RN exams safety and infection control practice questions, set 5
RN exams · safety and infection control
RN exams safety and infection control practice questionsset 5
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 RN exams exam guide or more RN 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
Which of these clients would the nurse recommend keeping in the hospital during an internal disaster at that facility?
A. An adolescent diagnosed with sepsis 7 days ago and whose vital signs are maintained within low normal limits
B. A middle-aged woman known to have had an uncomplicated myocardial infarction 4 days ago
C. An elderly man admitted 2 days ago with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis
D. A young adult in the second day of treatment for an overdose of acetaminophen
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — An elderly man admitted 2 days ago with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis
The correct answer is C because the elderly man with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis has a condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment in a hospital setting. During an internal disaster, such as a natural disaster or fire, it is crucial to keep patients who are acutely ill or unstable in the hospital where they can receive immediate care.
A: The adolescent with sepsis whose vital signs are stable can be managed in a less acute care setting.
B: The middle-aged woman with a past uncomplicated myocardial infarction is stable and can be discharged or transferred to a lower level of care.
D: The young adult in the second day of treatment for an acetaminophen overdose may need monitoring but is not as acutely ill as the elderly man with ulcerative colitis.
In summary, choice C is correct because the elderly man requires ongoing medical care and monitoring during an internal disaster, while the other choices can be managed in a less acute care setting.
Question 2
A community health nurse (CHN) is part of a palliative consultation team that provides care for people living on the streets, in parks, or in shelters or who are unwilling or unable to come
A. How can this type of nursing service be best classified?
B. Community-oriented nursing
C. Home health nursing
D. Outpost nursing
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — How can this type of nursing service be best classified?
The correct answer is A, community-oriented nursing. This type of nursing service is best classified as such because it focuses on providing care to individuals within their community setting, especially those who are marginalized or underserved. Community-oriented nursing involves addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity by delivering care where people live, work, and play.
Choice B, home health nursing, primarily involves providing healthcare services to individuals in their homes, which may not fully capture the scope of care provided by the CHN in this scenario. Choice C, home health nursing, is focused on providing skilled nursing care to individuals in their homes, which may not align with the broader community-focused approach of the CHN. Choice D, outpost nursing, typically refers to providing healthcare services in remote or rural areas, which does not accurately describe the urban setting and population served by the CHN in this case.
Question 3
A community health nurse (CHN) is part of a palliative consultation team that provides care for people living on the streets, in parks, or in shelters or who are unwilling or unable to come
A. How can this type of nursing service be best classified?
B. Community-oriented nursing
C. Home health nursing
D. Outpost nursing
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — How can this type of nursing service be best classified?
The correct answer is A, community-oriented nursing. This type of nursing service is best classified as such because it focuses on providing care to individuals within their community setting, especially those who are marginalized or underserved. Community-oriented nursing involves addressing the social determinants of health and promoting health equity by delivering care where people live, work, and play.
Choice B, home health nursing, primarily involves providing healthcare services to individuals in their homes, which may not fully capture the scope of care provided by the CHN in this scenario. Choice C, home health nursing, is focused on providing skilled nursing care to individuals in their homes, which may not align with the broader community-focused approach of the CHN. Choice D, outpost nursing, typically refers to providing healthcare services in remote or rural areas, which does not accurately describe the urban setting and population served by the CHN in this case.
Question 4
A nurse is preparing to administer a soap suds enema to a client who has constipation. As the nurse explains the procedure, the client states, 'The doctor didn't tell me I was supposed to receive an enema.' Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate at this time?
A. Check the client's medical record for the provider's prescription.
B. Explain to the client that the provider prescribed the procedure.
C. Assure the client that enemas are commonly prescribed for constipation.
D. Inform the charge nurse that the client refused the enema.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Check the client's medical record for the provider's prescription.
The correct answer is A: Check the client's medical record for the provider's prescription. This is the appropriate action as it ensures the nurse follows the correct procedure and verifies if the enema was indeed prescribed by the provider. By checking the medical record, the nurse can confirm the order, ensuring patient safety and adherence to medical protocols.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Explaining to the client that the provider prescribed the procedure may not provide sufficient evidence or assurance to the client. It is crucial to verify the prescription through the medical record.
C: Assuring the client that enemas are commonly prescribed for constipation does not address the client's specific concern about not being informed by the doctor.
D: Informing the charge nurse that the client refused the enema is premature without confirming if the enema was actually prescribed by the provider. The nurse should verify the prescription before taking further action.
Question 5
Which intervention is key to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia as a complication in a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
A. Scheduled prophylactic nasopharyngeal suctioning
B. Instilling normal saline down the endotracheal tube to loosen secretions
C. Providing frequent mouth care and oral hygiene
D. Using high tidal volumes on the ventilator
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — Providing frequent mouth care and oral hygiene
Rationale for Choice C: Providing frequent mouth care and oral hygiene is key to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia in ARDS patients. This intervention helps reduce the risk of oral bacteria entering the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. Maintaining oral hygiene also decreases the colonization of pathogens in the oropharynx, reducing the risk of aspiration. This intervention is supported by evidence-based practice guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Summary of other choices:
A: Scheduled prophylactic nasopharyngeal suctioning is not recommended as a routine preventive measure for ventilator-associated pneumonia in ARDS patients.
