LPN exams safety and infection control practice questions, set 9
LPN exams · safety and infection control
LPN exams safety and infection control practice questionsset 9
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 LPN exams exam guide or more LPN exams 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
A nurse is assigned a group of clients at the start of the shift. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to care for first?
A. A client who needs assistance with a bath
B. A client requesting a referral for home health services
C. A client asking about his PCA pump that contains morphine
D. A client who has questions about his new prescription
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — A client asking about his PCA pump that contains morphine
The correct answer is C, the client asking about his PCA pump containing morphine. This client should be cared for first because the PCA pump is delivering a potent medication that requires close monitoring to prevent adverse effects. The nurse needs to assess the client's pain level, pump settings, and any signs of overdose or underdose. This situation requires immediate attention to ensure the client's safety.
Choice A is incorrect because a client needing assistance with a bath can typically wait and does not pose an immediate risk to their health or safety. Choice B is incorrect as a client requesting a referral for home health services is important but can be addressed after the client with the PCA pump. Choice D is also incorrect because a client with questions about a new prescription can typically wait as long as it is not urgent.
Question 2
A nurse manager hears a staff nurse on the unit speak openly about her dislike of a recent policy change regarding client care. When discussing the issue with the nurse, which of the following statements by the nurse manager is appropriate?
A. A. 'Let's talk about your concerns about the new policy.'
B. B. 'Why didn't you voice your concerns before the new policy was implemented?'
C. C. 'Being open to change is an expectation of the nurses who work on this unit.'
D. D. 'You should support this policy change because it was based on evidence-based practice.'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — A. 'Let's talk about your concerns about the new policy.'
The correct answer is A: 'Let's talk about your concerns about the new policy.' This response is appropriate because it demonstrates active listening, empathy, and a willingness to address the nurse's concerns in a constructive manner. By encouraging open dialogue, the nurse manager can better understand the staff nurse's perspective, address any issues, and potentially find a solution that benefits both the nurse and the unit.
Choice B is incorrect as it may come across as confrontational and may discourage the nurse from sharing her concerns in the future. Choice C is incorrect as it dismisses the nurse's feelings and does not address the specific issue at hand. Choice D is incorrect as it does not acknowledge the nurse's concerns and instead focuses on imposing support for the policy change without considering the nurse's perspective.
Question 3
A charge nurse notes that a staff nurse delegates an unfair share of tasks to the assistive personnel (AP) and the nurses on next shift report the staff nurse frequently leaves tasks uncompleted. Which of the following statements should the charge nurse make to resolve this conflict?
A. "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks."
B. "Several staff members have commented that you don't do your fair share of the work."
C. "If you don't do your share of the work, I will have to inform the nurse manager."
D. "You have been very inconsiderate of others by not completing your share of the work."
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — "I need to talk to you about unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks."
The correct answer is A because it focuses on addressing the specific issue of delegating tasks unfairly and leaving tasks incomplete in a professional and solution-oriented manner. By discussing unit expectations regarding delegating and completing tasks, the charge nurse can clarify expectations, provide guidance, and set clear boundaries for the staff nurse to follow.
Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the specific behaviors of unfair task delegation and incomplete tasks and instead relies on hearsay from other staff members.
Choice C is incorrect as it jumps to a threat of informing the nurse manager without attempting to address the issue directly with the staff nurse first.
Choice D is also incorrect as it uses accusatory language without providing constructive feedback or guidance on how to improve the situation.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take to demonstrate client advocacy?
A. Encourage the client to verbalize questions.
B. Insist the client take prescribed medications.
C. Inform the client that the medication is the same as taken at home.
D. Tell the client that refusal of the medication is considered noncompliance.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Encourage the client to verbalize questions.
The correct answer is A: Encourage the client to verbalize questions. This action demonstrates client advocacy by empowering the client to ask questions, express concerns, and actively participate in their care. It promotes informed decision-making and ensures that the client's needs and preferences are considered.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize the client's autonomy, rights, and well-being. Insisting the client take prescribed medications (B) disregards the client's right to make decisions about their own care. Informing the client that the medication is the same as taken at home (C) may not address the client's individual concerns or preferences. Telling the client that refusal of the medication is considered noncompliance (D) can be coercive and does not respect the client's right to refuse treatment.
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Nonmaleficence
The correct answer is B: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the duty to do no harm. In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize the client's comfort and pain management without causing harm, even if the medication could potentially hasten death. Administering pain medication in this situation aligns with nonmaleficence by ensuring the client's well-being and quality of life.
A: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and may conflict with the individual's best interest in this case.
