Transmission precautions are for clients who may be infected with highly transmissible pathogens.
- Proper hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of micro-organisms.
Hand Hygiene
- Hand hygiene includes both hand washing with soap and water, and using alcohol-based products.
- Alcohol-based products have an emollient component, so can be used without water
- Alcohol-based products are better than antimicrobial or plain soap and water because they provide superior microbicidal activity, are less drying, and are more convenient.
- Before/after client care, touching body fluids, and after glove removal: perform hand hygiene.
- Keep nails trimmed to a quarter of an inch and avoid artificial nails.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Use gloves, gowns, masks, and eyewear to avoid contact with blood, bodily fluids, and infectious material.
- Use clean, nonsterile gloves when touching blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated items.
- Always use gloves when around mucous membranes and non-intact skin
PPE Protocols
- Gloves prevent the spread of micro-organisms.
- Change gloves between tasks and procedures on the same client.
- Take off gloves immediately after use and wash hands
- Use sterile gloves when following surgical asepsis principles.
- Perform hand hygiene before and after donning sterile gloves.
- Masks provide barriers to infectious materials.
- Masks and eye protection should protect the mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Special precautions are required for highly transmissible diseases.
- Respirators can be used for high-risk procedures.
- Respirators must filter 95% of 0.3 µm particles and require fit-testing.
Face and Eye Protection
- Face and eye protection provides a barrier to infectious substances.
- Use face and eye protection with other PPE: gloves, gowns, and masks.
- Knowledge of potential exposure is essential for choosing right face and eye protection
- Goggles with direct or indirect venting snugly protect from splashes, sprays, respiratory droplets.
- Face shields can be used as an alternative to goggles, and protect other facial areas.
- Safety glasses protect from impact, but do not protect from splashes, sprays, respiratory droplets.
Gowns
- A clean, nonsterile gown protects skin and clothing from splashes/sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions.
- Choose a gown that corresponds to the level of fluid you will be exposed to.
Latex Sensitivity and Allergies
- Health care workers and clients who are sensitive or allergic to kiwis, papayas, avocados, bananas, potatoes, or tomatoes should be screened carefully
- Three common reactions to latex:
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis (delayed hypersensitivity)
- Anaphylaxis
Types of Latex Reactions
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Skin irritation from gloves and other workplace products that causes dry, itchy skin.
- Chemical-Sensitivity Dermatitis: Allergic reaction from chemicals added to latex during harvesting, processing, or manufacturing.
- Latex Allergy: Most serious reaction is from protein in rubber. This reaction leads to skin redness, hives, itching, and potentially anaphylactic shock.
Preventing and Treating Latex Allergies
- Replace latex-containing gloves and supplies with nonlatex items.
- Use nonlatex gloves for activities not involving infectious materials.
- Wash and completely dry hands after wearing gloves.
- Recognize symptoms of latex allergy and follow standard precautions.
CDC Precautions
- Standard Precautions: Applied to all clients, regardless of infectious agent presence.
- Transmission-Based Precautions: Used when route of transmission is not interrupted by standard precautions.
- Follow basic principles: hand hygiene, PPE, respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, inject safely.
Hand Hygiene and Protective Equipment
- Always wash hands before and after patient contact.
- Properly dispose of contaminated supplies and equipment.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and gowns for contact precautions.
- Wear surgical masks for droplet precautions.
- Use N95 respirators for airborne precautions.
Different Types of Precautions
- Contact precautions: Gloves and gowns should be used in a private room.
- Droplet precautions: Use surgical mask at 3-6 feet's distance.
- Airborne precautions: Use N95 respirator, negative airflow, and HEPA filtration.
Protective Environment
- Transplant and gene therapy patients: private room with positive airflow and HEPA filtration.
- Masks, no fresh flowers or potted plants allowed.
Disposal of Medical Waste
- Dispose of sharps in puncture-resistant containers.
- Dispose of bodily fluids as per agency protocol.
- Consider all specimens potentially infectious so use secure containers.
Handling Linens
- Handle linens with care to prevent contamination.
- Wash hands after handling linens.
Proper Handling of Soiled Linens
- Handle linens soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions with care.
- Transport them in a leak-resistant bag.
- Hold soiled linens away from the body.
- Avoid shaking or tossing linens.
- Do not place soiled linens on the floor.
- Clean linens that touch the floor should be placed in the soiled linen container.
Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette
- Cover the mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing.
- Use facial tissues to contain secretions and dispose promptly into a hands-free receptacle.
- Wear a surgical mask to minimize contamination.
- Turn the head when coughing and stay 3 feet away from others, especially in common areas.
- Disinfect hands after contact with respiratory secretions.
- Educate clients and families.
- Observe standard precautions and hand hygiene.
- Post signs in appropriate languages with instructions.
Documentation
- Documentation is an essential component of client care.
- Communicate plan of care and status to other health care workers to ensure quality and continuity.
- Agency-specific documentation format should be used.
- All health care providers, students must adhere to HIPAA regulations for ethical and legal reasons.
- In clinical settings, get information the client needs to provide safe and efficient care.
- Written student documentation must exclude identifying information.
- Document all infection control measures used, gloves type, latex sensitivity, client response, specimens/cultures, disposal and isolation precautions, and isolation protocol.
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