ATI RN
Nurses and Infection Control Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse who works in an outpatient surgical center develops a new respiratory illness. She has atypical symptoms and is not responding to conventional therapies. Her work history includes spending considerable amounts of time in her facility’s central supply and equipment sterilization areas. Her treating physician suspects her illness is linked to a workplace exposure. Where is the best place for the nurse to obtain information regarding her potential workplace exposures?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: the Safety Data Sheets/SDS at her facility. This is the best place for the nurse to obtain information regarding her potential workplace exposures because SDS provide detailed information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace, including health effects, protective measures, and exposure control. The nurse can review the SDS for the chemicals used in the central supply and equipment sterilization areas to identify any potential exposures that may be linked to her illness. Choice A (the equipment manufacturer’s service center and help desk) is incorrect because they may not have specific information on workplace exposures. Choice B (OSHA website) is incorrect because while OSHA provides general workplace safety guidelines, it may not have specific information on the nurse’s workplace exposures. Choice D (CDC’s reportable illness hotline) is incorrect because it is more focused on reporting and tracking infectious diseases, rather than identifying workplace exposures.
Question 2 of 5
A charge nurse inspects empty rooms prior to deciding which rooms to assign clients. The nurse comes across an IV pole with a frayed electrical cord in one of the empty rooms. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. 1. Moving the IV pole to the dirty utility room ensures it is removed from patient care areas to prevent potential harm. 2. Placing a broken sign on the pole alerts staff to the issue. 3. This action follows safety protocols and prevents further use of the damaged equipment. Other choices are incorrect: A: Writing an incident report and leaving the pole in the room does not address the immediate safety concern. B: Placing the IV pole just outside the room with a trash bag is not a proper way to handle a safety hazard. D: Telling the staff nurse is not as effective as physically moving the pole to a designated area for broken equipment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing to transfer a 32-year-old client with spastic quadriplegia from the client’s bed to her wheelchair. Which of the following actions should the nurse take during the transfer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Facing the client helps maintain eye contact and communication. Planting feet shoulder-width apart provides a stable base of support. Bending the knees instead of the back reduces strain. Lifting the client with proper body mechanics minimizes the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client. This method ensures a safe and effective transfer. Choice A is incorrect because lifting the client from a lying to sitting position and pivoting can strain the nurse's back and may not be safe for the client. Choice C is incorrect as twisting while lifting can lead to back injury for the nurse and discomfort or injury for the client. Choice D is incorrect because cradling the client under her legs and arms may not provide adequate support and can lead to a risky transfer.
Question 4 of 5
A senior staff nurse observes a new graduate nurse prepare and administer medication for a client in their unit. The senior nurse notes that the graduate nurse bypassed the electronic medical record (EMR) medication scanning system and administered the medication directly to the client. Which action by the senior staff nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (A): 1. Instructing the new graduate nurse on the importance of compliance with the EMR scanning system is essential to ensure patient safety. 2. The EMR scanning system helps prevent medication errors by verifying the right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. 3. By bypassing the system, the new graduate nurse put the patient at risk of receiving the wrong medication or dose. 4. Education and reinforcement of protocols are crucial for the nurse to understand the significance of following proper procedures. 5. This approach focuses on correcting the behavior and preventing future errors, promoting a culture of safety. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. Continuing to observe without addressing the error may lead to potential harm to patients in the future. C. Reporting the nurse to upper management may be premature without first addressing the issue directly with the nurse. D. Charting that the medication was given without following the correct procedure does not address
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is the first responder to the scene of a multi-vehicle accident on the highway. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensure the safety of the scene. This is the priority nursing action because without ensuring scene safety, further harm could occur to both the nurse and the injured clients. By securing the scene, the nurse prevents additional accidents or injuries. This action also allows for a safer environment for providing medical care. Summary: A: Beginning immediate medical care is important, but safety of the scene should be ensured first. B: Blocking oncoming traffic may help prevent further accidents, but safety of the scene is the priority. C: Waiting for all ambulances is not ideal as immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm.