NCLEX-RN safety and infection control practice questions
NCLEX-RN · safety and infection control
NCLEX-RN safety and infection control practice questions
You stop the harm first: isolation, falls, equipment, and the order that keeps the unit safe. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the NCLEX-RN exam guide or more NCLEX-RN practice questions.
Five safety and infection control questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?
A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
B. Embolic stroke
C. Sexual abuse
D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Sexual abuse
Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.
Question 2
A home health nurse is preparing to visit her next client, whom she has never visited before. Which of the following actions indicates the nurse is upholding safety precautions?
A. Send a text to the client to confirm the location of the house
B. Leave her purse and valuables on the seat in the car and lock the doors
C. Ask the client to keep an extra set of keys in case the car is locked
D. Keep the car windows rolled up when in an unfamiliar environment
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Keep the car windows rolled up when in an unfamiliar environment
The correct answer is to keep the car windows rolled up when in an unfamiliar environment. This action helps uphold safety precautions for the home health nurse. When visiting a new client in an unfamiliar area, it is essential to ensure personal safety. Keeping the car windows rolled up can prevent potential intruders or unwanted individuals from gaining access to the nurse while in the vehicle. This precaution is important for personal safety and security.
Choice A, sending a text to the client to confirm the location of the house, is not directly related to the nurse's safety during the visit. While communication with the client is important, it does not directly address the nurse's safety.
Choice B, leaving her purse and valuables on the seat in the car, poses a security risk. It is not advisable to leave valuables visible in the car, as it may attract thieves and compromise the nurse's safety.
Choice C, asking the client to keep an extra set of keys, is more related to accessibility and convenience rather than the nurse's safety. While having an extra set of keys may be helpful, it does not directly address safety precautions for the nurse.
Question 3
A healthcare provider attempts to plug in a sequential compression device when they notice a tingling sensation in their hands while touching the cord. What is the next action of the healthcare provider?
A. Attempt to plug the device into a different outlet
B. Inspect the cord for damage; if none is present, continue to use the device
C. Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
D. Notify the supervisor that the unit is at risk of an electrical fire
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Discontinue the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection
Feeling a tingling sensation when touching an electrical cord is a warning sign that the device may be malfunctioning. This sensation indicates a potential electrical current leak, which could pose a risk of harm. The correct action is to immediately discontinue the use of the device and send it to the maintenance department for inspection. Continuing to use the device without addressing the issue could lead to electric shock or fire hazards. Trying to plug the device into a different outlet does not address the underlying problem of potential device malfunction. Notifying the supervisor about the risk of an electrical fire is important, but the immediate action should be to stop using the device and have it inspected by maintenance professionals. Therefore, the best course of action is to discontinue the device and ensure it is checked thoroughly before further use.
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of an environmental hazard that may put the healthcare professional at risk of injury?
A. Loud noise from the hospital maintenance system
B. Airborne powder containing latex
C. Chemicals containing ethylene oxide
D. All of the above
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — All of the above
Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are exposed to various environmental hazards that may negatively impact their physical or mental health. Hazards come in several forms, such as loud noise from hospital systems, which can damage hearing; airborne latex powder, leading to allergic reactions; and chemicals like ethylene oxide, a sterilizing agent that can cause cancer. Therefore, all the options listed pose risks to healthcare professionals, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choice A, loud noise, is a hazard that can affect hearing health. Choice B, airborne latex powder, can trigger allergic responses. Choice C, chemicals containing ethylene oxide, are hazardous and can lead to serious health issues. Each option represents a distinct environmental risk that healthcare professionals should be aware of and take precautions against.
Question 5
A patient's Foley catheter has been discontinued. You will dispose of this patient equipment by doing which of the following?
A. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
B. Simply placing this equipment in the regular trash can after it is placed in a paper bag.
C. Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
D. Simply placing this equipment in the 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Wearing gloves and then placing this equipment into a special 'hazardous waste' container.
When disposing of used patient equipment, such as a Foley catheter, that has come in contact with bodily fluids, it is considered hazardous waste. The correct procedure involves wearing gloves and placing the Foley bag and tubing into a special 'hazardous waste' container. This container is marked as 'Hazardous' and is typically red to indicate the potential danger of its contents. Placing the equipment in a regular trash can, even if placed in a paper bag, is not appropriate as it does not meet the standards for disposing of hazardous waste. Therefore, options A and B are incorrect. Similarly, simply placing the equipment in a 'hazardous waste' container after it is placed in a paper bag is also incorrect as direct disposal into the designated container while wearing gloves is the proper protocol, making option D incorrect.
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Ten more NCLEX-RN safety and infection control questions
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Question 6
Surgical asepsis is being performed when:
A. wiping down exam tables with bleach
B. sterilizing instruments
C. changing table paper
D. wearing gloves when performing injections
Correct answer:
Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.
A nurse is completing an incident report about a medication error that she made when she accidentally administered too much insulin to a diabetic client. All of the following are components of this documentation EXCEPT:
A. The reason for administering the wrong dose
B. The type of drug involved
C. The amount of insulin that was given
D. Any adverse effects on the client
Correct answer:
When completing an incident report for a medication error, it is essential to include factual information such as the type of drug involved, the amount administered, and any adverse effects on the client. However, stating the reason for administering the wrong dose should be avoided in documentation. The focus should be on reporting what happened rather than assigning blame or admitting fault. This approach helps in ensuring a thorough and accurate account of the medication error without introducing subjective elements that could complicate the investigation or resolution process. Therefore, the correct answer is 'The reason for administering the wrong dose.' Choices A, B, and D are vital components of incident report documentation, providing crucial details that help in understanding the error and its impact on the client.
A nurse is preparing to change a client's dressing for a burn wound on his foot. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for this process?
A. Wash the wound with cleanser, rinse, and pat dry
B. Bind the wound tightly, secure with tape, and elevate the foot
C. Contact the physician after the dressing change is complete
D. Provide analgesics for the client after the procedure
Correct answer:
When changing the dressing for a burn wound, it is essential to follow appropriate interventions to prevent infection, reduce pain, and support healing. In this scenario, after removing the old dressing, it is crucial to wash the wound gently with a suitable cleanser, rinse the area thoroughly, and then pat it dry. This process helps in maintaining cleanliness, reducing the risk of infection, and providing a conducive environment for healing. Binding the wound tightly (Choice B) can impede circulation and delay healing. Contacting the physician after the dressing change (Choice C) may be necessary in specific situations but is not a standard step in routine dressing changes. Providing analgesics after the procedure (Choice D) is important for pain management but is not directly related to the dressing change itself.
A nurse is caring for newborn infants in a nursery when a man enters the area to take his baby back to the room. The man does not have an identification bracelet, and the nurse does not recognize him. What is the next action of the nurse?
A. Call security and ask them to escort the man out of the nursery
B. Ask the man to wait and check the infant's chart
C. Ask the man to return to his room and bring an identification band
D. Allow the man to take the baby to his room
Correct answer:
The safety of infants in newborn nurseries is maintained by requiring parents to wear identification bracelets to identify themselves as the rightful parents. This practice minimizes the risk of mistakenly allowing an unauthorized individual to take a baby. In this scenario, since the nurse does not recognize the man and he lacks an identification bracelet, the appropriate action is to ask him to return to his room and bring the identification band. This step ensures the proper identity verification before allowing the man to take the baby. Calling security without first verifying the man's identity may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Checking the infant's chart alone does not confirm the man's identity. Allowing the man to take the baby without proper verification poses a safety risk to the infant.
Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?
A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
D. Order a high-protein diet for the client
Correct answer:
The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.
Mr. and Mrs. K have just adopted a newborn infant and are preparing to take him home from the hospital for the first time. Which safety measure is most appropriate for the clients in this situation?
