ATI RN
Nurses and Infection Control Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient in labor and delivery. When near completing an assessment of the patient’s cervix, the electronic infusion device being used on the intravenous (IV) infusion alarms. Which sequence of actions is most appropriate for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Complete the assessment - Ensures patient safety by assessing the cervix. Step 2: Remove gloves - Prevents cross-contamination. Step 3: Wash hands - Maintains proper hygiene before IV assessment. Step 4: Assess the intravenous infusion - Addresses the device alarm promptly. This sequence prioritizes patient assessment and safety while adhering to infection control practices. Summary: A: Doesn't address IV alarm or hand hygiene properly. B: Fails to prioritize patient assessment before addressing the IV alarm. D: Doesn't emphasize proper hand hygiene before IV assessment.
Question 3 of 5
The home health nurse is teaching a patient and family about hand hygiene in the home. Which situation will cause the nurse to emphasize washing hands before and after?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, performing treatments. This is because performing treatments involves direct contact with the patient's body or medical equipment, increasing the risk of spreading infection. Washing hands before and after ensures proper hygiene to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Shaking hands (A) is important for social etiquette but does not pose the same risk of infection transmission. Opening the refrigerator (C) and working on a computer (D) are not direct sources of contamination, so hand hygiene before and after these activities is not as critical in preventing infection transmission in the home setting.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has a bloodborne pathogen. The nurse splashes blood above the glove to intact skin while discontinuing an intravenous (IV) infusion. Which step(s) will the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Immediately washing the site with soap and running water is essential to reduce the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This step helps to remove any potentially infectious material and decreases the likelihood of infection. Seeking guidance from the manager is also important as they can provide support and further instructions on reporting the incident. Choice A is incorrect because using an alcohol swab alone may not effectively remove all bloodborne pathogens, and continuing care without proper cleaning increases the risk of transmission. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring a blood splashing incident can lead to serious health consequences for both the nurse and the patient. It is not acceptable to consider it a normal part of the job. Choice D is incorrect because delaying washing the site can allow pathogens to enter the body through breaks in the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
Question 5 of 5
It is not necessary to wash your hands after removing gloves because your hands are protected by the gloves.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is not necessary to wash your hands after removing gloves because your hands are not protected by the gloves. Gloves can become contaminated during use, and removing them without washing hands can transfer any pathogens or contaminants from the gloves to the hands. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.