When making an occupied bed, which step is essential to ensure patient safety?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Explaining the process and involving the patient as much as possible when making an occupied bed ensures safety by keeping them informed and stable during repositioning. This reduces anxiety, prevents sudden movements, and allows the nurse to adjust based on the patient's ability. Changing linens weekly compromises hygiene and comfort, risking skin issues. Raising all side rails might trap or confuse the patient, increasing fall risk if they try to move. Asking them to leave the bed defeats the 'occupied' purpose and isn't always feasible. Communication and collaboration minimize hazards, aligning with safe, patient-centered care principles.

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: C

Rationale: Ensuring all straps are snug and secure before using a mechanical lift prevents the patient from slipping or falling during transfer, prioritizing safety for both patient and nurse. Rapid lifting risks jolting or equipment failure. Quick lowering can cause injury or instability. Lifting alone defies safety protocols lifts require teamwork or proper setup, not independence. Nurses double-check fastenings and positioning, following device guidelines, to execute smooth, secure transfers, minimizing harm in patients unable to move themselves.

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.