How can a nurse ensure proper hygiene for a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Cleansing the area around an indwelling catheter daily with soap and water removes bacteria and debris, preventing urinary tract infections a common catheter complication. Avoiding cleaning invites infection, compromising hygiene. Lotion might trap moisture, fostering bacterial growth, unlike drying after washing. Using the same gloves spreads pathogens, violating infection control. Nurses prioritize this routine to maintain a sterile field, secure the catheter, and reduce irritation, ensuring patient safety and comfort through consistent, evidence-based hygiene practices.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Performing oral care with a soft toothbrush and oral swabs for an unconscious, intubated patient removes plaque and secretions, preventing infections like ventilator-associated pneumonia while protecting delicate tissues. Frequent mouthwash alone doesn't clean mechanically and risks aspiration. Weekly care allows bacterial overgrowth, endangering health. Suctioning without gloves breaches infection control gloves are mandatory. Nurses use these tools gently and regularly, often with suction, to maintain hygiene and comfort, a critical intervention in critical care settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A bedpan collects urine and feces for a patient unable to leave bed, maintaining hygiene and preventing soiling, crucial for immobile or post-surgical care. Comfortable sitting isn't its role it's functional, not leisurely. Encouraging activity contradicts its use; it's for immobility. Alignment might be aided by positioning, but collection is the goal. Nurses place it carefully, ensuring privacy and cleanliness, addressing elimination needs safely in confined conditions, a basic yet essential task.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Providing oral care with a swab and appropriate solutions promotes hygiene for a ventilated patient by removing bacteria and secretions, preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia without risking tube displacement. Avoiding care invites infection tubes don't preclude it when done carefully. Drinking water isn't possible; they're intubated. Limiting to awake times ignores constant need unconscious care is standard. Nurses use chlorhexidine or swabs gently, coordinating with respiratory staff, ensuring oral health and systemic safety in critical care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A soft-bristle toothbrush minimizes gum irritation and damage by cleaning teeth gently, avoiding trauma to sensitive tissues, especially in frail or ill patients. Preventing decay is a benefit, but the focus is gum safety hard bristles harm more. Time-saving isn't its purpose; technique matters over speed. Gum stimulation occurs mildly, but protection trumps it. Nurses choose soft bristles to balance efficacy and gentleness, ensuring oral health without pain or bleeding, a key consideration in patient comfort.