C: Fidelity refers to the obligation to fulfill commitments, which is not directly applicable to the decision of administering pain medication.
D: Veracity pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which is not the primary concern in this situation where pain management and nonmaleficence take precedence.
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Question 6
A nurse is providing care for a surgeon on a medical-surgical unit. A nurse from another unit asks the nurse about the surgeon's medical diagnosis. The nurse responds that he is unable to provide the information requested. The nurse is displaying which of the following ethical principles?
A. Utility
B. Paternalism
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: Nonmaleficence. The nurse is displaying the ethical principle of nonmaleficence by refusing to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis without consent, as it could potentially harm the surgeon's privacy and confidentiality. Nonmaleficence emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm or injury to others. By respecting the surgeon's right to privacy, the nurse is upholding this principle.
A: Utility is the principle of maximizing benefits for the greatest number of people, which is not relevant in this scenario.
B: Paternalism involves making decisions for others based on what is believed to be in their best interest, but in this case, the nurse is respecting the surgeon's autonomy.
C: Justice is about fairness and equal treatment, which is not directly applicable to the nurse's response in this situation.
A home health nurse has several clients who live in the same apartment building. In the last week, the nurse has noticed that both elevators in the four-story building are out of order. Two of the clients live on the second floor and use a wheelchair. The nurse leaves a message for the building manager describing their concern for the clients. This action describes the role of the nurse as
A. advocate
B. care provider
C. consultant
D. educator
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: advocate. The nurse is advocating for the well-being of the clients by addressing the safety concerns related to the malfunctioning elevators. Advocacy involves speaking up for the rights and needs of clients to ensure they receive appropriate care and support. In this scenario, the nurse is taking action to protect the clients' safety and quality of life.
Summary of other choices:
B: Care provider - While providing care is an essential role of the nurse, in this scenario, the nurse's primary function is advocating for the clients' safety.
C: Consultant - A consultant provides expert advice, but in this case, the nurse is not simply offering advice but actively addressing a safety issue.
D: Educator - Educators focus on providing information and teaching, which is not the main role being demonstrated here.
A nurse overhears two assistive personnel (AP) from the medical-surgical unit discussing a hospitalized client while in the cafeteria. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
A. Quietly tell the APs that this is not appropriate.
B. Ask the nurse manager to provide an inservice program about confidentiality to the staff on the unit.
C. Complete an incident report.
D. Document the occurrence in a personal log.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Quietly tell the APs that this is not appropriate. The priority action is to address the situation immediately to prevent further breach of confidentiality. By speaking to the APs directly, the nurse can educate them on the importance of patient confidentiality and address the issue at its source. This approach promotes immediate corrective action and helps prevent future incidents.
Summary:
- Choice B: Asking the nurse manager for an inservice program may be helpful in the long run, but it does not address the immediate breach of confidentiality.
- Choice C: Completing an incident report is important, but it should not be the initial action in this scenario.
- Choice D: Documenting the occurrence in a personal log does not address the issue directly and may not prevent future breaches of confidentiality.
A charge nurse is discussing disaster response with nursing staff. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)?
A. HICS ensures that necessary antibiotics and antidotes are available.
B. HICS is focused on having multidisciplinary responders available.
C. HICS identifies facility responsibilities and channels of reporting.
D. HICS provides additional responders when needs exceed the ability of local or state agencies.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C. HICS stands for Hospital Incident Command System, which is a standardized system used for managing incidents or disasters in healthcare settings. Choice C is correct because HICS indeed identifies facility responsibilities and channels of reporting, ensuring clear communication and coordination during emergencies.
A: This statement is incorrect because while HICS does involve resource management, it does not specifically ensure the availability of antibiotics and antidotes.
B: This statement is incorrect as HICS focuses on establishing a clear command structure and roles rather than the disciplines of responders.
D: This statement is incorrect because while HICS may involve requesting additional resources, its primary focus is on coordinating within the facility rather than bringing in external responders.
A nurse in an acute care setting is serving on a committee whose charge is to use the auditing process to client care. Which of the following aspects of client care is measured by a process audit?
A. A. Availability of resources, such as fire extinguishers
B. B. Nursing staff ratios
C. C. Quality of nursing care provided
D. D. Length of facility stay for a cohort of clients
Correct answer:
Step 1: Process audits focus on evaluating the procedures and processes involved in providing care.
Step 2: Quality of nursing care provided is directly related to the processes and procedures followed by nursing staff.
Step 3: By conducting a process audit, the committee can assess if the established procedures are being followed to ensure quality care.
