ATI RN
Nurses and Infection Control Questions
Question 1 of 5
The following procedures have been ordered and implemented for a hospitalized client. Which procedure carries the greatest risk for a nosocomial infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urinary catheterization. This procedure carries the greatest risk for a nosocomial infection due to the direct introduction of pathogens into the urinary tract. Steps in catheterization involve breaching the body's natural defense barriers, increasing susceptibility to infections. The other choices (A: Enema, B: Intramuscular injections, C: Heat lamp) do not involve invasive procedures like catheterization, which significantly elevate the risk of nosocomial infections. Enemas and intramuscular injections are typically sterile procedures, while the heat lamp does not involve direct entry into the body, thus posing a lower risk of infection compared to urinary catheterization.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is positioning a sterile drape to extend the working area when performing a urinary catheterization. Which of the following is an appropriate technique for this procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using sterile gloves to handle the entire drape surface ensures the sterility of the working area during the urinary catheterization procedure. By using sterile gloves, the nurse maintains aseptic technique and prevents contamination of the sterile field. Choice B is incorrect because folding the lower edges of the drape over the sterile-gloved hands may lead to contamination of the sterile field as the gloves are not in direct contact with the drape surface. Choice C is incorrect because touching only the outer two inches of the drape when not wearing sterile gloves does not ensure complete sterility and may still lead to contamination of the working area. Choice D is incorrect because allowing clothing to touch the drape can introduce contaminants to the sterile field, compromising the aseptic technique required for the procedure.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following statements about glove use and hand hygiene is true?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Artificial fingernails harbor bacteria and can increase the risk of infection transmission. Step 2: Direct client care involves close contact, making it crucial to minimize bacterial transmission. Step 3: Avoiding artificial fingernails helps maintain proper hand hygiene practices. Step 4: Therefore, option A is correct. Summary: Option B is incorrect because nonsterile gloves should not be decontaminated and reused between clients. Option C is incorrect as handwashing is necessary after restroom use. Option D is incorrect since sterile gloves do not eliminate the need for hand hygiene.
Question 4 of 5
The patient experienced a surgical procedure, and Betadine was utilized as the surgical prep. Two days postoperatively, the nurse’s assessment indicates that the incision is red and has a small amount of purulent drainage. The patient reports tenderness at the incision site. The patient’s temperature is 100.5° F, and the WBC is 10,500/mm3. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Utilize SBAR to notify the primary health care provider. This is the first action the nurse should take because the patient is exhibiting signs of a surgical site infection (redness, purulent drainage, tenderness, elevated temperature, and increased WBC count), which requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Notifying the provider promptly allows for timely intervention to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Planning to change the surgical dressing during the shift is not the priority as the patient's symptoms indicate a potential infection that needs immediate attention. C: Reevaluating the temperature and WBC count in 4 hours delays necessary intervention for a suspected infection. D: Checking the solution used for skin preparation in surgery is not urgent compared to notifying the provider about the concerning signs of infection.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a group of medical-surgical patients. Which patient is most at risk for developing an infection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a patient recovering from surgery, especially a total hip surgery, is at higher risk for developing an infection due to the surgical incision and disruption of the skin barrier. Post-operative patients are more susceptible to infections as their immune system may be compromised. In contrast, choice A has no direct relation to infection risk. Choice B, dehydration, may lead to electrolyte imbalances but does not necessarily increase infection risk. Choice D, heart problems, does not inherently increase infection risk unless the patient has specific conditions or interventions that compromise their immune system.