Archer Safety/Infection Control

The nurse is obtaining vital signs for a client who has acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Prior to entering the room, the nurse should do which of the following?

A. Wear gloves and a gown.

B. Perform hand hygiene.

C. Review the client's viral load.

D. Obtain a disposable stethoscope.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. When caring for a client who has AIDS, the nurse should maintain standard precautions. Applying PPE such as a gown, pair of gloves, and mask would be inappropriate. Standard precautions require appropriate hand hygiene and other PPE as needed.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The diagnosis of AIDS requires standard precautions which mandate appropriate hand hygiene. It would be inappropriate for gowns or gloves to be worn during client care. Assessing the client's viral load prior to obtaining vital signs would not change the fact that this client requires standard precautions. A disposable stethoscope and blood pressure cuff may be useful for a client with contact precautions, but it would not be necessary for a client with AIDS.

Additional Info

For a client with standard precautions, hand hygiene is required before and after client care. The nurse may use alcohol-based hand sanitizers only if the hands are not visibly soiled. Another exception to the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is if the client has a pathogen such as C. difficile, which requires that the hands be washed with soap and water. Gloves should only be worn when contact with mucous membranes, blood, or non-intact skin will be anticipated. This type of contact is not expected during the collection of vital signs.

Last Updated - 15, Jan 2022

Which of the following vaccines contains a live virus?

Correct

A. IPV

B. DTaP

C. Varicella

D. Hepatitis B

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Varicella is a live virus. Currently, the available live attenuated viral vaccines are measles, mumps, rubella, vaccinia, varicella, zoster (which contains the same virus as varicella vaccine but in a much higher amount), yellow fever, rotavirus, and influenza (intranasal).

Choice A is incorrect. IPV is an inactivated polio vaccine.

Choice B is incorrect. DTaP contains inactivated forms of the toxin produced by the bacteria that cause the three diseases Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.

Choice D is incorrect. Hepatitis B vaccine is a genetically engineered (human-made in the laboratory) piece of the virus. It does not contain a live virus.

NCSBN Client Need, Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance, Subtopic: Immunizations

Last Updated - 03, Dec 2021

The nurse is caring for a client with a sacral wound infected with Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to care for this client?

Select all that apply.

A. Gloves

B. N95 respirator

C. Surgical Mask

D. Goggles

E. Gown

Explanation

Choices A and E are correct. A gown and gloves should be used when coming into contact with an MRSA wound. This prevents secretions from the wound from infecting the nurse.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. MRSA in the wound requires contact precautions. A mask is not necessary, nor is goggles or a respirator.

Additional Info

MRSA is a gram-positive bacteria that is found frequently in healthcare facilities. MRSA is spread by direct contact and affects most older adults through indwelling urinary catheters, vascular access devices, open wounds, and endotracheal tubes. It is susceptible to only a few antibiotics, such as IV vancomycin and oral linezolid.

For a client on contact precautions, the door may remain open. During client transport, the wound should be covered with a dry dressing.

The nurse has just given an intradermal injection of PPD to a client in the clinic when she accidentally sticks herself in the finger with the used needle. What is the initial action of the nurse?

A. Fill out an incidence occurrence report.

B. Wash the area with soap and water right away.

C. Ask the client if he has HIV or hepatitis.

D. Put an antibiotic cream and bandage over the site.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. The initial action of the nurse should be to wash the area with soap and water first then try to squeeze the area to make it bleed.

Choice A is incorrect. The incident should be documented entirely; however, the nurse should care for the wound first.

Choice C is incorrect. The nurse should not directly ask the client. The nurse may refer to the client's chart or ask the client to have his blood drawn for testing.

Choice D is incorrect. The first puncture site would not need an antibiotic ointment.

Additional Info

Last Updated - 17, Oct 2021

The charge nurse is performing safety rounds on clients in the nursing unit. Which observation requires follow-up? A client with

A. an indwelling urinary catheter hanging from the bed frame.

B. right-sided weakness with their cane on the left side of the bed.

C. a history of falling given a bedside commode.

D. a belt restraint was applied and secured over the chest.

Explanation

Choice D is correct This observation requires follow-up because a belt restraint should be applied to the client's waist - not the chest. It is inappropriate to have a belt restraint secured over the client's abdomen or chest.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. These observations do not require follow-up. An indwelling catheter tubing should hang freely from the bed frame. The tubing should be without any kinks or loops. If a client has right-sided weakness, their ambulation device (cane, walker, etc.) should be placed on their stronger side. A client with a history of falling is at an increased risk for future falls and placing a bedside commode is a measure to reduce falls (by decreasing the client's distance to ambulate to the bathroom).

Additional Info

Belt restraints may be warranted for confused or impulsive clients who are continually trying to get out of bed or a chair after repeated redirection, when it's unsafe for them to get up unassisted. Belt restraints should be applied over clothing and secured over the client's waist. The restraint should be anchored to an immovable part of the bed or the chair.

Last Updated - 22, Jun 2022

The nurse conducts safety rounds within the nursing unit. Which observation requires follow-up? Select all that apply.

A. The client's armband was affixed to the bedside table.

B. The client's telephone number and name were used as identifiers.

C. Multiple blood specimen tubes are labeled before specimen collection.

D. A room number is used as an identifier during medication administration.

E. Verifies client's name, date of birth, consent, site, and procedure during a time out process.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, C, and D are correct. These observations require follow-up because they are unsafe. The client's armband should not be the sole source of client identification but rather collateral information. It should be attached to the client, not a bedside table or bed. Specimen tubes should never be prelabeled. Specimen collection requires appropriate labeling and client verification when obtaining the specimen. A room number cannot be used as a reliable client identifier.

Choices B and E are incorrect. These observations reflect appropriate practice and do not require follow-up. A client's telephone number is an acceptable identifier when combined with their name. A time-out procedure should involve the client and participants of the procedure. Elements include the client's name, date of birth, consent, site, and procedure during a time-out process.

Additional Info

Two reliable client identifiers should be verified for client activities. Acceptable client identifiers include

Name

Date of Birth

An assigned identification number (e.g., medical record number, etc).

Telephone number or another person-specific identifier

Electronic identification technology coding, such as bar coding or RFID includes two or more person-specific identifiers

The nurse should not use identifiers such as the client's room number.

Last Updated - 10, Jun 2022

The nurse needs to assess the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) because:

A. Patients should be warned that most CAM therapies are potentially dangerous

B. Additional treatment may not be needed if the patient is using CAM

C. CAM therapy could interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications

D. Most CAM therapies are essentially ineffective

Explanation

Choice C is correct. One key concept to remember when dealing with alternative therapies is that natural does not always mean "better or safe." Some herbal products contain ingredients that may interact with prescription drugs. For example, patients taking medications with potentially dangerous adverse effects, such as insulin, warfarin, or digoxin, should be warned to never take dietary supplements without first discussing their needs with a physician. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is comprised of an incredibly diverse set of therapies and healing systems. CAM is considered to be outside the mainstream of healthcare. From a therapeutic perspective, much of the value of CAM therapies is their ability to reduce the need for medications.

Choice A is incorrect. Most CAM therapies are not considered dangerous. However, patients should discuss CAM therapy with their physician before beginning treatment.

Choice B is incorrect. While some therapies may reduce the need for conventional medical intervention, the use of CAM does not always reduce the need for that type of response.

Choice D is incorrect. CAM therapies are considered valuable in the prevention and treatment of disease. For example, meditation, massage, yoga, and prayer have been used for centuries to treat the body and mind.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity Subtopic: Pharmacological Therapies

Last Updated - 14, Feb 2022

A patient is rushed to the emergency department after being exposed to radioactive materials in a workplace accident. What should be the initial action of the nurse?

A. Strip the patient of all clothing and decontaminate him.

B. Ask the patient what happened during the accident.

C. Decontaminate the room where the patient was staying.

D. Save the clothing for analysis.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Removing any radioactive material from the patient should be the first priority of the nurse.

Choice B is incorrect. The nurse should investigate what happened after all contaminants have been removed from the patient.

Choice C is incorrect. The primary responsibility of the nurse is the patient, not the room. The room can be decontaminated once the patient has been stabilized and treated.

Choice D is incorrect. The nurse can save the clothing for analysis, but only after the client has been stabilized.

Last Updated - 07, Feb 2022

You are the nurse performing education for a patient with AIDS at the community clinic. Which of the following statements is an example of appropriate teaching?

A. "Do not wash your dishes with your roommate's dishes."

B. "Clean all utensils and dishes before reusing them."

C. "Do not use the same shower or toilet as your roommate."

D. "Hand sanitizer is not necessary unless you plan on touching someone else."

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Stagnant water and food particles can be a breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. A patient with an AIDS diagnosis is susceptible to contracting illness/infections more quickly due to the deficiency in his/her immune system. The focus of education should include measures to protect the patient from contracting illnesses from others.

Choices A and C are incorrect. Washing dishes with someone else's or sharing bathroom facilities does not protect the patient or the roommate from illness or spread of disease.

Choice D is incorrect. Using hand sanitizer is recommended for all people to help prevent the spread of germs.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Reduction of Risk Potential

Last Updated - 09, Feb 2022

Which action taken by the school nurse will have the most impact on the incidence of infectious disease in the school?

A. Ensure that students are immunized according to national guidelines.

B. Provide written information about infection control to all patients.

C. Make soap and water readily available in the classrooms.

D. Teach students how to cover their mouths when coughing.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. The incidence of once-common infectious diseases such as measles, chickenpox, and mumps have been effectively reduced by immunization of all school-aged children. School-aged children are at risk for problems such as exposure to viruses, respiratory infections, and parasitic infections (such as scabies or lice). Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases which can include amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. While these are helpful, receiving proper and timely immunizations has a great impact.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Reduction of Risk Potential

Last Updated - 27, Aug 2021

A client has been diagnosed with disseminated herpes zoster. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) will you need to put on when preparing to assess the client?

Select all that apply.

A. Goggles

B. Gown

C. Gloves

D. Shoe covers

E. N95 respirator

F. Surgical face mask

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices B, C, and E are correct. Since herpes zoster is spread through airborne means and by direct contact with the lesions, contact and airborne precautions should be followed in case of "disseminated" herpes zoster. This means the nurse should wear an N95 respirator or high-efficiency particulate air filter respirator, a gown, and gloves. Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes varicella (chickenpox). Primary infection with VZV causes varicella. Once the illness resolves, the virus remains latent in the dorsal root ganglia. VZV can be reactive later in a person's life and create a painful, maculopapular rash called herpes zoster. Active herpes zoster lesions are infectious, through direct contact with vesicular fluid, until they dry and crust over. People with active herpes zoster lesions should cover their injuries and avoid contact with susceptible people in their household and occupational settings until their wounds are dry and crusted.

Choices A and D are incorrect. Goggles and shoe covers are not needed for airborne or contact precautions.

Choice F is incorrect. A surgical face mask filters only large particles and will not protect against herpes zoster.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control

A nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia who is in bilateral wrist restraints. The client has developed confusion. The nurse should take which priority action?

A. Obtain vital signs

B. Release restraints and provide range of motion

C. Auscultate lung sounds

D. Assess skin integrity under each restraint

Explanation

Choice A is correct. A complication of pneumonia is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The hallmark of ARDS is hypoxemia which may manifest as altered mental status. The nurse should obtain vital signs with an emphasis on assessing the client's respiratory rate and pulse oximetry.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The restraints inhibit the client from mobilizing, which is detrimental to the management of pneumonia. However, the nurse should immediately obtain vital signs to ascertain if hypoxia is causing this confusion. Auscultating lung sounds is not an essential action. This would not generate useful clinical data as it cannot reveal if the client is hypoxic. Assessing the skin integrity of the wrists and providing range of motion are not actions that would remedy the client's confusion.

Additional Info

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has clinical features such as:

• Hypoxemia that persists even when 100% oxygen is given (refractory hypoxemia, a cardinal feature)

• Decreased pulmonary compliance

• Dyspnea

• Non-cardiac-associated bilateral pulmonary edema

• Dense pulmonary infiltrates on x-ray (ground-glass appearance)

Measures that prevent a client with pneumonia from developing ARDS include aggressive mobilization, incentive spirometry, prescribed bronchodilators, and

prompt initiation of antibiotics.

The nurse is caring for a group of premature infants. Which action is most important in preventing healthcare-acquired infection?

A. Performing frequent hand hygiene

B. Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces

C. Screening visitors for illness

D. Administer prophylactic antibiotics

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. The most important action a nurse can take to prevent a healthcare acquired infection is to frequently wash their hands. Hand hygiene is a proven and effective measure to decrease the transmission of pathogens. The nurse should wash their hands when they are visibly soiled, before and after contact with the client. Alternatively, the nurse may use alcohol-based sanitizers.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. These measures are useful in preventing disease transmission however, handwashing is critical to reducing the transmission of microorganisms. Prophylactic antibiotic use is often discouraged because of the exposure to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal illness and antibiotic resistance.

Additional Info

Good hand hygiene is a pillar in healthcare. As a key reminder, hands should be rinsed by keeping hands down and elbows up. Finally, hands should be dried thoroughly from fingers to wrists with a paper towel or single-use cloth.

Last Updated - 10, Sep 2022

Which of the following is an internal disaster?

Select all that apply.

A. A loss of electrical power to the facility

B. The sudden cessation of internal communication

C. A toxic chemical spill in the lobby of the facility

D. A serious life threatening medication error

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, B, and C are correct. A loss of electrical power to the facility, the sudden cessation of internal communication, and a toxic chemical spill in the lobby of the facility are all examples of domestic disasters. Other cases of civil emergencies include things like a fire, a bomb threat, a cyclone, a flood, a tornado or hurricane that affects the healthcare facility.

Choice D is incorrect. A medication error is not considered an internal disaster or an external disaster.

Last Updated - 20, Aug 2021

The nurse is observing infection control practices in the nursing unit. Which of the following findings require follow-up? A client with

Select all that apply.

A. H. pylori placed on standard precautions.

B. rotavirus provided a disposable blood pressure cuff.

C. rubella and their door is kept closed.

D. influenza ambulating in the hall with a surgical mask.

E. Legionnaires' disease placed on contact precautions.

Explanation

Choices C and E are correct. These observations are inappropriate and require follow-up. The door should be closed in airborne isolation precautions, not droplet precautions. A client with rubella should be placed on droplet precautions. The minimum PPE required for droplet precautions is a surgical mask. Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted person-to-person but rather through infected water or soil. This bacterium requires standard precautions.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

H. pylori infections are transmitted predominantly by contaminated water. H. pylori can spread within the families through close contact among family members. While an intrafamilial transmission is possible through contact with infected family members, there is no data to support using special isolation precautions while caring for a client diagnosed with H.Pylori. Standard precautions are used for H. pylori infections.

Rotavirus requires contact precautions. Sanitization of the surfaces is necessary to prevent transmission from contact with the contaminated surfaces. A disposable blood pressure cuff is appropriate for a client with rotavirus, as infected surfaces may transmit this pathogen.

Influenza requires droplet precautions. It is appropriate for a client with influenza to ambulate with a surgical mask as it may spread through infected droplets.

