A charge nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about infection control measures. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Droplet precautions require that I wear a gown and gloves when providing client care." Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask when within three feet of the client, but gowns and gloves are only needed if direct contact with secretions is expected. Incorrect PPE use can lead to inadequate protection or unnecessary resource use. Understanding specific precaution types ensures proper infection control. B. "Following a blood spill, I should use a bleach solution with a ratio of 1 to 20." Blood spills should be cleaned using a 1:10 bleach solution, not 1:20, to ensure effective decontamination. A stronger bleach concentration eliminates bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B. The solution should be applied to the spill and left to sit before wiping. Using an incorrect dilution reduces disinfection effectiveness. C. "Soiled dressings should be placed in a biohazard trash receptacle." Soiled dressings contain bodily fluids and potential pathogens, so they must be disposed of in a biohazard waste container. Regular trash does not provide adequate containment and increases the risk of contamination. Proper disposal protects healthcare workers and the environment from infection. Adhering to these protocols ensures compliance with infection control standards. D. "For a client who has Clostridium difficile, I will cleanse my hands with an alcohol-based rub." Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores, requiring handwashing with soap and water. The mechanical action of scrubbing is necessary to remove spores from the hands. Proper hand hygiene reduces transmission risks in healthcare settings. Infection control protocols emphasize soap and water for C. difficile prevention.