ATI RN
Nurses and Infection Control Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A patient presents with pneumonia. Which priority intervention should be included in the plan of care for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Observe the patient for decreased activity tolerance. This is the priority intervention as pneumonia can lead to decreased oxygenation and energy levels. Monitoring activity tolerance helps assess respiratory status and response to treatment. Choice B is incorrect as pain management is not the priority in pneumonia. Choice C is incorrect as ice chips may not address the patient's respiratory needs. Choice D is incorrect as maintaining room temperature is not a priority in managing pneumonia.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.