Learning Objective

Recognize the CDC-recommended transmission-based precautions used in infection prevention.

The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for surgery. The nurse should notify the primary healthcare physician (PHCP) of which laboratory abnormality?

See the table below.

A. Sodium level

B. Potassium level

C. BUN

D. Creatinine

Explanation

Choice B is correct. The client's potassium is considerably low and should be reported to the provider.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. The client's sodium level is marginally low and does not pose a threat compared to the low potassium. The BUN of 5 mg/dL does not pose a problem to the client as an elevation would be indicative of renal insufficiency. This creatinine level is normal and not an issue.

Last Updated - 15, Feb 2022

Which of the following statements regarding mass casualty events are true?

Select all that apply.

A. Mass casualties are events that overwhelm local medical capabilities.

B. When a mass casualty occurs, there is a need to increase the staff at the hospital.

C. Many local agencies will collaborate to handle a mass casualty situation.

D. An example of a mass casualty event is a fight between visitors in the intensive care unit.

Explanation

Choices A, B, and C are correct.

A is correct. Mass casualties are events that overwhelm local medical capabilities. Another term for mass casualty events is a disaster.

B is correct. When a mass casualty occurs, there is a need to increase the hospital staff to provide safe client care to everyone involved in the event.

C is correct. Many local agencies will collaborate to handle a mass casualty situation. Collaboration between multiple agencies and health care facilities will be necessary to provide safe care and proper handling of the crisis.

Choice D is incorrect. A fight between visitors in the intensive care unit is a security and local law enforcement issue, not a mass casualty event.

NCSBN Client Need: Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Risk potential reduction; Prioritization, delegation, and leadership

Last Updated - 14, Feb 2022

Which of the following statements are true regarding infection with Diptheria?

Select all that apply.

A. The agent of infection is Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

B. The incubation period for this infection is 2 to 5 days.

C. Transmission of the cutaneous diphtheria is via direct contact with the infected person.

D. The communicable period for diphtheria is 3-6 days.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, B, and C are correct.

A is correct. The agent of infection is Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

B is correct. The incubation period for diphtheria is 2 to 5 days.

C is correct. Diphtheria can manifest in cutaneous or pharyngeal forms. Large droplets can spread pharyngeal diphtheria, so one must use droplet precautions. Transmission of cutaneous diphtheria is via direct contact with the skin sores of an infected person, carriers, or contaminated articles.

Choice D is incorrect. The communicable period refers to the duration for which the person can remain infectious. The communicable period for diphtheria varies but is usually 2 to 4 weeks.

NCSBN Client Need: Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance, Subtopic: Infectious disease

Last Updated - 13, Feb 2022

Which of the following healthcare providers are responsible for documenting care provided to a patient?

A. The LPNs should document the care that they provided and the care that was given by unlicensed assistive staff.

B. The registered nurse must document all of the care that is provided by the nursing assistants because they are accountable for all care.

C. All staff members should document all of the care that they have provided.

D. All staff should document all of the care that they have provided but since the registered nurse is the only independent practitioner, the RN signs it.

Explanation

Choice C is correct. All staff members, including unlicensed assistive staff like nursing assistants, document and sign all of the care that they have personally provided. For example, the nursing assistants will document the vital signs that they have taken; the licensed practical nurses will document all of the treatments and medications that they have given to the patient, and the registered nurse will document nursing diagnoses and assessments that they have completed. There is an old saying among healthcare professionals that have been passed on to new generations. The saying is, "I don't care what you did; if you didn't document it, you didn't do it." Documentation is an essential part of patient care. A patient's complete medical record is a legal document. Proper documentation means 1. The person who provided care should document what care/treatment/medication was given and how the patient responded. 2. If care is delegated to another person, it should be noted to whom the responsibility was assigned; proper documentation AND follow-up should be done.

Choice A is incorrect. Each person providing care should personally document the attention that he/she provided.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the RN or charge nurse is responsible for making sure tasks are delegated to the appropriate personnel, only the person who performs the care should document the care that was provided.

Choice D is incorrect. The person providing care should document the care followed by his/her signature.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Coordinated Care, Roles and Functions of the Nurse

Last Updated - 23, Jan 2022

When doing presurgical assessments of patients in an ambulatory care center, which patient would the nurse report to the surgeon as possibly needing surgery to be postponed?

A. A 20-year-old patient who is a vegan.

B. An elderly client who takes daily nutritional drinks.

C. A 40-year-old patient who takes ginkgo biloba and an aspirin daily.

D. An infant who is breastfeeding.

Explanation

Choice C is correct. The patient taking Ginkgo Biloba (herbal), aspirin, and vitamin E may have to postpone surgery due to the increased risk for excessive bleeding, as each of these substances has antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant properties. Ginkgo Biloba can further potentiate aspirin's antiplatelet effect and may increase the bleeding tendency. Surgeons usually require aspirin and other antiplatelet agents to be held at least seven days before significant surgeries.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Being a vegan, drinking nutritional drinks, and breastfeeding do not adversely affect surgery outcomes.

Learning Objective

Recognize that Ginkgo Biloba can potentiate aspirin's antiplatelet effects and may increase the bleeding time.

Additional Info

Patients commonly use certain herbal supplements. Nurses should be aware of the side effects of these herbal supplements and their interactions with other commonly prescribed medications.

The nurse is discussing infection control with a group of nursing students. It would be correct to state that airborne precautions are used for which condition?

Select all that apply.

A. Pulmonary tuberculosis

B. Pertussis

C. Rubeola

D. Hepatitis A

E. Rubella

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A and C are correct. Conditions requiring airborne precautions include pulmonary tuberculosis and rubeola.

Choices B and E are incorrect. Pertussis and rubella are diseases requiring droplet precautions.

Choice D is incorrect. Hepatitis A is managed with standard precautions.

The nurse is discussing infection control with a group of nursing students. It would be correct to state that the contact precautions with alcohol-based hand hygiene measures should be sufficient for which of the following conditions?

Select all that apply.

A. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

B. Mumps

C. Rubella

D. Varicella

E. Scabies

F. Clostridium difficile

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A and E are correct. Conditions requiring the usual contact precautions include Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Scabies. RSV is spread through contact with surfaces and contact with infectious droplets. Droplet precautions are not necessary for RSV. The CDC recommends standard and contact precautions for RSV. Other conditions requiring the usual contact precautions include:

Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Pediculosis

Contact precautions protect against organisms that spread through contact with the patient or the patient's environment. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for contact precautions include gloves and a gown. In contact precautions, the nurse/visitor must perform hand hygiene before entering the patient's room and after leaving the room. One can clean hands either with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.

However, in diarrheal illnesses such as Clostridium difficile or norovirus, one must follow contact precautions but with an additional requirement. It requires visitors to perform hand hygiene by cleaning hands with soap and water after leaving the patient room. These special contact precautions are referred to as contact enteric precautions, and the isolation sign on the patient room must clearly state this requirement. Alcohol-based disinfectants do not kill Clostridium spores or norovirus. Therefore, soap and water are mandatory to clean hands upon leaving the patient's room.

Choices B and C are incorrect. Mumps and Rubella require droplet precautions. Rubella (German measles) and Rubeola (Measles) sound similar, but they are two different diseases. Rubeola (Measles) spreads by airborne route and needs airborne isolation, whereas Rubella needs droplet isolation.

Choice D is incorrect. Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) causes Chickenpox and Shingles. Varicella (Chickenpox) needs both contact and airborne isolation precautions, not just contact precautions. Both contact and airborne precautions are used in Varicella and "disseminated" Herpes Zoster (shingles) until all the lesions dry and crust over. In contrast, standard precautions alone are sufficient for "localized" Herpes Zoster in immunocompetent patients if the lesions can be contained/covered.

Choice F is incorrect. Clostridium difficile is a bacteria that causes diarrhea and is highly contagious. It spreads by contact and fecal-oral route. Contact precautions are certainly used to prevent the spread of Clostridium difficile. However, an additional requirement of cleaning hands with soap and water upon leaving the patient's room is mandatory. To standardize infection control practices and to specify this additional hand hygiene requirement, many hospitals have adopted special signage, "contact enteric precautions".

The patient is experiencing post-operative tachycardia with low blood pressure. The nurse should be most concerned about which of the following surgical complications?

A. The development of an infection

B. Hemorrhage

C. Wound dehiscence

D. Hematoma

Explanation

Choice B is correct. A patient with low blood pressure and tachycardia after a surgical procedure may be experiencing an illness. Blood loss results in lowered blood pressure and the heart rate increases to compensate.

Choice A is incorrect. The development of an infection after surgery usually presents with tachycardia and fever. Hypotension may or may not be present.

Choice C is incorrect. Wound dehiscence occurs when the edges of a surgical site rupture. It is not categorized by tachycardia and low blood pressure. Wound dehiscence is a serious complication of surgery and needs immediate treatment.

Choice D is incorrect. A hematoma, or a bruise, is a non-serious occurrence after surgery. It is caused by a collection of blood beneath the skin's surface.

NCSBN client need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Reduction of Risk Potential

Last Updated - 13, Feb 2022

The nurse is caring for a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which infection control measure should the nurse implement?

A. Restrict visitors who are pregnant.

B. Remove any portable fans in the room.

C. Wear a dosimeter badge during patient care.

D. Place the patient further away from the nursing station.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Fans should be removed from a room for a client with droplet or airborne precautions. Fans may propel the transmission of a pathogen. A client with pulmonary tuberculosis should be isolated using airborne precautions.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Restricting visitors who are pregnant is not an infection control measure necessary for pulmonary tuberculosis. It would also be inappropriate to wear a dosimeter badge or place the patient further away from the nursing station. Radiation exposure is not a risk associated with TB; thus, a dosimeter badge is unnecessary.

Additional Info

For a client with suspected or active pulmonary tuberculosis, the following infection control measures should be taken -

Initiate and maintain airborne precautions.

Keep the door closed to promote negative pressure.

An appropriate respirator must be worn during direct care.

Strict adherence to hand hygiene.

If the client needs to leave the room, they should wear a surgical mask.

Last Updated - 31, Dec 2021

Which of the following is an example of the implementation step of the nursing process?

Select all that apply.

A. The nurse carefully removes the bandages from a burn victim's arm.

B. The nurse assesses a patient to check her nutritional status.

C. The nurse forms a nursing diagnosis for a patient with a seizure disorder.

D. The nurse repositions a bed-bound patient every two hours to prevent decubitus ulcers.

E. The nurse checks the client's insurance coverage at the initial interview.

F. The nurse verifies community resources for a patient with dementia.

Explanation

Choices A, D, and F are correct. The nursing process involves 5 steps: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation ( ADPIE). During the implementation step of the nursing process, nursing actions planned in the previous steps ( according to the care plan) are carried out. The purpose of implementation is to assist the patient in achieving valued health outcomes, promote and restore health, and facilitate coping with altered functioning. By implementing the care plan, the nurse aims to assure continuity of care for the patient during hospitalization and in preparation for discharge.

Choices B, C, and E are incorrect. The assessment step of the nursing process includes obtaining not only physiological data, but also psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, economic, and lifestyle data as well. The nursing diagnosis step includes not just primary diagnosis but also formulating diagnoses. The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) defines nursing diagnosis as "a clinical judgment about the human response to health conditions/life processes, or a vulnerability for that response, by an individual, family, group or community."

The diagnosis is the basis for the nurse's care plan. Often a nursing diagnosis is based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs pyramid and helps prioritize treatments. For example, physiological needs (such as food, water, and sleep) are more fundamental to survival than love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization, so they prioritize nursing interventions. Based on nursing diagnoses, the nurse plans the goals ( planning, step 3) to address the patient's diagnosis/ problems through nursing implementation ( step 4). Assessing a patient for nutritional status ( Choice B) or insurance coverage ( Choice E) occurs in the assessment step, and formulating nursing diagnoses ( Choice C) occurs in the diagnostic step.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Coordinated Care - Implementing the Plan of Care

Last Updated - 03, Jan 2022

The nurse is observing the surgical aseptic technique of a nursing student. Which observation by the nurse requires follow-up?

A. Spills sterile water onto the sterile field.

B. Holds their hands above their elbows during handwashing.

C. Has sterile gauze placed into the sterile field

D. Keeps the sterile field above their waist.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. When a sterile surface comes in contact with a liquid, the sterile object or field becomes contaminated. The nurse should intervene because microorganisms travel to the sterile object if moisture leaks through the protective covering of a sterile package.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. These observations all adhere to surgical asepsis. Fluid flows in the direction of gravity. A sterile object becomes contaminated if gravity causes a contaminated liquid to flow over the surface of the object. Thus, it is appropriate for handwashing to occur with their hands over their elbows. Sterile gauze may be placed on the sterile field as long as the opening of the package is not torn and the object touches the border of the sterile field. The sterile field should be above the waist.

Additional Info

Surgical asepsis prevents contamination of an open wound, serves to isolate an operative or procedural area from an unsterile environment, and maintains a sterile field for surgery or procedural intervention. Surgical asepsis differs from medical asepsis in that surgical asepsis aims to completely kill microorganisms, whereas medical asepsis prevents the microorganisms from spreading.

Last Updated - 02, Jun 2022

What is the nurse's priority when a fire occurs in a client's room?

A. Rescue the patient

B. Extinguish the fire

C. Sound the alarm

D. Run for help

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Patient safety is always the first priority.

Choices B and C are incorrect. Sounding the alarm and extinguishing the fire are important things to do after the patient is safe.

Choice D is incorrect. Calling for help, if possible, rather than running for help allows you to remain with the patient and is a more appropriate action.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control - Fire Safety

Last Updated - 15, Feb 2022

Which of the following statements about security in healthcare environments is accurate?

A. Healthcare facilities must have egress alarms on all doors, except client doors, to maintain security within the facility.

B. All members of the healthcare facility must have education and training relating to security in the facility.

C. Members of the healthcare facility who do not have clinical access do not need education and training relating to security in the facility.

D. Members of the healthcare facility who have only clerical roles do not need education and training relating to security in the facility.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. All healthcare facility members must have education and training relating to security in the facility.

Choice A is incorrect. Healthcare facilities are not mandated to have egress alarms on all doors, except client doors, to maintain security within the facility. Egress alarms are, however, prescribed for high-security risk areas.

Choice C is incorrect. Members of the healthcare facility who do not have clinical access are required to have education and training relating to security in the facility because all areas and all departments are at risk for security breaches.

Choice D is incorrect. Members of the healthcare facility who have only clerical roles are required to have education and training relating to security in the facility because all areas and all departments are at risk for security breaches.

Last Updated - 26, Jan 2022

Which of the following statements about carbon monoxide is accurate?

A. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is gray in color and deadly.

B. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is clear, odorless, and deadly.

C. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is yellow and odorless.

D. Carbon monoxide is a gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Carbon monoxide is a gas that is clear, odorless, and deadly. This invisible gas can build up in enclosed areas where engines, such as car engines, or kerosene heaters, are running idly.

Choice A is incorrect. Carbon monoxide is deadly, but it is not gray.

Choice C is incorrect. Carbon monoxide is odorless, but it is not yellow.