A. Turn the handles of pans on the stove inward
B. Set up a baby gate at the top of the stairs
C. Cover electrical outlets with child-proof plugs
D. Install an approved car seat that is facing backward in the back seat
Correct answer:
Parents of newborn infants should use an approved car seat that has been installed facing backward in the back seat of the car. Securing infants in car seats, even from the first ride home from the hospital, promotes safety while transporting. While safety measures at home such as baby gates or outlet covers are important, they are not the priority safety measures until the baby is old enough to be mobile. The car seat is crucial for protecting the newborn during transportation, ensuring proper positioning and restraint in the event of sudden stops or accidents. Turning handles of pans on the stove inward, setting up a baby gate, and covering electrical outlets are important safety measures at home but are not as critical for the immediate safety of a newborn during transportation.
While performing CPR, a healthcare provider encounters a client with a large amount of thick chest hair when preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). What is the next appropriate action for the healthcare provider?
A. Apply the pads to the chest and provide a shock
B. Wipe the client's chest down with a towel before applying the pads
C. Shave the client's chest to remove the hair
D. Do not use the AED
Correct answer:
When using an AED, it is crucial for the pads to have good contact with the skin to effectively deliver an electrical shock. While AED pads can adhere to a client's chest even with some hair, thick chest hair can hinder proper current conduction. In such cases, it is recommended to shave the area of the chest where the pads will be applied. Most AED kits include a razor for this purpose. The healthcare provider should act promptly to minimize delays in defibrillation. Option A is incorrect because it may lead to ineffective treatment due to poor pad adherence. Option B is not the best course of action as wiping the chest may not resolve the issue of poor pad contact. Option D is incorrect as not using the AED could jeopardize the client's chance of survival in a cardiac emergency.
C. Moisturizing the hands after washing to prevent cracking.
D. Washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds.
Correct answer:
The most effective step in hand washing is using friction to remove potential pathogens. While using soap, moisturizing hands, and washing for a sufficient duration are important aspects of hand hygiene, the mechanical action of rubbing hands together with friction is crucial in dislodging and removing dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. Hospital-grade soap may be beneficial, but the physical act of friction is key to effective hand washing. Moisturizing after washing is important for skin health but not the most effective step in the hand washing process. Simply washing hands for a specific duration, such as 15 seconds, without proper friction may not effectively remove contaminants. Therefore, using friction for thorough cleaning is the most crucial step in hand washing.
What is the proper personal protective equipment necessary for collecting a sputum specimen?
A. Gloves and face mask
B. Level Three Biocontainment uniforms
C. Eye protection and shoe covers
D. Splash shield and face mask
Correct answer:
When collecting a sputum specimen, it is crucial to protect against potential airborne droplets that may spread disease. The best personal protective equipment for this task includes gloves and a face mask. Gloves help prevent the spread of contaminants through hand contact, while a face mask protects the respiratory tract from inhaling infectious agents. Choice B, Level Three Biocontainment uniforms, is excessive and unnecessary for routine sputum specimen collection. Choice C, eye protection and shoe covers, does not address the specific risks associated with sputum collection. Choice D, splash shield and face mask, provides additional protection that is not typically required for sputum specimen collection, making it less appropriate than gloves and a face mask.
Which of the following constitutes the five rights of medication administration?
A. Right client, right nurse, right time, right dose, right route
B. Right client, right time, right dose, right route, right order
C. Right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route
D. Right physician, right nurse, right client, right drug, right dose
Correct answer:
The five rights of medication administration are essential to ensure safe and effective drug delivery to clients. The correct answer includes ensuring the right client receives the right drug at the right dose, via the right route, and at the right time. These elements are crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Choice A is incorrect as it includes 'right nurse' which is not part of the five rights of medication administration. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 'right order' which is not part of the five rights. Choice C is incorrect as it includes 'right drug' and 'right route', but it lacks 'right client' and 'right time'. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 'right physician' which is not part of the five rights.
About these NCLEX-RN safety and infection control questions
NCLEX-RN safety and infection control practice questions for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the NCLEX-RN exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
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