B: Instilling normal saline down the endotracheal tube can increase the risk of infection and does not address the root cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
D: Using high tidal volumes on the ventilator can exacerbate lung injury in ARDS patients and is not a preventive measure for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
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Question 6
The nurse is assessing the victims of a train derailment using the Sort, Assess, Life-saving Interventions, and Triage/treatment (SALT) system. Which action will the nurse take during the Sort phase of this triage system?
A. Moving victims who cannot walk to a staging area
B. Placing color-coded triage tags on victims
C. Opening the airway of victims who are not breathing
D. Asking victims to walk to a staging area
Correct answer:
During the Sort phase of the SALT triage system, the nurse will move victims who cannot walk to a staging area. This is because sorting involves quickly identifying and separating victims based on their ability to walk. Those who can walk are considered to have a better chance of survival and are typically grouped together for further assessment and treatment. By moving victims who cannot walk to a staging area, the nurse ensures that these individuals receive prompt attention and appropriate care.
Summary:
A: Moving victims who cannot walk to a staging area (Correct) - This is done to prioritize care for those who are unable to walk.
B: Placing color-coded triage tags on victims (Incorrect) - This is typically done in the Triage/treatment phase.
C: Opening the airway of victims who are not breathing (Incorrect) - This is a life-saving intervention done in the Life-saving Interventions phase.
D: Asking victims to walk to a staging area (Incorrect) - Not appropriate as it may
Which of these clients would the nurse recommend keeping in the hospital during an internal disaster at that facility?
A. An adolescent diagnosed with sepsis 7 days ago and whose vital signs are maintained within low normal limits
B. A middle-aged woman known to have had an uncomplicated myocardial infarction 4 days ago
C. An elderly man admitted 2 days ago with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis
D. A young adult in the second day of treatment for an overdose of acetaminophen
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C because the elderly man with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis has a condition that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment in a hospital setting. During an internal disaster, such as a natural disaster or fire, it is crucial to keep patients who are acutely ill or unstable in the hospital where they can receive immediate care.
A: The adolescent with sepsis whose vital signs are stable can be managed in a less acute care setting.
B: The middle-aged woman with a past uncomplicated myocardial infarction is stable and can be discharged or transferred to a lower level of care.
D: The young adult in the second day of treatment for an acetaminophen overdose may need monitoring but is not as acutely ill as the elderly man with ulcerative colitis.
In summary, choice C is correct because the elderly man requires ongoing medical care and monitoring during an internal disaster, while the other choices can be managed in a less acute care setting.
A nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit. The client has been taking warfarin at home and her laboratory values reveal her INR is 3.5. The client states she is checking herself out of the hospital and refuses to wait until her provider can discuss the situation with her. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Tell the client she will not be permitted to leave the facility until she has signed the against medical advice (AMA) form.
B. Tell the client if she leaves without a written prescription for discharge, her insurance will not pay for the facility visit.
C. Explain the risk the client faces if she leaves the facility.
D. Ask the security department to guard the room to the client's door.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Explain the risk the client faces if she leaves the facility.
Rationale:
1. Warfarin is a blood thinner that requires close monitoring of the INR to prevent complications like bleeding.
2. An INR of 3.5 is above the therapeutic range, putting the client at risk for bleeding.
3. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about the potential consequences of leaving against medical advice.
4. By explaining the risks, the nurse can help the client make an informed decision about their health.
5. This action demonstrates the nurse's duty to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
Summary of other choices:
A: Forcing the client to sign an AMA form does not address the client's concerns or provide necessary education about the risks.
B: Threatening the client with insurance consequences is coercive and does not prioritize the client's health.
D: Involving security is not appropriate in this situation and does not address the client
The nurse is caring for a patient who was hospitalized 2 days earlier with aspiration pneumonia. Which assessment information is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
A. The patient has a cough that is productive of blood-tinged sputum.
B. The patient has scattered crackles throughout the posterior lung bases.
C. The patient's temperature is 101.5° F after 2 days of IV antibiotic therapy.
D. The patient's SpO2 has dropped to 90%, although the O2 flow rate has been increased
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D. A drop in SpO2 to 90% despite an increase in O2 flow rate indicates worsening respiratory status, which is a critical concern in a patient with aspiration pneumonia. This information is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider for prompt intervention.
Explanation:
1. SpO2 is a direct measure of oxygen saturation in the blood, indicating how well the patient is oxygenating.
2. A drop in SpO2 below 90% is concerning as it indicates hypoxemia and potential respiratory distress.
3. Despite increasing the O2 flow rate, the drop in SpO2 suggests that the patient's condition is deteriorating.
4. Prompt intervention is needed to prevent further respiratory compromise and potential respiratory failure.
Summary:
A: Productive cough with blood-tinged sputum may indicate lung infection, but it's not as critical as hypoxemia.