Choice D is incorrect. Carbon monoxide is odorless. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas commonly described as smelling similar to rotten eggs.

Learning Objective

Recognize that carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless, and deadly gas.

Additional Info

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most common types of fatal poisoning.

Consider toxicity in clients with nonspecific symptoms or unexplained metabolic acidosis.

Do not rule out toxicity based on a normal carbon monoxide level because levels can decrease rapidly, particularly after treatment with supplemental oxygen.

Treat carbon monoxide poisoning clients with 100% oxygen.

For severe poisoning, consider treatment with hyperbaric oxygen.

Last Updated - 11, Jan 2022

The RN provides discharge instructions to a patient with a diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and a history of macular degeneration. Which instruction would be most important to promote this patient's safety within the home?

A. Instruct the caregiver to place items in the patient's central point of vision.

B. Avoid eating green, leafy vegetables while on warfarin therapy.

C. Keep a large-print list of emergency contact numbers posted on the refrigerator.

D. Use an electronic blood pressure cuff to monitor and record blood pressure daily.

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Of the options listed, keeping a large print list of emergency numbers would be most important to promote the patient's safety in the home. Macular degeneration is a progressive visual problem that affects central vision and can make it difficult to visualize text. Patients should be encouraged to use large print resources, ensure adequate lighting, and use magnifying tools to maximize their remaining vision.

Choice A is incorrect. Macular degeneration affects central vision, not peripheral. Placement of items in the central line of view would be appropriate for a visual problem that affects peripheral vision, such as glaucoma.

Choice B is incorrect. Green leafy vegetables can interfere with the coagulation and effectiveness of warfarin. Although the nurse would expect this patient to be on anticoagulant therapy due to atrial fibrillation, the question does not specify warfarin is ordered, so this teaching may not be appropriate for this patient. Additionally, a diet rich in fruits and dark green leafy vegetables is recommended for slowing the progression of macular degeneration.

Choice D is incorrect. The question does not mention this patient has any issues with blood pressure. Although it would not be harmful to monitor blood pressure, this would not be the best action to promote the patient's safety at home based on the given information.

Last Updated - 10, Feb 2022

The nurse is planning a staff development conference about restraints. Which of the following information should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A. Mittens are not restraints if untethered and the client is physically able to remove the mitt.

B. Elbow restraints may allow a client to remove abdominal or urinary medical devices.

C. Soft wrist restraints should be removed one at a time if a client is violent.

D. Belt restraints may be prescribed on an as-needed basis.

E. Belt restraints should be applied over a client's clothing garments.

Explanation

Choices A, B, C, and E are correct These statements are true and should be included in the conference. Mittens are not considered restraints if they are untethered, and the client may be able to remove the mitt. Elbow restraints make it difficult to remove a medical device near the face or neck. It does not impede the removal of abdominal or urinary medical devices. Belt restraints should be applied over a client's clothing and secured to the bedframe. Significant impairment to a client's skin may result if the belt is directly applied over the skin.

Choice D is incorrect. Physical restraints, no matter the type, cannot be utilized on an as needed (PRN) basis. Physical restraint usage should be appropriately justified based on the client's behavior at that time of the demonstration. This information should not be included because it is incorrect.

Additional Info

Restraints should be used as a last resort if alternative methods are not effective.

A nurse should never threaten a client with restraints. This is considered assault.

The nurse may place a client who is violent in restraints without an order from the primary healthcare provider (PHCP). If this was to occur, the nurse has one hour to inform the provider and obtain an order.

Restraints are never as needed (PRN). They should be discontinued at the earliest possible time.

When restraining a client, the reason for the restraint must be explained to the client and the behavior the client needs to demonstrate for the restraints to be discontinued.

The nurse should observe the client at frequent intervals to offer nutrition & toileting, assess their behavioral status, obtain vital signs, and provide range of motion. These intervals are determined by the facility and the type of restraint—the more restrictive the restraint and the younger the client, the more frequent assessment.

Restraints must be able to quickly be removed via a quick-release buckle (knots are no longer recommended).

The nurses' documentation must be comprehensive, describing the reasoning for the restraints, alternatives utilized, the education provided to the client, the type of restraint utilized, how it was secured, and the ongoing behavior necessary to continue the restraint. The nurse should also document the intervals at which the restraints were released.

Last Updated - 13, Jun 2022

The community health nurse is doing a home visit on a client that was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago for hypertension. The nurse notes that the client was prescribed amlodipine 5 mg daily and was advised to lose weight. The nurse should be concerned when the client notes which of the following during his visit?

A. The patient states that he has already enrolled himself in a gym and is getting dietary counseling from a nutritionist.

B. The nurse notes the patient drinking grapefruit juice.

C. The patient asks the nurse multiple questions regarding how he can follow his treatment regimen.

D. The patient stated that he has had an episode of dizziness a day after he was discharged but has since been fine.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Grapefruit juice and calcium channel blockers may combine to cause toxic effects. This should cause concern to the nurse and should necessitate further teaching regarding calcium channel blockers (ie, amlodipine).

Choice A is incorrect. The patient stating that he is already starting to exercise and modify his diet is a positive sign that he is complying with his treatment.

Choice C is incorrect. The patient asking various questions regarding his treatment signifies to the nurse that the patient is eager and willing to undergo therapy. The nurse should encourage the patient.

Choice D is incorrect. The dizziness that the patient has stated is just a common side effect of his medication (calcium channel blocker).

Last Updated - 01, Feb 2

The nurse assesses a client's central venous catheter dressing, and it appears loose and wet. The nurse should take which action?

A. Reinforce the dressing with paper tape

B. Remove the dressing and the central vascular device

C. Apply a clean occlusive dressing to the site

D. Clean the site and apply a new sterile dressing

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. When moisture comes into contact with a sterile dressing, this causes contamination. The nurse should prepare to change the dressing using medical asepsis to remove the old dressing and surgical asepsis to apply the new dressing.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Reinforcing the dressing with paper tape would be inappropriate. Moisture causes contamination, and the nurse should intervene and change the dressing. Removing the central line would be inappropriate as the issue is with the dressing - not the catheter. An occlusive dressing does not need to be applied as the old dressing needs to be removed, the site cleaned with chlorhexidine, and a new central line dressing applied.

Additional Info

The central line should be anchored with a securement device and covers the site with a sterile bio-occlusive dressing. Central line dressings should be changed at least every 7 days or immediately if dressing integrity is disrupted (e.g., lifted/detached on any border edge or within transparent portion of dressing, visibly soiled, presence of moisture, drainage, or blood).

Last Updated - 02, Jun 2022

The community health nurse is evaluating an individual's risks of developing Hepatitis A. The nurse knows which age group is at the highest risk of acquiring Hepatitis A?

A. Newborns

B. The elderly, ages 60 to 90

C. Teenagers older than age 15

D. Children older than 1 year but younger than 15 years

Explanation

Choice D is correct. Children who are preschool and elementary school age and those younger than 15-years-old are at the highest risk of developing Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is usually contracted by ingesting stool containing the virus. Since it's transmitted through the fecal-oral route, children are more prone as they may not practice proper hand hygiene. Often, children contract the infection by eating/drinking food/water (fruits, vegetables, ice, water) contaminated by stools containing HAV, being carried by the infected person that does not wash their hands after using the restroom or traveling to a developing country without being vaccinated for hepatitis A. Outbreaks may occur in child care centers.

The CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccine to the following groups:

All children aged 12-23 months

Unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 2-18 years

International travelers

Homeless people

Men who have sex with men

Those engaged in recreational drug use

Those with HIV

Those with chronic liver disease

Those at risk for exposure during their work.

Pregnant women at risk for Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is administered in a two-dose schedule. It is recommended to all children at one year of age (i.e. 12 to 23 months) and as a catch-up vaccine for all unvaccinated children and adolescents 2 to 18 years.

Choice A is incorrect. Newborns are not the group most likely to develop Hepatitis A. Newborns and those less than age 12 months tend to harbor passively acquired maternal antibodies (passively transferred via the placenta). Routine Hepatitis A vaccination is not recommended to children younger than 12 months because their immune systems are not mature. Vaccines before 12 months of age might result in a suboptimal immune response. However, those children at 6-11 months who travel internationally should be given the vaccine.

Choice B is incorrect. These elderly age groups do not have more occurrences of Hepatitis A than children under 15-years-old. However, the elderly tend to have more severe symptoms if they do develop Hepatitis A.

Choice C is incorrect. Teenagers older than 15 years of age are not at the highest risk of developing Hepatitis A. Preschool to elementary school-aged, and those younger than 15-years-old are at the highest risk.

NCSBN client need Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance, Health Screening

Last Updated - 26, Dec 2021

Which of the following are substantial nursing interventions for a patient who is one-hour post-op from a cardiac catheterization?

Select all that apply.

A. Administer their regularly scheduled metformin on time.

B. Assess the pulse of the extremity distal to the puncture site.

C. Position them supine with the head of bed at 45 degrees.

D. Monitor for hematoma formation at the puncture site.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices B and D are correct. The nurse must perform a thorough assessment of the perfusion status of the extremity distal to where the puncture was. In a cardiac cath, a sheath is inserted through an artery and snaked up into the heart. This sheath occluded blood flow during the procedure. So, we must monitor the extremity through which they placed the sheath to ensure perfusion returns properly. This includes assessing the pulse, capillary refill, the color of the extremity if there is any pain or numbness, and movement of the extremity. Usually, a femoral artery is used, so we must monitor the perfusion of the foot on the leg that was accessed (Choice B). Monitoring for hematoma formation over the access site is a critical nursing intervention. The most common complication after a cardiac catheterization is bleeding, and the creation of a hematoma shows bleeding under the skin. The nurse should notify the health care provider if she notes a hematoma forming so that they may evaluate the patient. Be sure to monitor for other signs of bleeding as well, especially around the access site (Choice D).

Choice A is incorrect. If the patient who is postoperative from a cardiac catheterization has metformin scheduled, the dose should be held for 48 hours post-op. Iodinated contrast used for cardiac catheterization may cause kidney failure. Should such acute kidney failure occur, metformin metabolites can accumulate and cause lactic acidosis. Therefore, metformin should always be held for 48 hours after any procedure that involves iodinated contrast.

Choice C is incorrect. Positioning is critical after a cardiac catheterization. For 4 to 6 hours post-op, the head of the bed should be flat or slightly elevated but no more than 30 degrees. Such positioning prevents bleeding and helps the access site from the cardiac catheterization ultimately heal. It is also essential to educate the patient about this so that they will be still and not try to stand up on their own before they are allowed to.

NCSBN Client Need: Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance; Subtopic: Cardiac

Last Updated - 10, Feb 2022

The nurse is caring for assigned clients. Which client should be evacuated first during a fire? A client with

A. below-the-knee amputation receiving patient-controlled analgesia.

B. acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving mechanical ventilation.

C. advanced dementia receiving enteral feedings and intravenous fluids.

D. acute glomerulonephritis with an indwelling urinary catheter.

Explanation

Choice D is correct. When evacuating from an internal disaster, the nurse should first evacuate the most ambulatory client. The client with acute glomerulonephritis only has one device, and the nurse can quickly change the system to a leg bag or instruct the client to keep the bag below their bladder.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. The client with a below-the-knee amputation will require significant resources to mobilize. Further, the client's PCA device must be secured before evacuation. The client receiving mechanical ventilation will require manual ventilation and oxygen. Thus, requiring a significant number of resources. Finally, the client with dementia receiving enteral feedings and IV fluids must have their devices clamped and locked before evacuation. This client also is unlikely to effectively comprehend evacuation instructions and should be supervised.

Additional Info

For a fire, the nurse should first evacuate the client(s) closest to the fire. Then, the nurse should evacuate the clients that are the most ambulatory. These individuals may assist others with ambulation out of the facility.

Last Updated - 11, Dec 2022

The nurse is developing a health promotion teaching plan for a community group of middle-aged adults. Information about which immunizations should be included?

A. Pneumococcal and meningococcal

B. Pertussis, influenza, and meningococcal

C. Influenza and pneumococcal

D. Meningococcal and pertussis

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Adults aged 50 years or older tend to have multiple chronic illnesses, in addition to an aging immune system. For this reason, the influenza vaccine is highly recommended.

Choice A is incorrect. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against the most common pathogens that cause pneumonia. It is given every ten years.

Choice B is incorrect. Immunization for pertussis is only indicated in children.

Choice D is incorrect. Meningococcal vaccine is appropriate for adolescents and young adults living in congregate housing.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Physiological Adaptation

Last Updated - 08, Jan 2022

When orienting an older patient to the safety measures in his hospital room. What is the priority component of this admission routine?

A. Explain how to use the telephone

B. Introduce the patient to his roommate

C. Review the hospital policy on visiting hours

D. Explain how to operate the call light

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. Knowing how to use the call light is a safety priority.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Knowledge of how to use the telephone, meeting a roommate, and knowing the hospital policy about visiting hours will not necessarily prevent accidental injury.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control - Orienting the Patient to Surroundings

Last Updated - 11, Nov 2021

The nurse has been assigned to provide care for a group of patients that includes a patient with Mycoplasma pneumonia and a patient with Clostridium difficile diarrhea. What approach should the nurse use to best protect against the transmission of these infections to other patients?

A. Perform hand hygiene before, after, and between providing direct patient care.

B. Wear examination gloves whenever in direct contact with any patient.

C. Cleanse equipment such as thermometers or stethoscopes between patients.

D. Maintain a distance of 3 feet away from patients who are coughing.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite handwashing as the single most effective way to prevent the transmission of disease. The effectiveness of other measures is dependent upon the foundation of appropriate hand hygiene.

Choice B is incorrect. While many nurses do use exam gloves whenever in contact with patients, this will not be effective without practicing hand hygiene.

Choice C is incorrect. While cleaning shared equipment will help prevent transmission of disease, it is not the most effective measure and is ineffective if the nurse had not practiced hand hygiene.

Choice D is incorrect. Maintaining a distance of three feet from others who are coughing is recommended; however, this is not always feasible when providing patient care. Again, hand hygiene is the most effective preventative measure.

Last Updated - 24, Jan 2022

Which of the following actions is most effective at reducing the incidence of health-care-associated infections?

A. Screen all newly admitted clients for colonization or infection with MRSA.

B. Develop policies that automatically start antibiotic therapy for clients colonized by multi-drug resistant organisms.

C. Ensure that dispensers for alcohol-based hand rubs are readily available in all client care areas of the hospital.

D. Require nursing staff to wear gowns to change wound dressings for all clients.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Since the hands of healthcare workers are the most common means of transmission for infection from one client to another, the most effective method of preventing the spread of disease is to make supplies for hand hygiene readily available for staff to use. Reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections is the responsibility of every healthcare worker. Following standard precautions for all patients is the easiest and most effective way of preventing the spread of disease.

Choice A is incorrect. Although some hospitals have started screening newly admitted clients for MRSA, there is no evidence that this decreases the spread of infection.

Choice B is incorrect. Because the administration of antibiotics to individuals who are colonized by bacteria may promote the development of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic use should be restricted to clients who have clinical manifestations of infection.