Step 4: Availability of resources and nursing staff ratios are important but are more related to structural or outcome audits.
Step 5: Length of facility stay for a cohort of clients is an outcome measure and not directly related to the process of providing care.
Summary: The correct answer is C because process audits assess the quality of care provided through evaluating the procedures followed, while the other choices are not directly related to the processes of care provision.
The nurse obtains the vital signs for a patient admitted 2 days ago with gram-negative sepsis: temperature 101.2° F, blood pressure 90/56 mm Hg, pulse 92, respirations 34. Which action should the nurse take next?
A. Notify the health care provider of the patient's vital signs.
B. Obtain oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry.
C. Document the vital signs and continue to monitor.
D. Administer PRN acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Obtain oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry. In a patient with sepsis, it is crucial to assess oxygen saturation to evaluate respiratory status and tissue perfusion. The patient's vital signs indicate signs of respiratory distress (elevated temperature, increased respirations) and potential hypoperfusion (low blood pressure). Oxygen saturation will provide critical information on the patient's oxygenation status.
A: Notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary but addressing the immediate respiratory concern is the priority.
C: Documenting and monitoring are important, but immediate intervention is needed due to the patient's critical condition.
D: Administering acetaminophen is not appropriate at this time as the priority is to assess and address respiratory distress and potential hypoperfusion.
A nurse is preparing an in-service for an annual skills fair at a community medical facility about fire safety. Place the steps in the order in which they should be performed in the case of a fire emergency.
A. Pull the fire alarm.
B. Confine the fire.
C. Extinguish the fire.
D. Rescue the clients.
Correct answer:
Correct Answer: D (Rescue the clients)
Rationale: In a fire emergency, the top priority is to ensure the safety of individuals by rescuing them. Once the clients are safe, the nurse can proceed to other steps like pulling the fire alarm, confining the fire, and extinguishing it. By rescuing the clients first, the nurse minimizes the risk of harm and ensures everyone's safety.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A (Pull the fire alarm): While important, pulling the fire alarm should come after rescuing the clients to alert others and initiate the fire safety protocol.
B (Confine the fire): Confining the fire is crucial but should be done after ensuring everyone's safety through rescue.
C (Extinguish the fire): Extinguishing the fire is essential, but it should not be the first step as the priority is to rescue individuals from harm.
A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm or preventing harm. In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize relieving the client's pain and suffering, which is in line with the principle of nonmaleficence. Administering pain medication to provide comfort and alleviate suffering is not considered harmful in this context.
A: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being, which may conflict with the individual's right to comfort and pain relief in this case.
C: Fidelity refers to being faithful or keeping promises, which is not directly applicable to the situation of providing pain relief to a dying patient.
D: Veracity pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which is not directly related to the decision of administering pain medication in this scenario.
An RN from the maternal-newborn unit is being floated to a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following clients should the charge nurse on the medical-surgical unit plan to assign to the RN?
A. A client who has terminal end-stage renal disease
B. A client who has acute pancreatitis
C. A client who is one-day postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy
D. A client who had a stroke and is to be admitted
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the RN from the maternal-newborn unit would have experience in postoperative care and would be familiar with the care needs of a client one-day postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy. This assignment aligns with the nurse's skill set and background, ensuring safe and competent care delivery.
Choice A is incorrect because a client with terminal end-stage renal disease would require specialized care typically provided by nurses with nephrology experience. Choice B is incorrect as acute pancreatitis management often requires specific interventions and monitoring that may not be within the RN's expertise from a maternal-newborn unit. Choice D is also incorrect as a client who had a stroke may require neurological assessments and interventions that the RN may not be prepared to provide.
A nurse delegates care to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating hygiene for a client who has a vascular access device?
A. Provide a bed bath instead of letting the client take a shower.
B. Use sterile technique when changing the dressing.
C. Disconnect the intravenous fluid tubing prior to the client's bath.
D. Use a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because using a plastic bag to cover the extremity with the device helps protect the vascular access device from getting wet during the client's bath, reducing the risk of infection. This method allows for proper hygiene while maintaining the integrity of the device.
A: Providing a bed bath instead of letting the client take a shower is not necessary specifically for a client with a vascular access device. It does not address the protection of the device during bathing.
B: Using sterile technique when changing the dressing is important but not relevant to delegating hygiene care for a client with a vascular access device during bathing.
C: Disconnecting the intravenous fluid tubing prior to the client's bath can lead to complications such as air embolism or infection. It is not a recommended practice.
About these LPN exams safety and infection control questions
LPN exams safety and infection control practice questions, set 9 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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