ATI RN
Infection Control Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
An experienced nurse is teaching a student nurse the proper use of hand hygiene. Which of the following is an accurate guideline that should be discussed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hand hygiene must be performed after contact with inanimate objects near the client. This guideline is crucial as it helps prevent the transmission of pathogens from contaminated surfaces to the patient. The rationale is that even after using gloves, hand hygiene is essential to ensure thorough cleaning and prevent cross-contamination. Summary: A: Incorrect. The use of gloves does not eliminate the need for hand hygiene as gloves can still harbor pathogens. B: Incorrect. Hand hygiene is necessary even when gloves are used to further reduce the risk of infection transmission. D: Incorrect. Hand lotions are recommended after hand hygiene to prevent skin dryness and maintain skin integrity.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with leukemia and is preparing to provide fluids through a vascular access (IV) device. Which nursing intervention is a priority in this procedure?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Maintain surgical aseptic technique. Rationale: 1. In patients with leukemia, the immune system is compromised, increasing the risk of infection. 2. Maintaining surgical aseptic technique helps prevent introducing pathogens into the patient's bloodstream. 3. Proper technique reduces the risk of bloodstream infections, crucial in leukemia patients. 4. Reviewing the procedure with the patient, positioning, and gathering supplies are important but secondary to infection prevention.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in an intensive care unit who needs a bath. Which priority action will the nurse take to decrease the potential for a health care–associated infection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use a chlorhexidine wash. This is the priority action to decrease the potential for healthcare-associated infections in an ICU setting. Chlorhexidine is an effective antiseptic that can reduce the risk of infection by killing a wide range of microorganisms on the skin. It is specifically chosen for its ability to provide prolonged antimicrobial activity, making it an essential component in infection prevention protocols. Using a chlorhexidine wash before a bath can significantly reduce the microbial load on the patient's skin, decreasing the risk of infections. Choice A, using local anesthetic on reddened areas, is not directly related to infection prevention. Choice B, using nonallergenic tape on dressings, is important for preventing allergic reactions but does not address the overall risk of healthcare-associated infections. Choice D, using filtered water, is important for certain procedures but does not target the broader goal of infection prevention in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is dressed and is preparing to care for a patient in the perioperative area. The nurse has scrubbed hands and has donned a sterile gown and gloves. Which action will indicate a break in sterile technique?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because touching clean protective eyewear with sterile gloves can introduce contaminants to the gloves, breaking sterile technique. Choice B is correct as hands should be kept below waist level to maintain sterility. Choice C is incorrect as accepting sterile supplies from the surgeon is appropriate. Choice D is incorrect as staying with the sterile table maintains sterility.
Question 5 of 5
The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply a new mask. When a surgical mask becomes moist, it loses its effectiveness in filtering out particles and bacteria. Applying a new mask ensures proper protection for the nurse and the patient. Reapplying a moist mask after it air-dries is not recommended as it may still harbor bacteria. Changing the mask when relieved by the next shift may lead to prolonged exposure to contaminants. Continuing to wear a moist mask, even if the nurse is comfortable, compromises safety.