Choice D is incorrect. Wearing a gown to care for clients who are not on contact precautions is unnecessary.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Management, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control

Last Updated - 27, Oct 2021

One of the complications associated with the improper use of crutches is:

A. Axillary nerve damage

B. Solar plexus nerve damage

C. Carpal tunnel syndrome

D. Trigeminal nerve damage

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. One of the complications associated with the improper use of crutches is axillary nerve damage. This damage occurs when the user of the crutches rests and supports their natural weight with their underarms rather than on their hands, and the hand rests on the crutches.

Choice B is incorrect. Solar plexus nerve damage is not one of the complications associated with the improper use of crutches. The solar plexus, which is the most massive bundle of nerves in the human body and is also referred to as the celiac plexus. It is located in the abdominal area and is affected/damaged by a blow to the abdomen, not associated with the improper use of crutches.

Choice C is incorrect. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also referred to as repetitive stress syndrome, results from the repetitive action of the hands and wrists and not from the improper use of crutches.

Choice D is incorrect. Trigeminal nerve damage is not one of the complications associated with the improper use of crutches. Trigeminal nerve damage can occur as the result of a physiologically pathological cause like a tumor, multiple sclerosis, and causes other than the improper use of crutches.

The nurse is caring for a client who has pertussis. Which infection control precaution should the nurse implement?

Select all that apply.

A. Wear a surgical mask prior to entry

B. Provide disposable dishes for meals

C. Keep the patient's room door closed

D. Provide the patient with a portable fan

E. Maintain negative air pressure

F. Apply an N95 mask to the patient during transport

G. Place the patient in a room near the nurse's station

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Infected droplets spread pertussis. Therefore, the nurse must wear a surgical mask when providing care. Visitors must also wear the surgical mask, and during client transport, the patient should wear a surgical mask - not N95.

Choices B, C, D, E, F, and G are incorrect. Disposable dishes and utensils are not necessary for any isolation precaution. Further, this client requires droplet precautions, and the door may remain open with no need for negative pressure. The nurse should not provide the client with a fan as the fan will spread the infected droplets around the room. The client doesn't need to be placed near the nurse's station as this is an intervention for a client at risk for falls.

Please note, that select all that apply items may require one or all responses according to the NCSBN (the authors of the NCLEX)

Additional Info

Transmission-based precautions for pertussis include droplet precautions such as wearing a face mask and appropriate hand hygiene. The nurse may only room a patient with pertussis with another client with the same infection. Keeping the client's room door closed and maintaining negative air pressure are appropriate interventions for airborne isolation (unlike in this patient, with respiratory droplet precautions).

A nurse is preparing a client's intravenous (IV) infusion. As the nurse was preparing to attach the distal end of the IV tubing to the client's needleless access device, the exposed tubing slipped and hit the top of the client's bedside table. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

A. Replace the IV tubing with new tubing

B. Discard the client's current needleless access device and replace it with a new one

C. Wipe the distal end of the tubing with povidone-iodine to render it sterile

D. Clean the needleless access device with an alcohol swab

Explanation

Choice A is correct. The nurse should replace the IV tubing as the existing tubing has now been contaminated and places the client at increased risk for systemic infection due to direct infusion into the bloodstream.

Choice B is incorrect. There is no need to discard and replace the client's needleless access device, as this is not the device that has been contaminated.

Choice C is incorrect. Wiping the contaminated end of the tubing with povidone-iodine is insufficient and will not render this tubing sterile.

Choice D is incorrect. Although the client's needleless access device will be cleaned with an alcohol swab or other aseptic before connecting the intravenous infusion (after new tubing has been attached), here, for purposes of this question, there is no need to clean the client's needleless access device with an alcohol swab for purposes of decontamination. Following the exposed tubing slipping and hitting the top of the client's bedside table, the client's needleless access device was not the item that was contaminated.

Learning Objective

Recognize that a breach in infection control practices via contamination of intravenous tubing will result in the need to replace the tubing prior to use.

Additional Info

The registered nurse is ultimately accountable for all aspects of infusion therapy and delegation of associated tasks.

There is no specific timeframe that short peripheral catheters may remain in place.

To reduce infection risk in needleless systems, implement the following interventions:

Clean all needleless system connections vigorously with an antimicrobial (usually 70% alcohol or alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine swabs) for 10 to 15 seconds before connecting infusion sets or syringes.

Do not tape connections between tubing sets.

Use evidence-based hand hygiene guidelines from the CDC and OSHA.

Last Updated - 25, Sep 2022

Why should a patient's family not be present during an interview about violence?

Select all that apply.

A. The patient may not answer questions related to the family member which may be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate.

B. The family member may be the perpetrator of abusive behavior, which may cause the patient to be hesitant to provide honest answers.

C. The patient may feel uncomfortable speaking openly with a relative present. especially if that person has contributed to the patient's stress.

D. The family member may be embarrassed or ashamed by the patient's actions or statements and try to withhold or change the facts.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, B, C, and D are all correct.

Individuals who have been in violent situations often decline to answer questions related to a family member, which could be perceived as insensitive or inappropriate for fear of retaliation. This is especially true if the family member is the perpetrator of violence.

Patient interviews are done in private, including without significant others or anyone else who may or could be a perpetrator. Healthcare providers should never make assumptions about who may or may not be a perpetrator of violence.

Some family members try to withhold or suggest that the patient's recall of events is incorrect to prevent being personally embarrassed by the patient's answers.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Psychosocial Integrity; Subtopic: Violence Victimization and Perpetration

Last Updated - 25, Jan 2022

A 60-year old adult walks into the clinic with a forehead laceration. He was going 45 mph on his motorcycle when he skidded on the gravel and fell off his bike. He isn't sure if he hit his head. After checking for significant bleeding and apparent signs of injury, what is the first intervention the nurse should do?

A. Place a c-collar on the patient's neck.

B. Take the patient back to a procedure room to stitch the laceration.

C. Palpate the patient's abdomen to check for internal bleeding.

D. Check the patient's pupils.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. After checking for apparent signs of illness, this patient needs c-spine precautions placed immediately. This patient was going faster than 30 mph on a motorcycle. We are not sure if he was wearing a helmet, but with the mechanism of injury, he could have a possible c-spine injury. This is important in preventing any spinal cord damage from occurring.

Choice B is incorrect. Even though this intervention needs to be performed at some point, it is not the most important thing to do. A laceration may need pressure to stop the bleeding, but it can wait to be sutured.

Choice C is incorrect. This step comes later in the head-to-toe assessment. The emergency physician will utilize an ultrasound machine to assess for any internal bleeding or complications.

Choice D is incorrect. This step comes later in the head-to-toe assessment. This will happen after airway/c-spine, breathing, and circulation are assessed. The pupils should be assessed in this situation because the patient isn't sure if he hit his head on the ground. This could result in possible brain injury, including illness.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Adaptation, Sub-topic: Alterations in Body Systems

Last Updated - 01, Feb 2022

The nurse is teaching a group of students about incident reports. Which of the following statements, if made by the student, would require further teaching? Select all that apply.

A. "Reporting can only be completed if it is within one hour after the event."

B. "Witnesses to an incident should be mentioned in the report."

C. "A client eloping does not require an incident report."

D. "A slip and fall by a client should be reported."

E. "Incidents involving visitors do not have to be reported."

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, C, and E are correct. Incident (sometimes termed occurrence or event) reporting is required when any type of activity deviates from the norm. This could include a fall, medication error, elopement, unplanned transfer of care, client complaint, or a delay in care. It is highly recommended that the event be reported after it occurs to ensure accuracy; however, event reporting should be completed as soon as possible, including the next day. No rule exists stating that reports must be completed within one hour after the actual event. Incidents involving visitors such as a fall, misconduct, complaint, or injury should be reported.

Choices B and D are incorrect. The incident report should be completed with cohesion and based on facts. Supporting statements from witnesses and the identification of witnesses are appropriate to include in the report.

Additional Info

Incident (sometimes termed occurrence or event) reporting is a tool to mitigate future risks. Incident reporting should also be completed for events involving clients and visitors. Such events include:

Verbal and physical displays of aggression

Tampering with medical devices

Reports of sexual or physical abuse by staff

Adverse reaction to a blood transfusion

Client elopement

Damage (or loss) of client possessions

Falls or injuries

Injuries related to a medical device

Complaints

Medication and treatment errors

Interfering with client care

The incident should not be logged in the medical record or nursing notes. The documentation should be objective and factual and include what occurred, any injuries, if the provider was notified, care administered after the event, and any witnesses.

Last Updated - 17, Sep 2022

While performing in-room charting on a patient. The nurse smells smoke from the bathroom upon entering the lavatory. She finds a trashcan on fire. After evacuating the patients from the room. What is her priority action?

A. Activate the fire alarm.

B. Extinguish the fire.

C. Contact the nursing supervisor.

D. Close the door to the bathroom.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Upon finding a fire, the nurse's first step should be to evacuate any patients who are in immediate danger. Once this step is completed, she must activate the fire alarm.

Choice B is incorrect. The nurse doesn't need to focus on extinguishing the fire until the fire alarm has been activated and the fire confined.

Choice C is incorrect. Contacting the nursing supervisor is not a priority during a fire-related emergency.

Choice D is incorrect. Confining the fire is not necessary until the fire alarm has been activated.

NCSBN client need Topic: Safety and Infection Control, Emergency Response Plan

Last Updated - 06, Nov 2021

The nurse is admitting a client diagnosed with hepatitis B. The nurse would be able to cohort the client in the same room with which of the following clients? A client with

A. heart failure receiving diuretics

B. bacterial meningitis receiving antibiotics

C. prostate cancer receiving brachytherapy

D. varicella prescribed antivirals

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Although hepatitis B needs to be reported to the public health department, a client with hepatitis B does not need to be isolated. An appropriate client to room with would be an individual receiving intravenous diuretics for heart failure as this client does not have any transmissible pathogens.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. A client with bacterial meningitis requires droplet precautions, a client receiving brachytherapy requires a private room, and airborne isolation must be initiated for an individual with varicella.

Additional Info

A nurse may cohort a client if the pathogen they have is the same. A patient requiring airborne isolation must have a private room with their door kept closed while maintaining negative pressure. Cohorting a client with an airborne pathogen is strongly discouraged.

Last Updated - 23, Jun 2022

Which of the following children would the nurse identify as a priority for having the greatest risk for choking and suffocating?

A. A toddler playing with his 9-year-old brother's construction set.

B. A 5-year-old eating yogurt for a snack.

C. An infant asleep in her crib without a blanket.

D. A 3-year-old drinking a glass of juice.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. A young child may place small or loose parts of toys in his mouth. A toy that is safe for a 10-year-old child could be deadly for a toddler.

Choice B is incorrect. 5-year-old eating yogurt is not a safety concern.

Choice C is incorrect. An infant sleeping in an empty crib is not a safety concern. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, blankets and pillows increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Several infants die each year while sleeping, and the cause is attributed to SIDS, suffocation, entrapment, or strangulation. Blankets increase the risk of all these four reasons.

Choice D is incorrect. A 3-year-old drinking a glass of juice is not a safety concern.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control - Choking Hazards

Last Updated - 15, Feb 2022

The nurse working with geriatric clients understands that falls are likely to occur in elderly patients who are:

A. Living on disability insurance

B. In their 80s

C. Living in their own home

D. Hospitalized

Explanation

Choice D is correct. Unfamiliar surroundings is a significant risk factor for falls, especially in the elderly. The hospitalized patient may become confused or bump into furniture, which could result in a fall.

Age-related changes may affect the mobility and safety of older adults. For example, decreased muscle strength, reduced balance, and osteoporosis put older adults at risk for falls and fractures. For health promotion, the nurse assesses the musculoskeletal functioning of the older adult and identifies any risk factors that may contribute to falls or the ability of the older adult to perform ADLs. Health promotion interventions often include providing information about the risk factors for osteoporosis and the importance of adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.

Choice A is incorrect. An individual's source of income has no bearing on the risk of falls.

Choice B is incorrect. While age-related changes may cause weakness and a slowed reflex response, age is not the most likely risk factor for falls among the available answer choices.

Choice C is incorrect. An elderly client living in his own home will be less likely to fall than a client who is in unfamiliar surroundings.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control, Physiological Aging

Last Updated - 17, Dec 2021

A 16-year old male arrives at the trauma bay after suffering from a head injury. He is postictal and is being intubated to protect his airway. After obtaining IV access, the doctor orders a diuretic. Based on the history provided, what diuretic will the doctor order?

A. Mannitol

B. Hydrochlorothiazide

C. Spironolactone

D. Furosemide

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Mannitol is the preferred diuretic used for reducing the increased intracranial pressure. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that does not cross the blood-brain barrier. As a result; osmotic pressure increases in the plasma but not in the brain. A gradient is developed between plasma and brain cells, therefore causing a shift of fluids from the extracellular space into the blood vessels.

Choice B is incorrect. Hydrochlorothiazide ( HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic. HCTZ is used in the treatment of hypertension and peripheral edema.

Choice C is incorrect. Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure, ascites, edema, and to antagonize high levels of hormones ( aldosterone) in hyper-aldosteronism.

Choice D is incorrect. Furosemide is a loop diuretic. It helps decrease edema and fluid retention caused by congestive heart failure/ heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies, Subtopic: Acute Intracranial Problems

Last Updated - 11, Jan 2022

The nurse is demonstrating the appropriate use of a car seat to a client. The nurse is demonstrating which level of prevention?

A. Primary

B. Secondary

C. Tertiary

D. Quaternary

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Primary prevention is often referred to as the true level of prevention because it occurs before disease or illness. Demonstrating the appropriate use of a car seat is primary prevention because it happens before an automobile crash, a leading cause of death for those younger than 19.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Demonstrating the use of the car seat before an automobile crash is a primary level of prevention.

Please see the additional information section for examples of the other levels of prevention.

Additional Info

Last Updated - 24, Aug 2022

Select the hazard of immobility and complete bed rest that is accurately paired with one of its preventive measures.

A. The accumulation of respiratory secretions: Oxygen supplementation therapy

B. Dorsiflexion of the foot: Using a foot board or boots to maintain proper positioning

C. Venous stasis: The use of a sequential compression device

D. Skin breakdown: The use of a tilt table for clients at risk

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Venous stasis, a complication of immobilization and bed rest can be prevented with the use of a sequential compression device (SCD), anti-embolic stockings, client positioning, range of motion exercises, and active leg exercises in bed to promote venous return and to prevent venous stasis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary emboli.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the accumulation of respiratory secretions is a hazard of immobility, it is not prevented with oxygen supplementation therapy. It can be prevented with adequate fluid intake, coughing, and deep breathing exercises.

Choice B is incorrect. Dorsiflexion of the foot is not a hazard of immobility and bed rest (however, plantarflexion and foot drop are hazards). Plantar flexion can be prevented with a footboard or boots to maintain proper positioning and exercising the feet.

Choice D is incorrect. Although skin breakdown and pressure ulcers are hazards of immobility, they are not prevented with a tilt table. Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers are prevented with good skincare, turning and positioning, and other preventive measures such as maintaining proper nutrition and avoiding the forces of pressure, friction, and shearing.

