Physiological Integrity Q 4
The nurse is observing several healthcare workers providing care. Which action by the healthcare worker indicates a need for further teaching?
A. The nursing assistant wears gloves while giving the client a bath.
B. The nurse wears goggles while drawing blood from the client.
C. The doctor washes his hands before examining the client.
D. The nurse wears gloves to take the client’s vital signs.
Correct Answer: D. The nurse wears gloves to take the client’s vital signs.
It is not necessary to wear gloves to take the vital signs of the client. If the client has an active infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, gloves should be worn. Wash hands or perform hand hygiene before having contact with the patient. Also impart these duties to the patient and their significant others. Know the instances when to perform hand hygiene or “5 moments for hand hygiene”.
Option A: Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. Wear gloves when providing direct care; perform hand hygiene after properly disposing of gloves. Initiate specific precautions for suspected agents as determined by CDC protocol.
Option B: Use masks, goggles, face shields to protect the mucous membranes of your eyes, mouth, and nose during procedures and in direct-care activities (e.g., suctioning secretions) that may generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions.
Option C: The health care workers indicate knowledge of infection control by their actions. Friction and running water effectively remove microorganisms from hands. Washing between procedures reduces the risk of transmitting pathogens from one area of the body to another. Wash hands with antiseptic soap and water for at least 15 seconds followed by an alcohol-based hand rub. If hands were not in contact with anyone or anything in the room, use an alcohol-based hand rub and rub until dry. Plain soap is good at reducing bacterial counts but antimicrobial soap is better, and alcohol-based hand rubs are the best.