Which of the following statements reflects the principles of sterile technique?
- A. Sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are to be considered contaminated.
- B. Items in a sterile package must be used immediately once the package has been opened; otherwise, they are considered contaminated.
- C. Any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is sterile as long as it is not touched.
- D. The edge of a sterile field and a border 1 inch (2.5 cm) inward is unsterile.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct statement reflecting the principles of sterile technique is that sterile objects that come in contact with unsterile objects are considered contaminated. This principle is crucial in maintaining asepsis during medical procedures. Choice B is incorrect because items in a sterile package should only be used if they remain sterile; opening the package does not automatically contaminate the items. Choice C is incorrect as any part of a sterile field that hangs below the top of the table is considered unsterile. Choice D is incorrect as the edge of a sterile field and a border inward are typically considered unsterile to maintain the integrity of the sterile area.
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A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?
- A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
- B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
- C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
- D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.
What is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient who has developed a pressure ulcer?
- A. Apply a dressing to the ulcer.
- B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
- C. Provide the patient with pain medication.
- D. Clean the ulcer with normal saline.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the patient every 2 hours. Repositioning helps prevent the worsening of pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on affected areas and promoting blood circulation, which aids in healing. Applying a dressing (choice A) is important but not the priority compared to repositioning. Providing pain medication (choice C) is essential for comfort but does not address the root cause of the pressure ulcer. Cleaning the ulcer with normal saline (choice D) is part of wound care but does not take precedence over repositioning to prevent further tissue damage.
Which of the following is the correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter?
- A. Clean the catheter tubing with soap and water.
- B. Maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter.
- C. Insert the catheter using clean gloves and a clean technique.
- D. Flush the catheter tubing regularly with sterile water.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter is to maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter. Sterile technique helps prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because cleaning the catheter tubing with soap and water is not sufficient for preventing infection. Choice C is incorrect as clean gloves and technique are not enough; sterile technique is necessary. Choice D is incorrect as flushing the catheter tubing with sterile water, though important for maintaining catheter patency, does not address the need for sterile technique during insertion to prevent infection.
What is the priority when assessing a patient for possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
- A. Dorsiflex the foot and check for pain.
- B. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
- C. Check the skin for signs of redness.
- D. Perform a Doppler ultrasound scan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the calf circumference of both legs when assessing a patient for possible DVT. An increase in calf circumference in one leg can indicate the presence of a DVT. Option A is incorrect because dorsiflexing the foot and checking for pain are not primary assessments for DVT. Option C is incorrect as redness of the skin may not always be present in cases of DVT. Option D is incorrect as performing a Doppler ultrasound scan is usually done after clinical assessment and to confirm the diagnosis, not as the initial priority assessment.
A patient is admitted and is placed on fall precautions. The nurse teaches the patient and family about fall precautions. Which action will the nurse take in accordance with hospital policy?
- A. Encourage visitors during visiting hours.
- B. Keep the patient on fall precautions until discharge.
- C. Check on the patient every shift.
- D. Raise all four side rails.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because patients on fall precautions need continuous monitoring until discharge to prevent falls. While encouraging visitors during visiting hours (Choice A) is important for the patient's well-being, it is not related to fall precautions. Checking on the patient every shift (Choice C) is an essential nursing intervention, but keeping the patient on fall precautions is more specific to preventing falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice D) is not recommended as it can restrict the patient's mobility and is considered a restraint practice.
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