Last Updated - 06, Sep 2021

The nurse is performing a fall risk assessment on a group of clients. It would be appropriate for the nurse to identify the client at risk for falls who Select all that apply.

A. older than 65 years of age.

B. has a history of two previous falls

C. taking oral antibiotics.

D. experiences postural hypotension.

E. experiencing chemotherapy-related nausea.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, B, and D are correct. Risk factors for falls include age over 65 years, documented history of falls, postural hypotension, and unfamiliar environment. Falls among older adults are the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma.

Choice C and E are incorrect. Medications such as diuretics, tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, and analgesics are risk factors for falls. Chemotherapy that causes a common side effect of nausea does not increase the fall risk. Neither do oral antibiotics.

Additional Info

Fall Risk Factors

• History of falls

• Advanced age (>80 years)

• Multiple illnesses

• Generalized weakness or decreased mobility

• Gait and postural instability

• Disorientation or confusion

• Use of drugs that can cause increased confusion, mobility limitations, or orthostatic hypotension

• Urinary incontinence

• Communication impairments

• Major visual impairment or visual impairment without correction

• Alcohol or other substance use

• Location of patient's room away from the nurses' station (in the hospital or nursing home)

• Change of shift or mealtime (in the hospital or nursing home)

Ignatavicius, D., Workman, M. L. (102020). Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition.

Last Updated - 22, Sep 2022

The nurse is educating the parents of a child who plans on riding their bicycle. Which statements, if made by the parents, indicate effective understanding?

A. "I should tell my child should ride against the traffic pattern."

B. "I should instruct my child to walk their bike through busy intersections."

C. "Wearing a helmet is only necessary when my child is riding near a busy intersection."

D. "My child can ride their bike barefoot as long as it's short distances."

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. A child should walk their bike through busy intersections to reduce their risk of being hit by an automobile.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. These statements require follow-up because they do not indicate effective teaching. When riding a bicycle, it should be directed with the traffic flow. Any individual riding a bicycle should always wear a helmet, no matter the distance they plan on riding. To avoid serious foot injuries, the child should always wear proper fitting shoes while bicycling.

Additional Info

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission approves; replace a damaged helmet.

• Ride bicycles with traffic and away from parked cars.

• Ride single file.

• Walk bicycles through busy intersections and at crosswalks.

• Give hand signals well in advance of turning or stopping.

• Keep as close to the curb as practical.

• Watch for drain grates, potholes, soft shoulders, and loose dirt or gravel.

• Keep both hands on handlebars except when signaling.

• Never ride double on a bicycle.

• Do not carry packages that interfere with vision or control; do not drag objects behind bike.

• Watch for and yield to pedestrians.

• Watch for cars backing up or pulling out of driveways; be especially careful at intersections.

• Look left, right, then left before turning into traffic or roadway.

• Never hitch a ride on a truck or other vehicle.

• Learn the rules of the road and respect for traffic officers.

• Obey all local ordinances.

• Wear shoes that fit securely while riding.

• Wear light colors at night, and attach fluorescent material to clothing and bicycle.

• Be certain the bicycle is the correct size.

• Equip the bicycle with proper lights and reflectors.

• Have the bicycle inspected to ensure good mechanical condition.

• When riding as a passenger, wear appropriate-size helmet and sit in a specially designed protective seat.

Wilson, D., Hockenberry, M. (102018). Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children, 11th Edition.

Last Updated - 11, Oct 2022

A client with intermittent insomnia asks the nurse about herbal supplements to improve sleep. Which product should the nurse recommend the patient ask her care provider about?

A. Raspberry leaf tea

B. Valerian root

C. Glucosamine

D. Black Cohosh

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Valerian root is a common herbal remedy used to treat occasional insomnia but may interact with some medications. Patients should be encouraged to discuss herbal remedies with their doctors.

Choice A is incorrect. Raspberry tea leaf is a popular herbal tea used to induce labor and expedite the shrinking of the uterus post-partum. It is not used to treat insomnia.

Choice C is incorrect. Glucosamine is a commonly recommended amino sugar used to promote joint health. It does not correct insomnia.

Choice D is incorrect. Black cohosh is an herbal supplement sometimes used to induce abortion in the early first trimester or to induce labor after a woman is forty weeks pregnant. It does not help with insomnia.

NCSBN client need Topic: Psychosocial Integrity / Cultural Awareness

Last Updated - 12, Feb 2022

The occupational health nurse administers a Mantoux intradermal skin test. Which teaching is correct regarding the results of this test?

A. A positive result indicates the patient has tuberculosis.

B. Redness around the injection site within 24 hours will be recorded as a positive result.

C. The patient will return in one week for visualization of the injection site.

D. A 3 mm induration after 48 hours indicates a negative result.

Explanation

Choice D is correct. 3mm induration after 48 hours would be recorded as a negative result. Induration, less than 5mm after 48-72 hours, is considered an adverse reaction.

Choice A is incorrect. A positive Mantoux intradermal skin test result does not necessarily mean the patient has tuberculosis. A positive result indicates the patient has been exposed to TB and only confirms the presence of antibodies. A patient who tests positive for this test would need additional testing to confirm or rule out tuberculosis. Standard tests to establish a positive Mantoux test include a chest x-ray and sputum culture.

Choice B is incorrect. Localized redness occurring the day of the injection is healthy and would not indicate a positive reaction.

Choice C is incorrect. The patient should return in 48-72 hours to have the site assessed for induration, not one week later. If the patient is unable to return at the appropriate time, the test needs to be repeated.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Infectious disease, Subtopic: Health screening, expected actions/outcomes

Additional Info

Last Updated - 26, Jan 2022

Which of the following is the most accurate education for injury prevention in the home of elderly clients?

A. Use the handrail when going up and down the stairs, ensure robes or pants are held up if flowy, and wear comfortable slippers.

B. Remove all throw rugs, remove furniture from all pathways, and wear comfortable/non-skid footwear.

C. Use solid chairs without armrests, keep walkways clear, and use cordless phones.

D. Install raised toilet seats, ensure that all sinks have throw rugs to prevent slipping on water, and use grab bars in the shower/bathroom.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Throw rugs, furniture in walkways, and slippery footwear are all fall risks for patients.

Choice A is incorrect. Clients should be instructed to wear well-fitting shoes with non-skid soles.

Choice C is incorrect. Solid chairs with armrests should be used.

Choice D is incorrect. All throw rugs should be removed from the home.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control; Preventing Falls

Last Updated - 11, Nov 2021

The nurse is caring for several clients in a long-term care facility. Which interventions should the nurse implement to reduce the risk of injury from falls? Select all that apply.

A. Avoid administering ibuprofen at night

B. Secure the call button to the side of the bed

C. Keep the bed in the lowest position

D. Place fall risk bands on clients at risk of falling

E. Reposition clients off of bony prominences every two hours

Explanation

Choices B, C, and D are correct. Falls and injuries can be reduced by ensuring the call button are accessible and within easy reach for the client. The call light can be clipped or secured when the client is in bed to prevent falling out of reach. Falls also may be reduced by placing fall risk bands on clients who are at risk. This will alert staff to the client's risk of falling. Setting the bed to the lowest position would reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall because such positioning keeps the client at a closer distance to the floor.

Choices A and E are incorrect. Evening administration of NSAIDs does not increase the risk of falls. On the other hand, the nurse should avoid administering diuretics and laxatives before the client's sleep to reduce urgent bathroom needs. Having to push for urgent bathroom needs may lead to falls. The nurse should complete a fall risk assessment upon admission or within 2 hours of admission to promptly implement fall-prevention interventions for high-risk clients. Waiting 24 hours to complete a fall-risk assessment is inappropriate because a preventable fall may have already happened. Repositioning clients off bony prominences will help prevent pressure ulcers, not falls.

Additional Info

Universal fall precautions involve

• Monitor the client's activities and behavior as often as possible, preferably every 30 to 60 minutes.

• Teach the client and family about the fall prevention program to become safety partners.

• Remind the client to call for help before getting out of bed or a chair.

• Help the client get out of bed or a chair if needed; lock all equipment such as beds and wheelchairs before transferring client's.

• Teach clients to use the grab bars when walking in the hall without assistive devices or when using the bathroom.

• Provide or remind the client to use a walker or cane for ambulating if needed; teach him or her how to use these devices.

• Remind the client to wear eyeglasses or hearing aid if needed.

Last Updated - 11, Nov 2022

The school nurse is attending to a student who got a chemical cleaner in her eyes. In which order should the following actions be performed?

Document the occurrence

Irrigate the eye from the inner canthus to the outer canthus

Check the pH of the eye

Call the child's parent

Assess the visual acuity

Submit Answer

Explanation

Ocular chemical injuries (alkaline or acidic substances) can cause permanent damage and vision loss. Therefore, a chemical eye injury is considered a medical emergency. When a chemical injury is sustained, the school nurse should check the pH and immediately irrigate the student's eye. Sterile water or 0.9% saline can be used for eye irrigation. In an emergency, tap water can be used initially. The steps involved in eye irrigation include:

Check the pH of the eye (check pH of both eyes. Alkaline substances penetrate the ocular surface more and cause more damage than acids). If the pH testing is not immediately available, this should not delay irrigation.

Get the infusion set ready to regulate the flow of irrigation fluid. Position the patient with the cheek of the affected side pressed against a kidney dish. Irrigate the eye from the inner canthus to the outer canthus. This direction is used so that the chemical does not get into the other eye.

Assess the child's visual acuity. Visual acuity testing should not precede eye irrigation since delaying the treatment is dangerous in chemical eye injury.

Document the occurrence and the procedure. This documentation should include pH readings, the amount of irrigation fluid used, and the duration of the procedure.

Call the child's parents to inform them of the occurrence, actions taken, and the outcome.

A procedure note regarding the irrigation should be documented first. Following this, the nurse can call the parents and document the verbal/phone call communication in a separate note.

NCSBN client need: Topic: Physiological integrity, physiological adaptation

Learning Objective

Understand that a chemical eye injury is a medical emergency because it can lead to permanent visual loss. The nurse should check the pH to determine the nature of the contaminant, immediately irrigate the eye with sterile water, and then only proceed with the visual acuity testing.

The nurse is observing a student prepare to perform a sterile procedure. Which action by the student would require follow-up? The student

A. reaches over the sterile field to grab sterile gloves.

B. establishes the sterile field on a dry surface.

C. uses slow movements when setting up sterile drapes.

D. keeps the sterile field at their waist level.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. This action requires follow-up because reaching over the sterile field may cause contamination.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. These actions reflect appropriate sterile technique. Sterile fields should be established on dry surfaces because moisture attracts microorganisms. Using slow movements is an effective measure when setting up and performing a sterile procedure. Using slow movements will decrease stirring up dust, lint, and infectious microorganisms, which may cause contamination. The sterile field should be at waist level or above. An object held below the waist or above the chest is considered contaminated.

Additional Info

General guidelines when it comes to sterile technique:

A dry surface is needed for a sterile field.

A sterile object placed below the waist is considered contaminated.

A 2.5-cm (1-inch) border around any sterile drape/wrap is considered contaminated and can be touched with clean fingers.

Never reach over a sterile field.

The sterile object remains sterile only when touched by another sterile object.

Use slow movements when setting up sterile drapes.

Last Updated - 13, Sep 2022

The nurse is applying soft wrist restraints to a client who is violent towards the nursing staff. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

A. Places a pair of scissors at the bedside for emergent discontinuation.

B. Positions the client supine after applying both wrist restraints.

C. Releases both restraints at the same time, every two hours.

D. Informs the client of the behavior necessary to demonstrate to end the restraints.

E. Ensures two fingers can be placed under each restraint.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices D and E are correct. The nurse should always inform the client of the reason for being placed in the restraint and what behavior needs to be demonstrated to terminate the restraints. It is appropriate for the nurse to ensure two fingers can be placed under each restraint as this verifies that it will not cause damage to the client's skin.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. These actions are inappropriate. Scissors should not be placed at the bedside for a client who is violent, and they are also unnecessary because restraints should be disengaged with a quick-release buckle. Placing the client completely supine is not recommended. This position makes the client feel vulnerable and may cause humiliation. Semi-Fowlers' to high-Fowlers are recommended positions. A client should never be placed prone or supine while restrained. For a client who is violent, the nurse should remove one restraint at a time and/or have staff assistance while removing restraints.

Additional Info

Restraints should be used as a last resort if alternative methods are not effective.

A nurse should never threaten a client with restraints. This is considered assault.

The nurse may place a client who is violent in restraints without an order from the primary healthcare provider (PHCP). If this was to occur, the nurse has one hour to inform the provider and obtain an order.

Restraints are never as needed (PRN). They should be discontinued at the earliest possible time.

When restraining a client, the reason for the restraint must be explained to the client and the behavior the client needs to demonstrate for the restraints to be discontinued.

The nurse should observe the client at frequent intervals to offer nutrition & toileting, assess their behavioral status, obtain vital signs, and provide range of motion. These intervals are determined by the facility and the type of restraint—the more restrictive the restraint and the younger the client, the more frequent assessment.

Restraints must be able to quickly be removed via a quick release buckle (knots are no longer recommended).

The nurses' documentation must be comprehensive, describing the reasoning for the restraints, alternatives utilized, the education provided to the client, the type of restraint utilized, how it was secured, and the ongoing behavior necessary to continue the restraint. The nurse should also document the intervals at which the restraints were released.

Last Updated - 18, Dec 2022

What is the most important factor to consider when assessing a home health patient on the risk of falls?

A. Correct illumination of the environment

B. Amount of regular exercise

C. The resting pulse rate

D. Status of salt intake

Explanation

Choice A is correct. To prevent falls; the environment should be well lit. Night lights should be used if necessary. Other factors in assessing include removing loose scatter rugs, removing spills, and installing handrails and grab bars as appropriate.

While home health nurses cannot expect to change a family's living space and lifestyle, they can express their concern and react appropriately when a situation suggests that an injury is imminent. Nurses must document information they provide and the family's response to the instruction and make ongoing assessments about the family's use of safety precautions. Walkways and stairways (inside and outside) should also be inspected. Note any uneven sidewalks or paths, broken or loose steps, absence of handrails, or placement on only one side of stairs, insecure bars, congested hallways, or other traffic areas, and adequacy of lighting at night. Some important things for the home health nurse to assess, educate the patient about, and document include:

Floors: Note uneven and highly polished or slippery floors and any unanchored rugs or mats.

Furniture: Note the hazardous placement of furniture with sharp corners. Note chairs or stools that are too low to get into and out of or that provide inadequate support.

Bathroom(s): Note presence of grab bars around tubs and toilets, nonslip surfaces in bathtubs and shower stalls, handheld showerhead, adequacy of night lighting, need for a raised toilet seat or bath chair in tub or shower, ease of access to shelves, and water temperature regulated at a maximum of 49 °C (120 °F).

Choice B is incorrect. The amount of regular exercise is not the most critical factor to assess. It is only indirectly related.

Choice C is incorrect. The resting pulse rate is not related to preventing falls.