B: Crackles throughout lung bases are common in pneumonia but don't directly indicate worsening respiratory status
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 protecting the surgeon's right to privacy and confidentiality. By refusing to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis, the nurse is upholding the duty to do no harm by preventing potential harm that could result from unauthorized disclosure. This action also respects the surgeon's autonomy and right to control their own personal health information.
Summary:
A: Utility - This ethical principle focuses on maximizing overall benefit or happiness. The nurse's action does not relate to this principle.
B: Paternalism - This ethical principle involves making decisions on behalf of the patient for their own good. The nurse's action does not involve making decisions but rather respecting the surgeon's autonomy.
C: Justice - This ethical principle pertains to fairness and equal treatment. The nurse's action does not directly relate to this principle in this scenario.
A patient with ARDS is receiving mechanical ventilation with high PEEP levels. What should the nurse prioritize monitoring to detect complications?
A. Respiratory rate and depth.
B. Cardiac output and blood pressure.
C. White blood cell count.
D. Sputum production and characteristics.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Cardiac output and blood pressure. In ARDS patients on high PEEP, monitoring cardiac output and blood pressure is crucial due to the risk of hemodynamic compromise. High PEEP can decrease venous return, leading to decreased cardiac output and hypotension. Monitoring these parameters helps detect and prevent complications like hypotension, which can further compromise oxygenation.
Choice A is incorrect because while monitoring respiratory rate and depth is important in ARDS, the priority in this scenario is monitoring hemodynamic status due to the potential impact of high PEEP on cardiac function.
Choice C is incorrect as monitoring white blood cell count is not directly related to complications of high PEEP in ARDS patients.
Choice D is incorrect because sputum production and characteristics are not the priority for monitoring in this scenario; cardiac output and blood pressure are more critical indicators of potential complications.
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's refusal to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis upholds the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which is to do no harm. By maintaining the surgeon's confidentiality, the nurse is protecting the surgeon from potential harm or breach of privacy. This action demonstrates respect for the surgeon's autonomy and promotes trust in the nurse-patient relationship.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect:
A: Utility - Utility refers to maximizing benefits for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse's action does not relate to maximizing benefits.
B: Paternalism - Paternalism involves making decisions for someone else's well-being without their consent. The nurse's action is not an example of paternalism as the surgeon's privacy is being respected.
C: Justice - Justice involves fairness and equal treatment. The nurse's response does not directly relate to the ethical principle of justice in this context.
Which of the following is an appropriate starting point for the application of a population health approach?
A. Emergency life-saving care
B. The determinants of health
C. Health promotion models
D. Risk management
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: The determinants of health. This is an appropriate starting point for the application of a population health approach because understanding the determinants of health helps identify the root causes of health disparities and population health outcomes. By focusing on social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health, interventions can be targeted effectively to improve overall health outcomes for a population.
Incorrect choices:
A: Emergency life-saving care is not an appropriate starting point for a population health approach as it focuses on individual treatment rather than addressing broader population-level factors.
C: Health promotion models are important in promoting health but may not address the underlying determinants of health necessary for a population health approach.
D: Risk management focuses on minimizing risks rather than addressing the broader determinants of health needed for a population health approach.
When designing a plan for pain management for a postoperative patient, the nurse assesses that the patient's priority is to be as free of pain as possible. The nurse and patient work together to identify a plan to manage the pain. The nurse continually reviews the plan with the patient to ensure that the patient's priority is met. Which principle is used to encourage the nurse to monitor the patient's response to the pain?
A. Fidelity
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Respect for autonomy
Correct answer:
Correct Answer: A: Fidelity
Rationale:
1. Fidelity refers to the nurse's duty to uphold the patient's best interests and maintain trust.
2. By continually reviewing the pain management plan with the patient, the nurse demonstrates fidelity by ensuring the patient's priority of being free of pain is met.
3. Monitoring the patient's response to pain aligns with fidelity as it shows the nurse's commitment to the patient's well-being and trust.
4. Fidelity promotes a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship based on honesty and loyalty.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Beneficence - Focuses on doing good for the patient, but does not specifically address the nurse's duty to monitor and uphold the patient's priority of pain management.
C: Nonmaleficence - Focuses on avoiding harm, but does not specifically address the nurse's role in monitoring and ensuring the patient's priority of pain management.
D: Respect for autonomy - Focuses on respecting the patient's right to make
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 protecting the surgeon's right to privacy and confidentiality. By refusing to disclose the surgeon's medical diagnosis, the nurse is upholding the duty to do no harm by preventing potential harm that could result from unauthorized disclosure. This action also respects the surgeon's autonomy and right to control their own personal health information.
Summary:
A: Utility - This ethical principle focuses on maximizing overall benefit or happiness. The nurse's action does not relate to this principle.
B: Paternalism - This ethical principle involves making decisions on behalf of the patient for their own good. The nurse's action does not involve making decisions but rather respecting the surgeon's autonomy.
C: Justice - This ethical principle pertains to fairness and equal treatment. The nurse's action does not directly relate to this principle in this scenario.
About these RN exams safety and infection control questions
RN exams safety and infection control practice questions, set 5 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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