ATI RN
Infection Control Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the correct rationale for using body substance precautions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct rationale for using body substance precautions is D: All body substances are considered potentially infectious. This is because various body substances, such as blood, saliva, urine, feces, and respiratory secretions, may contain pathogens that can transmit infections. This precaution is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, as pathogens can be present in any body substance, even if the person is not showing signs of active infection. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they underestimate the potential risk of transmission and do not provide comprehensive protection against infectious agents.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
The nurse is providing an education session to an adult community group about the effects of smoking on infection. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the educational session?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because smoking affects the cilia lining the upper airways in the lungs, impairing their function in removing mucus and pathogens, leading to increased risk of respiratory infections. This information is crucial for understanding the direct impact of smoking on the body's defense mechanisms against infections. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the cosmetic effects of smoking rather than its impact on health. Choice C is incorrect as changes in fingernail color are not directly related to the effects of smoking on infections. Choice D is also incorrect as the cost of smoking, while important, is not directly relevant to the educational session about the effects of smoking on infection.
Question 4 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 5 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.