Choice D is incorrect. The salt intake is not directly related to preventing falls.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control, Selected Dimensions of Home Health Nursing

Last Updated - 31, Jan 2022

The nurse is reviewing client room assignments. Which room assignment requires modification? See the image below.

A. Room 1

B. Room 2

C. Room 3

D. Room 4

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Lyme disease is not transmitted human-to-human (a tick transmits it). This client should be placed on standard precautions as contact precautions are inappropriate. This client's room assignment requires follow-up.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Varicella requires a client to be placed on contact and airborne precautions until the lesions are dry and crusted. Mumps requires droplet precautions. HIV does not require isolation precautions.

Additional Info

Last Updated - 09, Nov 2022

The nurse is caring for a client who has generalized urticaria. The nurse should isolate the client using which of the following?

A. Airborne precautions

B. Droplet precautions

C. Contact precautions

D. Standard precautions

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. Generalized urticaria typically manifests when the client is experiencing an allergic reaction. This skin condition does not require isolation. The nurse should plan to care for this client using standard precautions.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. These precautions are unnecessary in this patient with an allergic reaction.

Last Updated - 13, Jan 2022

Which hazardous gas can be identified in the home with a simple and relatively inexpensive monitor and alarm similar to a smoke alarm?

A. Ozone

B. Nitrous oxide

C. Carbon monoxide

D. Carbon dioxide

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Carbon monoxide is a hazardous gas that can be identified in the home with a simple and relatively inexpensive monitor and alarm similar to a smoke alarm. This odorless and colorless gas can be deadly, so it is recommended that all homes have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Choice A is incorrect. Although ozone can be present and harmful in buildings, there is not a simple and relatively inexpensive monitor and alarm for ozone that is similar to a smoke alarm.

Choice B is incorrect. Although nitrous oxide is a medical gas, there is not a simple and relatively inexpensive monitor and alarm for nitrous oxide that is similar to a smoke alarm.

Choice D is incorrect. Although carbon dioxide is a gas, there is not a simple and relatively inexpensive monitor and alarm for carbon dioxide that is similar to a smoke alarm.

Last Updated - 10, Feb 2022

A nurse is conducting infection control assessments on the nursing unit. Which client is at the greatest risk for infection? A client

A. withdrawing from alcohol and is malnourished.

B. receiving methylprednisolone for an asthma exacerbation.

C. has an external urinary catheter device for urinary incontinence.

D. receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line.

Explanation

Choice D is correct. A central line is a significant risk factor for a client to develop a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). This occurs because of suboptimal sterile technique during insertion and/or inappropriate dressing changes. Additionally, TPN is a risk factor as the high glucose content makes the client more likely to develop a bacterial or fungal infection. TPN increases the risk for a CLABSI compared to solutions such as 0.9% saline.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A client withdrawing from alcohol has a risk for delirium tremens but not a risk for an infection. Further, being malnourished increases the risk of impaired skin integrity but not an infection. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that, if used intermediate to long term, may increase the risk for infection. Asthma itself is a chronic disease but not one that raises the risk for infection. An external urinary catheter is preferred over an internal catheter as this substantially decreases the risk for cystitis. This is a non-invasive way to collect urine. Urinary incontinence may raise the risk factor for cystitis, but this depends on the type (stress, urge, overflow).

Standard precautions are executed for all clients and consist of appropriate hand hygiene. By adhering to standard precautions, the nurse may reduce the risk of a client getting a healthcare-acquired infection. Other strategies that a nurse may employ to reduce the risk of infection include -

- Chlorhexidine baths for those immobile or having a central line.

- Minimizing the use of internal urinary catheters.

- Surgical asepsis when completing a central line dressing change.

- Absolute adherence to appropriate hand hygiene.

Last Updated - 02, Sep 2022

There is a massive airline crash near your acute care facility. As the victims of this massive external disaster arrive at your facility, your new graduate nurse asks you what the black-colored triage tags on the incoming victims indicate. How should you respond to this new nurse?

A. The victims are the lowest priority for care.

B. The victims have life-threatening injuries and are in need of immediate care.

C. The victims are always dead.

D. The victims are in a severe medical crisis, and they have little chance of survival.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. You should tell the new graduate nurse that the black-colored triage tags on the incoming victims mean that the victims are in a severe medical crisis, and they have little chance of survival.

In mass casualty scenarios, an advanced triage system is implemented and involves a color-coding scheme using red, yellow, green, white, and black tags. Remember the "DIME" acronym: Delayed; Immediate, Minor, Expectant.

Red tags- IMMEDIATE - highest priority treatment/transfer. These patients cannot survive without immediate treatment but have a high chance of post-treatment survival. E.g. Tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, massive hemorrhage.

Yellow tags- DELAYED - medium priority. No immediate danger of death, stable but will still need hospital care. Under normal circumstances, these patients will be treated immediately, but in mass casualty scenarios, they are medium priority. E.g. isolated humerus or femur fracture.

Green Tags- MINOR - lowest priority - those with minor injuries, ambulating ("walking" wounded). E.g. abrasions sprain. These are attended to after high and medium-priority patients are addressed.

Black Tags- EXPECTANT - keep comfortable, pain medications only until death. These are patients with injuries so extensive that they will not be able to survive with the best available care or those dead already. E.g. Massive head injury with fixed pupil, third-degree burns involving 95% body surface.

Walking away from those with black tags can be emotionally and ethically challenging. About "expectant" victims, WHO states, "It is unethical for a physician to persist, at all costs, at maintaining the life of a patient beyond hope, thereby wasting to no avail scarce resources needed elsewhere."

Choice A is incorrect. You should not tell the student nurse that black-colored tags on the incoming victims mean that the victims are the lowest priority for care. Green indicates that the victims are the lowest priority for care. Black has no preference for ongoing care, and only comfort care needs to be provided.

Choice B is incorrect. You should not tell the new graduate nurse that the black-colored triage tags on the incoming victims mean that the victims with these black tags have life-threatening injuries and need immediate care. The red color tag indicates that the victims have fatal injuries and need urgent attention.

Choice C is incorrect. You should not tell the new graduate nurse that the black-colored triage tags on the incoming victims always means that the victims are dead because it could also represent critically injured but unsalvageable victims.

Last Updated - 02, Feb 2022

The nurse is caring for a client who has a prescribed regular insulin sliding scale. At 0800, the client's capillary blood glucose (CBG) was 258 mg/dl. At 1215 the CBG was 288 mg/dl. At 1730 the CBG was 254 mg/dl. The nurse should do which of the following at 1730?

See the table below. Select all that apply.

A. Administer 8 units of regular insulin

B. Administer 6 units of regular insulin

C. Notify the primary health care provider (PHCP)

D. Withhold the prescribed insulin

E. Modify the client's prescribed diet to low sodium

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices B and C are correct. The client's blood glucose has been above 250 mg/dL for three consecutive readings and the physician needs to be notified. In addition, the sliding scale prescribes six units of insulin based on the 17:30 CBG result.

Choices A, D, and E are incorrect. These are inappropriate. Modifying the diet to low sodium requires a prescription from the physician and would be ineffective for a client who is hyperglycemic.

Last Updated - 10, Feb 2022

Upon entering a client's room, the nurse finds the client lying on the floor. What is the first action the nurse should implement?

A. Call for help to get the client back in bed

B. Assist the client back to bed

C. Establish if the client is responsive

D. Ask the client what happened

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Assessing if the patient is responsive is the primary concern of the nurse in this example.

Choices A and B are incorrect. The client's responsiveness is a priority before moving the client.

Choice D is incorrect. This answer choice would be the least important among the choices given.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control - Falls

Last Updated - 14, Feb 2022

What consideration should the nurse keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?

A. They prevent confused patients from wandering.

B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is insignificant.

C. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.

D. Alternative measures are ineffective to prevent wandering.

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Studies of restraint-related deaths have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails.

Choice A is incorrect. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.

Choice B is incorrect. A history of falls from a bed with raised side rails carries a significant risk for a future serious incident.

Choice D is incorrect. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity and may, in fact, prevent more serious fall-related injuries.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control; Using Side Rails as Restraints

Last Updated - 23, Jan 2022

When teaching medication safety to the parent of a toddler, which statement by the parent would be a cause for concern?

A. "I always check to make sure the safety cap clicks when I close it."

B. "We store all of our medicines on a really high shelf."

C. "To get her to take her medicine, we tell her it's candy."

D. "We store our medicines and vitamins together."

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Children should never be told that medication is candy.

Choice A is incorrect. It is an excellent practice to make sure safety caps are adequately screwed on; therefore, this option is not a cause for concern.

Choice B is incorrect. This answer does not reflect a reason for concern.

Choice D is incorrect. There is nothing wrong with storing vitamins and medicines together as long as they are both kept out of the reach of children.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control; Pediatric Health Promotion and Safety

Last Updated - 11, Nov 2021

The nurse is discussing infection control with a group of nursing students. Which conditions require contact precautions?

Select all that apply.

A. Respiratory syncytial virus

B. Psoriasis

C. Pediculosis

D. Rubella

E. Scabies

F. Clostridium difficle

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, C, E, and F are correct. Conditions requiring contact precautions include RSV, pediculosis, Clostridium difficle, and scabies. Pediculosis refers to infestation with head lice. Clostridium difficle is a spore-forming bacteria that causes diarrhea. RSV may be transmitted by the droplet route but is primarily spread by direct contact with infectious respiratory secretions. Droplet precautions are not routinely warranted but are appropriate if the infecting agent is not known.

Choices B and D are incorrect. Rubella (German measles) is isolated using droplet precautions. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that does not require isolation.

Learning Objective

Recognize the conditions where contact isolation precautions are used. Understand that hand hygiene can be performed using alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water; however, in the case of spore-forming bacteria such as Clostridium difficle, hand hygiene must always be performed using soap and water.

Additional Info

Contact isolation precautions are a type of infection control precautions used to prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms spread through contact. These organisms may spread through contact with infected secretions, fecal matter, large droplets, and bedding. Contact precautions include:

Hand hygiene: Hand hygiene must be performed upon entering and exiting the client's room. Alcohol-based disinfectants or cleaning with soap and water are permissible hand hygiene measures. However, only soap and water must be used in the case of Clostridium difficle and Norovirus.

Gloves: Put on gloves before entering the room and discard gloves before exiting the room.

Gown: Put on a gown before entering the room and discard the gown before exiting the room.

Conditions requiring contact isolation precautions

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) - requires both contact and airborne precautions until all the lesions crust over.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - although transmitted by large droplets, the spread is through contact with droplets. Hence, droplet isolation is not necessary for RSV.

Enterovirus

Scabies

Impetigo

Abscesses

Pediculosis

Enteric infections ( Norovirus, Clostridium difficle)

Multidrug-resistant bacteria [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant enterococci ( VRE), multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria]

The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a child with erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease). Which transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement?

A. Standard

B. Droplet

C. Contact

D. Airborne

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Standard precautions are used for a client with erythema infectiosum. Droplet precautions would only be necessary if the client is immunocompromised.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Isolation is not necessary for this virus. The exception to this would be if the client was immunocompromised which would then require standard + droplet.

Additional Info

Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease)

The causative agent is Parvovirus B19

Mode of transmission for this pathogen is respiratory secretions and blood, blood products

Isolation is not necessary unless the child is immunosuppressed (standard/droplet will then be used)

Manifestations include erythema on the face (slapped face appearance). It also causes the appearance of maculopapular red spots distributed on the upper and lower extremities. Finally, the client will have mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, and malaise

Treatment is primarily supportive (antipyretics and analgesics)

A blood transfusion may be needed for transient aplastic anemia

Last Updated - 08, Dec 2022

The nurse is educating staff on infection control. Which of the following statements by the nurse would indicate a correct understanding of infection control guidelines for influenza?

Select all that apply.

A. Limiting visitation to 30 minutes per day.

B. Keeping the door to the client's room closed.

C. Wearing a surgical mask when providing care.

D. Placing the client in a room at the end of the hall.

E. Cleaning common surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices C and E are correct. Infected droplets primarily spread influenza. Wearing a surgical mask when providing care is essential. Finally, cleaning common surfaces with a cleaning agent of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol is important as the influenza virus may survive on these surfaces.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Visitor restrictions of up to 30 minutes per day would be used for a client receiving brachytherapy. Keeping the client's door closed is reserved for the client on airborne precautions. Placing the client at the end of the hall is inappropriate for an individual with influenza because it would make no difference in infection control. The door should be closed for airborne precautions (to maintain negative pressure) - not droplet precautions. Placing the client at the

Additional Info

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

Droplet precautions are implemented for suspected/confirmed cases.

The door can remain open as negative pressure is not required.

Infection control measures should include frequent hand hygiene, including alcohol-based hand sanitizers, before and after client care. If the hands become visibly soiled, they should be washed with soap and water.

A surgical mask is necessary to prevent transmission of the infected droplets. The nurse should wear a surgical mask if care is provided within three feet of the client. If the client should leave the room, they will wear the surgical mask.

A patient is scheduled to undergo a CT scan with intravenous contrast dye. Which of the following actions, if performed by the new nurse, would require follow-up by the supervising nurse?

A. Encourage fluids when the patient returns from the scan.

B. Confirm that the consent form is signed.

C. Raise the side rails of the patient's stretcher during transport.

D. Cancel the CT scan if the patient reports a shellfish allergy.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. This action will require follow-up. It is inappropriate to cancel the CT scan if the patient has a history of shellfish allergy. Previously, it was felt that allergy to shellfish/seafood (because they contain iodine) and allergy to topical iodinated products conferred cross-allergy with iodine-containing contrast dyes. Iodine is found ubiquitously in the form of thyroid hormones, and there is no such thing as an allergy to systemic iodine. Minor skin reactions to topical iodine do not confer cross-allergy to IV contrast dyes. There is no evidence to support this notion; therefore, current guidelines do not suggest treatment plan modification based on a history of shellfish or seafood allergy alone.

According to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Manual on contrast media, there is no evidence to support the continuation of this old practice of inquiring specifically into a patient's history of "allergy" to seafood, especially shellfish.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. These actions are most appropriate to ensure patient safety and do not require follow-up. Contrast dye can be toxic to the kidneys and may result in renal failure. The risk of contrast-induced nephropathy is higher in those who are dehydrated, those on diuretics, and those with underlying co-morbidities such as diabetes. The nurse needs to encourage adequate fluid intake (choice A) to promote the flush out of the contrast dye.

The consent form must always be signed (choice B) before administering IV contrast to ensure safety and accuracy. During pre-screening, the consent form has a section that inquires about the patient's history of allergies, including any prior reactions to x-ray contrast.

Safety measures must be ensured during patient transportation (e.g., transport to the x-ray department). During patient transport, specific safety measures include locking the equipment in a stopped position and keeping side rails up on stretchers (choice C).

Learning Objective

Recognize that shellfish allergy is no longer a contraindication to administering the IV contrast dye.

