Nokea
A client is admitted to the acute care facility for vomiting and diarrhea. An intravenous (IV) catheter is inserted for the delivery of IV fluids. A family member is with the client and observes the nurse enter the room and begin touching the IV site without washing hands or wearing gloves. Why should the client and family member be concerned with the nurse's actions?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Healthcare-associated infections are infections acquired while receiving care in a healthcare agency that were not active, incubatory, or chronic at admission. They occur for many reasons. Hospitalized clients are more susceptible to infections than well people because they are exposed to pathogens in the healthcare environment; may have incisions or invasive equipment (e.g., IV lines) that compromise skin integrity; or may be immunosuppressed from poor nutrition, their disease process, or its treatment. Also, because healthcare personnel are in frequent and direct contact with many clients who harbor various microorganisms, the risk for transmitting pathogenic microorganisms between and among clients is high. Allergic reaction to the IV, the nurse developing the same symptoms, and dislodging of the IV catheter are not the priority concerns.