Additional Info

Before IV contrast administration, prescreening must include questioning the patient regarding prior reactions to contrast dye or allergies to medications/substances. Any allergy (not specifically shellfish) may increase the risk of having an IV contrast dye reaction. If there is a history of severe allergies or prior reaction to contrast dye, such patients may be premedicated with diphenhydramine and steroids. Shellfish allergy is not a contraindication. Students who would like to learn more about this should refer to this article at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3964187/

Which of the following findings would prompt immediate investigation when performing an assessment of a patient on a medical/surgical unit?

A. Bowel sounds of 14 per minute

B. High-pitched bowel sounds at a rate of 4 per minute

C. Bowel sounds greater than 60 per minute

D. Low-pitched bowel sounds at a rate of 30 per minute

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Bowel sounds less than 5 per minute may indicate blockage and should be evaluated. Bowel sounds are high-pitched, occasional gurgles, or clicks that last from one to several seconds. They occur every 5 to 15 seconds in the average adult.

Choice A is incorrect. Bowel sounds of 14 per minute are considered normal.

Choice C is incorrect. Although bowel sounds that are more than 30 per minute are considered hyperactive, it is not as immediate a concern as choice B.

Choice D is incorrect. Bowel sounds usually are high-pitched. However, the rate of bowel sounds is within normal limits. This answer choice does not pose as much concern as choice B.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Reduction of Risk Potential - Auscultating the Abdomen

Last Updated - 14, Feb 2022

The nurse is participating on a committee that is changing the hospital security plan. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be appropriate to make? Select all that apply.

A. Open visitation should be implemented in the newborn nursery.

B. Visitors should always wear a badge while in the hospital.

C. Oral temperatures should be obtained for all visitors.

D. Hand sanitizing stations should be offered throughout the facility.

E. Disaster drills should be conducted to ensure staff competency.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices B and E are correct. Proper visitor identification is essential in keeping a hospital secure. This allows for rapid identification and a log of all visitors within the facility. Disaster drills should be conducted to ensure that staff is competent with procedures related to certain threats such as mass bioterrorism, active shooter training, or fire.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Open visitation should not be implemented in a newborn nursery because of this risk of infant abduction. Visitors may learn the hospital's layout and certain procedures, enabling a more inconspicuous abduction. Checking the oral temperatures of visitors and providing hand sanitizing stations is essential in infection prevention, but they are not pertinent to the hospital's security plan.

Additional Info

Features of a hospital security plan should include, but are not limited to:

➢ A secure maternity unit with security features such as video surveillance and alarms.

➢ The maternity unit should have access restrictions by approved visitors that are both appropriately identified and logged.

➢ Staff should wear distinguishable badges and uniforms.

➢ Hospital disaster drills should be performed routinely. This helps ensure staff preparedness for fires, bioterrorism, and bomb threats.

Last Updated - 29, Nov 2022

The nurse is caring for a client who repeatedly attempts to get up from their wheelchair unassisted and has fallen twice. The primary healthcare provider (PHCP) prescribes restraints. Which type of restraint does the nurse anticipate?

A. Soft wrist restraints

B. Mitten restraints

C. Seclusion

D. Waist belt restraint

Explanation

Choice D is correct If restraints are necessary for this client, the most appropriate restraint would be a waist belt restraint. This restrains the client's ability to stand up, which is the device's intent.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Soft wrist restraints would not be appropriate for this clinical situation. This type of restraint would be appropriate for clients who pull at tubes or devices. Soft wrist restraints may also be suitable for a client who is agitated and has hit themselves or others. Mitten restraints may be indicated for a client who pulls at tubing or devices. Seclusion is a form of restraint and would be contraindicated in this case as seclusion is used for individuals who are violent. Clients who are at risk of falling should not be placed in seclusion.

Additional Info

Belt restraints may be warranted for confused or impulsive clients who are continually trying to get out of bed or a chair after repeated redirection when it's unsafe for them to get up unassisted. Belt restraints should be applied over clothing and secured over the client's waist. The restraint should be anchored to an immovable part of the bed or the chair.

Last Updated - 01, Jun 2022

The nurse is caring for a client who has been physically violent towards staff. The nurse prepares to restrain the client using

A. soft wrist restraints.

B. mitten restraints.

C. elbow restraints.

D. waist belt restraint.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct For the client being physically violent towards staff, the nurse may, as prescribed, chemically restrain the client or physically restrain the client. The appropriate option for this client is to either seclude the individual or use soft wrist restraints.

Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Mitten restraints would be appropriate if the client attempted to disconnect medical tubing or devices. This could be plausible if tethered to the frame, but mittens are more restrictive than necessary. Elbow restraints make removing a medical device near the face or neck difficult. It does not impede the removal of abdominal or urinary medical devices. Waist belt restraints would still allow the client to hit staff. This type of restraint is best utilized for confused or impulsive clients who are continually trying to get out of bed or a chair after repeated redirection.

Additional Info

Soft wrist restraints are best utilized for clients becoming increasingly agitated, cannot be redirected with distraction, and keep trying to remove needed medical devices. This type of restraint may also be applied to the ankles.

Elbow restraints make it difficult for a client to remove a medical device near the face or neck. It does not impede the removal of abdominal or urinary medical devices.

Waist belt restraints are utilized for confused or impulsive clients who continually try to get out of bed or a chair after repeated redirection.

Mitten restraints are only considered a restraint if they are tethered to an immovable object, and the client cannot remove it from their hand. This restraint is appropriate if the client attempts to disconnect medical tubing or devices.

Last Updated - 01, Jun 2022

The nurse is evaluating a patient with symptoms of metabolic acidosis. Which of the following is not a cause of metabolic acidosis?

A. Severe diarrhea

B. Hyperventilation

C. Starvation

D. Diabetes mellitus

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Hyperventilation due to asthma, anxiety, or high altitude may lead to respiratory alkalosis. Unless it is quickly corrected, acidosis and alkalosis can have severe or fatal consequences. The nurse needs to understand possible causes and identify symptoms as soon as possible. Note: Acidosis and alkalosis are not diseases, but instead signs of an underlying disorder. The primary treatment of acid-base disorders is targeted at correcting the underlying cause.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. These are all possible causes of metabolic acidosis. Therefore, not the answers to the question.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Physiological Integrity, Subtopic: Pharmacological Therapies

Last Updated - 15, Feb 2022

The nurse is observing infection control practices on the nursing unit. Which of the following findings requires follow-up?

Select all that apply.

A. A client with H. pylori placed on standard precautions.

B. Disposable blood pressure cuff used on a client with rotavirus.

C. A client's room door kept closed who has rubella.

D. A client with influenza ambulating in the hall with a surgical mask.

E. Contact precautions for a client with Legionnaires' disease.

Explanation

Choices C and E are correct. A client with rubella should be placed on droplet precautions. Droplet precautions do not require that the door be kept closed. The PPE required for rubella includes a surgical mask. Legionnaires' disease is not transmitted person-to-person but rather through infected water or soil. This bacterium requires standard precautions.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. These observations are correct and do not require follow-up. H. pylori infections are not transmitted from person to person, and thus, standard precautions are appropriate. A disposable blood pressure cuff is appropriate for a client with rotavirus as infected surfaces may transmit this pathogen. It is appropriate for a patient with influenza to ambulate with a surgical mask as this may be spread through infected droplets.

Additional Info

The minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) required for contact is gloves and a surgical mask. For droplet precautions, it is a surgical mask. Finally, airborne precautions require the client's room door to be kept closed, with negative pressure, and an N95 respirator to be worn.

While working on a pediatric floor, you have a patient diagnosed with pertussis. Which image below indicates the correct precautions the nurse needs to place the patient on?

A .

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Droplet precautions are necessary for the patient with pertussis. This means that the client needs a private room, or a room shared only with another client with pertussis. Staff should and visitors must wear a mask when entering the room. A mask must be placed on the client if they need to leave the room.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. These types of precautions are not applicable to patients with pertussis.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance Subtopic: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

Last Updated - 12, Feb 2022

The nurse in the emergency department is preparing to receive a client exposed to inhalation anthrax. The nurse plans to implement

A. droplet precautions.

B. airborne precautions.

C. standard precautions.

D. contact precautions.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice C is correct. Standard precautions are utilized in the management of inhalation anthrax. Inhalation anthrax is not transmitted from person to person, and its vector is contaminated materials, such as wool, hides, or hair.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Inhalation anthrax does not spread from person to person, and implementing contact, droplet, or airborne precautions would be unnecessary.

Additional Info

Anthrax is a bioterrorism agent and must be taken seriously because it has a high mortality rate. Anthrax may be cutaneous or inhaled and is caused by exposure to the gram-positive bacterium. Nursing care is aimed at stabilizing the client's breathing and promptly initiating treatment, which is antibiotics (levofloxacin) and/or antitoxins such as raxibacumab.

The nurse is conducting an in-service for nursing students. It would be appropriate for the nurse to state which of the following procedures requires a sterile technique? Select all that apply.

A. Changing the dressing for a central line

B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

C. Removing a peripheral vascular access device

D. Suctioning an endotracheal tube with in-line suction.

E. Inserting a nasogastric tube (NGT)

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A and B are correct. Dressing changes of central lines requires a sterile technique. Central lines include ports, peripherally inserted central catheters, and intrajugular access. An indwelling urinary catheter insertion requires a sterile technique to prevent urinary infection.

Choices C, D, and E are incorrect. Removing a peripheral vascular access device does not require a sterile technique. The nurse needs to wear clean gloves during the procedure. It is not necessary to use a sterile technique when using in-line suctioning. This is a closed-loop system, so the endotracheal tube should not be contaminated by the nurse touching it. Inserting a nasogastric tube requires a clean technique, not sterile.

Additional Info

Specific procedures require the nurse to use a sterile technique (also known as surgical asepsis). This technique intends to eliminate all microorganisms from an object or area, including pathogens and spores. Procedures requiring this approach include central line dressing changes, insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, and suctioning a tracheostomy.

Last Updated - 19, Nov 2022

Which of the following interventions is a priority for patient safety during care?

Select all that apply.

A. Proceed with surgeries immediately with no time-out.

B. Use two patient identifiers such as name and date of birth.

C. Provide documentation, medical terminology, and SBAR for verbal communication.

D. Use alarms safely, especially to prevent harm to patients who are at risk for falls.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices B, C, and D are correct. Each of these answer choices reflects safety priorities that should be included in the care of every patient. In the past, hospitals were considered the safest place for sick patients to be. Unfortunately, that assumption is no longer valid as more reports and studies identify the risks, errors, and potential complications that hospitalized patients are exposed to. The Joint Commission has updated the National Patient Safety Goals for hospital care to improve patient safety. To address the risk in health care delivery in hospitals, some of the updated goals include that nurses must:

Improve the accuracy of patient identification by using at least two patient identifiers when providing care.

Improve the effectiveness of communication among caregivers by using written documentation, approved medical terminology, and SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) for verbal communication.

Improve the safety of using medications by labeling all drugs and adopting practices to reduce the likelihood of patient harm associated with the use of anticoagulation therapy and reduce the adverse patient outcomes associated with medication discrepancies.

Reduce the risk of harm associated with clinical alarm systems by using alarms safely, mainly to prevent the risk of falls.

Reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections by implementing CDC or WHO goals to improve hand cleaning, prevention of diseases from central lines, post-surgical infections, and identify clients at risk for developing hospital-acquired infections.

Choice A is incorrect. All surgeries must have a "time-out" period to avoid wrong-site surgeries and other complications.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Safety and Infection Control; Safety Interventions for Hospitalized Patients

Last Updated - 23, Dec 2021

You are a nurse working on an adult medical-surgical floor when you hear "Code Pink" repeated three times over the hospital-wide speaker system, indicating an infant or child abduction. Since you know the hospital has infant/child abduction drills every two months, and you are working in an area without infants or pediatric clients, you should do which of the following?

A. You must respond and perform your role in this "Code Pink."

B. Ask the unit secretary to respond to the "Code Pink" for you.

C. Ignore the "Code Pink" because you are caring for clients.

D. Ignore the "Code Pink," as you are not staffing in obstetrics, the nursery, NICU, or pediatrics.

Explanation

Choice A is correct. Each and every hospital employee on duty during a "Code Pink" would immediately respond and perform their specified role per hospital policy, regardless of the unit the individual was staffing. Here, the fact that you are staffing the adult medical-surgical area has no bearing on whether you have an obligation to respond. You must always respond to each Code as if it were an actual emergency.

Choice B is incorrect. Asking the unit secretary to respond to the "Code Pink" for you is inappropriate, as you have a duty to respond to this Code per hospital policy. Additionally, the unit secretary more than likely also has their own duty to respond to the "Code Pink" under the hospital policy as well.

Choice C is incorrect. You have a duty to respond to the "Code Pink" and would therefore not ignore the Code. While it is understood you are caring for clients, you have a role and responsibility during the "Code Pink."

Choice D is incorrect. Staffing in a client care area other than obstetrics, the nursery, NICU, or pediatrics is not an excuse to disregard a "Code Pink" or not respond per hospital policy. During a "Code Pink," all hospital employees are required to respond per hospital policy.

Learning Objective

Recognize that a "Code Pink" announcement indicates an infant/child abduction within the facility and requires the response of all hospital employees per hospital policy.

Additional Info

You cannot and should not ever assume any "Code Pink" (or any other code) is a practice drill.

Although each facility has individual "Code Pink" policies and procedures, most facilities implement the following during a "Code Pink" response:

All external doors are locked upon activation of a Code Pink, with no one allowed to leave the facility until the resolution of the Code.

Employees must proceed to their designated location or begin immediately searching the floor per their department response guidelines.

Staff are to pay close attention to exits/stairwells and quick exiting areas and to observe for anyone carrying a child, bags, oversized coats, or containers large enough to hold or conceal an infant or child.

Notify Security immediately of any person with suspicious or unusual behavior.

A health care provider (HCP) orders the immediate use of a piece of electrical care equipment for a client. When you go to use the piece of equipment, you immediately suspect it may be faulty. Your initial action should be which of the following?

A. Try the piece of electrical care equipment and see if it becomes hazardous.

B. Call the health care provider and report your suspicion.

C. Ask the client if they want you to try the piece of electrical care equipment.

D. Immediately remove the piece of electrical care equipment from service.

Explanation

Choice D is correct. If you suspect that a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty and you have a health care provider's (HCP) order for the immediate use of this equipment for the client, you should immediately remove it from service. You must not use this piece of equipment under any circumstances.

Choice A is incorrect. If you suspect that a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty and you have a health care provider's (HCP) order for the immediate use of this equipment for the client, you would not "[t]ry the piece of electrical care equipment and see if it becomes hazardous" because the practice would be considered dangerous, reckless, and against the standard of care.

Choice B is incorrect. If you suspect that a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty and you have a health care provider's (HCP) order for the immediate use of this equipment for the client, your initial action would not be to call the HCP.

Choice C is incorrect. If you suspect that a piece of electrical care equipment may be faulty and you have a health care provider's (HCP) order for the immediate use of this equipment for the client, you would not ask the client if they want you "to try the piece of electrical care equipment," because the practice would be considered dangerous, reckless, and against the standard of care.

Learning Objective

When identifying a suspected piece of faulty electric care equipment, prioritize the removal of the piece of equipment.

Additional Info

Immediately remove any suspected faulty equipment that may be faulty and send it for repairs by an authorized technician or engineer.

The occupational health nurse is conducting an in-service on reducing back injuries. It would be correct for the nurse to identify the most common location of the injury is the

A. cervical spine.

B. lumbar spine.

C. thoracic spine.

D. pelvis.

Explanation

Choice B is correct. The most common area injured during lifting is the lumbar spine. This is because it supports the lower back.

Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. These options are incorrect as the lumbar spine is most often the target of injuries while lifting.

Additional Info

Effective Measures to Prevent Back Injury Include

Have the necessary assistance to move the object.

Planning the move and communicating with the other individual who will assist you.

Using the shoulder, upper arms, hips, and thighs as the predominant muscles to help with the move.

Keep objects close to your body when lifting or carrying objects.

Avoid twisting by using your feet to turn your body.

Use a mechanical lift when necessary.

Last Updated - 21, Aug 2022

The nurse is inserting a peripheral intravenous catheter.

Place each action in the correct order.

Apply a tourniquet and palpate a vein for insertion.

Clean the skin with approved solution.

Tape and secure the IV site.

Stabilize the vein below the insertion site (digital traction).

Puncture the skin and vein with the stylet.

Apply pressure above the insertion site and connect the IV tubing.

Observe for blood return and advance the catheter.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Inserting a peripheral IV requires the application of a tourniquet proximal to the targeted site. The skin should then be cleaned with an approved solution (circular motion), and then digital stabilization should be applied distally. Once the vein is selected and stabilized, the nurse should insert the needle at an appropriate angle. Once blood return is seen in the chamber, the nurse should advance the needle a quarter of an inch and then thread in the catheter. Pressure should be held proximally and the IV site should be flushed to verify patency. The nurse should then secure it in place.

Last Updated - 26, Oct 2021

Apply a tourniquet and palpate a vein for insertion.

Clean the skin with approved solution.

Stabilize the vein below the insertion site (digital traction).

Puncture the skin and vein with the stylet.

Observe for blood return and advance the catheter.

Apply pressure above the insertion site and connect the IV tubing.

Tape and secure the IV site.

You are taking care of a client with moderate to severe dementia. Select the nursing intervention that insures and protects the client's safety in terms of bathing.

A. Ensure that there is a scatter rug outside the shower to prevent the collection of water which could lead to a slip and fall.

B. Check and ensure that the bathing water for the client is no more than 101 F degrees in order to prevent client burns.

C. Clients with dementia should be encouraged to shower in privacy and without supervision so they do not become hostile.

D. Never allow the client to remain in the tub alone without monitoring and supervision so that accidents do not occur.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice D is correct. Bathing safety is highly important. Many accidents occur in the bathrooms of healthcare facilities and the homes of clients. You should never allow the client to remain in the tub alone without monitoring and supervision because accidents can and do occur. Other aspects of bathing safety include the presence and use of assistive bathing devices like grab bars and shower chairs, checking and ensuring that the water in the shower is at an appropriate temperature (less than 110 F degrees to prevent burning), and monitoring the client when they are taking a tub bath or shower bath.

Choice A is incorrect. You would not ensure that there is a scatter rug outside the shower to prevent the collection of water because scatter rugs are a safety hazard in themselves so they would only increase the risk of slipping and tripping.

Choice B is incorrect. You would not check and ensure that the bathing water for the client is no more than 101 F degrees to prevent client burns, but you would ensure that the temperature is no more than 110 F degrees. 101 F degrees is an uncomfortable, cold temperature for bathing water, and water that is too hot can be harmful and can even cause burns.

Choice C is incorrect. Clients with dementia should not shower in privacy and without supervision; they must be closely monitored and supervised at all times.

Last Updated - 13, Nov 2021

The nurse is discussing infection control practices in the nursing unit. Which client requires droplet precautions? A client with Select all that apply.

A. diagnosed with rubella.

B. a new diagnosis of diphthieria.

C. receiving chemotherapy via an implanted port.

D. pulmonary tuberculosis receiving nebulizer treatments.

E. a skin abscess that tested positive for Klebsiella.

F. Haemophilus influenzae, type b

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices A, B, and F are correct. Diphtheria, rubella, and, Haemophilus influenzae, type b, all require droplet precautions. The personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for droplet precautions is a surgical mask and gown.

Choices C and D are incorrect. Airborne precautions are used for patients with infections spread through the air with small particles, such as pulmonary tuberculosis. A client receiving chemotherapy via an implanted port requires standard precautions unless the client has neutropenia. A skin abscess with Klebsiella warrants contact precautions.

Learning Objective

Recognize the diseases needing droplet isolation precautions.

Place the following elements of evaluation in their correct sequence:

Interpreting and summarizing findings

Collecting data to determine whether evaluative criteria and standards are met

Documenting one's judgment

Terminating, continuing, or modifying the plan of care

Identifying evaluative criteria and standards

Terminating, continuing, or modifying the plan of care

Collecting data to determine whether evaluative criteria and standards are met

Documenting one's judgment

Interpreting and summarizing findings

Identifying evaluative criteria and standards

Submit Answer

Explanation

The correct ordered sequence is: 5, 2, 1, 3, 4. The five classic elements of evaluation are:

Identifying evaluative criteria and standards (what you are looking for when you evaluate)

Collecting data to determine whether these criteria and standards are met

Interpreting and summarizing findings

Documenting your judgment

Terminating, continuing, or modifying the plan

In the 5th step of the nursing process, evaluating, the nurse measures how well the patient has achieved the outcomes specified in the plan of care. When evaluating patient outcome achievement, the nurse identifies factors that contribute to the patient's ability to achieve expected results and, when necessary, modifies the plan of care. The purpose of the evaluation is to allow the patient's achievement of expected outcomes to direct future nurse-patient interactions.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Subtopic: Coordinated Care - Components of Evaluation

Last Updated - 14, Apr 2020

You are working in the emergency department when a 23-year-old woman comes in after being bitten by multiple fire ants. You examine her and notice that there are many fluid-filled bites on her legs and ankles. She is complaining of numbness in her face and you notice swelling around her lips. She complains of shortness of breath and her respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute. You hear wheezing when you auscultate her lungs. Her heart rate is 110/minute and her blood pressure is 82/40 mmHg. You have the following orders for this patient:

Administer epinephrine

Ensure a patent airway

Administer an antihistamine

Place on a cardiac monitor to analyze the heart rhythm

As you work to prioritize these tasks, you know that the best sequence for doing them is:

Administer epinephrine

Administer an antihistamine

Ensure a patent airway

Place on a cardiac monitor to analyze the heart rhythm

Submit Answer

Explanation

Correct ordered sequence: The nurse should recognize that this patient is in anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction to ant bites. Although all of these tasks should be done for this patient, the one with the highest priority is to ensure that the woman has a patent airway. If an advanced airway is required, the nurse should call for assistance to complete this task. In most patients, positioning the patient and providing supplemental oxygen will be sufficient. This should be followed very quickly by the administration of epinephrine IM or SC. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for anaphylaxis since it helps to increase blood pressure and inhibits the release of mediators, causing the reaction. Next, the nurse should administer an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine. This should never replace the administration of epinephrine because the onset of action of antihistamines is slower than epinephrine. Often, clinicians will administer both diphenhydramine and ranitidine since one is an H1 blocker, and the other is an H2 blocker. Finally, it is essential to connect the patient to a cardiac monitor since anaphylaxis can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. If other team members are present, this can often be accomplished simultaneously with the other tasks, but connecting the patient to a cardiac monitor is a lower priority than the other actions.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Management of Care, Sub-Topic: Establishing Priorities, Critical Care

Last Updated - 24, Jan 2020

The school nurse is talking to a group of mothers regarding poison prevention and management. Which statement by the mothers indicates a need for further teaching?

A. "I need to properly label the containers of poisonous liquids."

B. "I need to make my child vomit in the instance he ingests gasoline."

C. "I can give my child milk or some water to dilute the poison while I rush him to the hospital."

D. "All poisonous materials should be stored away from children."

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice B is correct. Induction of vomiting when a victim has ingested hydrocarbons is contraindicated. Vomiting may lead to inhalation of the poison, worsening the situation.

Choice A is incorrect. This is a correct statement. Proper labeling can help prevent accidental ingestion of poisons at home.

Choice C is incorrect. This is a correct statement. Diluting the poison can buy some time in getting the child/victim some needed help.

Choice D is incorrect. This is a correct statement. Poisonous materials should always be stored away from children and must be locked.

Last Updated - 12, Nov 2021

You are educating a mother about the association between autism and the MMR vaccine. You know that the mother understands your instructions when she says:

A. "My child should not get the vaccine since it is known to cause autism."

B. "My child should get the individual immunizations for measles, mumps, and rubella since the individual vaccines do not cause autism."

C. "My child should get the MMR immunization since there is no evidence that it causes autism."

D. "My child should not get the immunization because it contains mercury."

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice C is correct. The CDC and experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that there is no credible evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some of the concerns may be because children typically get the MMR vaccine at about the same time that signs of ASD appear. In fact, in 2013, the CDC conducted a study that showed that vaccines do not cause ASD. This study showed that the antigens in vaccines that produce antibodies were the same between children diagnosed with ASD and children without ASD. Currently, there are no MMR vaccines that contain mercury. Although there is no evidence that mercury causes ASD, mercury was removed from all childhood vaccinations by 2001. The exception to that is that some multi-dose flu vaccines may still contain traces of thimerosal (a chemical containing mercury).

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. These statements are incorrect.

NCSBN Client Need Topic: Health Promotion and Maintenance, Sub-Topic: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention, Safety/Infection Control

Last Updated - 11, Jan 2022

The nurse is discussing infection control with a group of nursing students. It would be correct to state that droplet precautions are used for which condition?

Select all that apply.

A. Influenza

B. Viral meningitis

C. Pertussis

D. Hepatitis C

E. Lyme disease

Explanation

Choices A and C are correct. Conditions requiring droplet precautions include influenza and pertussis.

Choices B, D, and E are incorrect. Viral meningitis in adults, Hepatitis C, and Lyme disease are not spread by droplets and require only standard precautions. Meningitis may be secondary to bacteria [Neisseria meningitidis (meningococci) or E.coli, or Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci)] or viruses (enteroviruses are the most common cause. Rare viral causes include mosquito-borne viruses, herpes simplex viruses, mumps). Bacterial meningitis with meningococci requires droplet precautions because meningococci spread through large droplets. Clients with meningococcal meningitis should be placed on droplet precautions (private room, mask) until they have completed 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Viral meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis do not require droplet isolation. In adults with viral meningitis, standard precautions are sufficient.

In infants and young children, viral meningitis requires contact precautions as well. Since most viral meningitis cases are due to enteroviruses that may be passed in the stool, clients with viral meningitis should be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.

Additional Info

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for a client with droplet precautions is a surgical mask. The risk of transmitting a droplet pathogen is likely when the nurse is within three feet of the individual infected.

Conditions requiring droplet precautions include:

Rubella

Influenza

Pertussis

Bacterial meningitis

Pneumonic plague

Diphtheria (Pharyngeal)

Mumps

Rhinovirus

The emergency department charge nurse was notified of a mass shooting at a nearby shopping mall. The charge nurse should take which action to prepare for the surge in clients? Select all that apply.

A. Work to arrange timely discharge and admission for appropriate clients.

B. Establish a holding area for discharged clients not able to go home.

C. Modify the nurse/client ratio to accommodate the surge levels.

D. Instruct staff to switch from electronic to paper documentation.

E. Prepare to provide frequent updates to local media.

Explanation

Choices A, B, and C are correct. During an external disaster such as a mass shooting, it is reasonable for the nurse to anticipate a surge in clients. To accommodate the surge of individuals, the nurse should advocate for the timely disposition of clients (either admission or discharge) to clear up necessary space. If a client is discharged but cannot leave until the transportation is arranged, they should be placed in a designated discharge area. The charge nurse will need to modify the nurse/client ratio as the influx in clients will require more staffing resources.

Choices D and E are incorrect. Switching documentation methods from electronic to paper would jeopardize client safety. This also would decrease efficiency. This would be an inappropriate action. The charge nurse should not be responsible for frequently updating the media. This would be the responsibility of the facilities administration.

Additional Info

Key recommendations when preparing for a surge in clients

Check and test communications systems

Open the incident command center and review action plans

Arrange for as many safe discharges as possible

Modify the nurse/client ratio to one that is safe and practical

Clear the emergency department (ED) by having the physician determine the client's disposition (discharge or admit)

Consult the medical director regarding elective surgeries and surgical support staff

Notify ancillary departments (laboratory and blood bank)

Last Updated - 06, Jul 2022

The nurse is triaging a child with suspected impetigo. Which action should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

A. Initiate droplet precautions

B. Set up a decontamination room

C. Use a disposable blood pressure cuff

D. Initiate contact precautions

E. Apply sterile gloves while examining the client

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choices C and D are correct. Impetigo is a contagious infection of the skin commonly seen in young children. This condition is highly infectious, and the nurse should utilize standard and contact precautions. Part of this involves using disposable client care equipment (blood pressure cuff, thermometer, etc.). Contact precautions require the nurse to wear a gown and gloves when engaging in client care.

Choices A, B, and E are incorrect. Droplet precautions are not appropriate for impetigo. It is spread through contact with the skin, not respiratory droplets. Although very contagious, a decontamination room is not indicated for impetigo. Sterile gloves are not necessary to don during client care. Using this would be a waste of organizational resources.

Additional Info

Impetigo is a contagious skin condition that is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This condition is commonly found in young children and typically presents around the face, mouth, and then on the hands, neck, and extremities. The lesions have drainage and then begin to crust.

➢ Medical treatment is antibacterial ointments that should be applied via a sterile cotton tip applicator.

➢ Nursing care focuses on educating the client on hand hygiene, pain control with warm compresses to the affected area, preventing transmission by not sharing linens, etc.

Last Updated - 03, Nov 2022

Your client has a stat order for a cooling or hypothermia blanket. After you call the appropriate department, the cooling blanket is delivered to your nursing care unit. What is the first thing you should do concerning this stat order?

A. Inspect and run the equipment prior to use.

B. Immediately use the cooling blanket for the client because it is a stat order.

C. Ask the engineering department to perform preventive maintenance on it.

D. Inspect the blanket for any frayed cords before to protect against fire.

Submit Answer

Explanation

Choice A is correct. You must thoroughly inspect and run the equipment before use to ensure that it is appropriately functioning BEFORE it is used. This inspection should include an overall assessment for frayed electrical cords and documented evidence that the piece of equipment has had the mandated preventive maintenance and safety inspections according to the facility's policies and procedure.

Choice B is incorrect. You would not immediately use the cooling blanket for the client just because it is a stat order because other preventive measures must be taken first before using it.

Choice C is incorrect. You would not ask the engineering department to perform preventive maintenance because you should be able to see documented evidence that the preventive maintenance was done on the sticker that is affixed to the piece of equipment.

Choice D is incorrect. You would not merely inspect the blanket for any frayed cords before use to protect against fire.

Last Updated - 14, Aug 2021