Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A PACU nurse discovers that a patient's IV site shows redness, warmth, and purulent drainage. What is the FIRST nursing action?

Answer: Discontinue the IV and notify the physician

Signs of IV site infection require immediate discontinuation of the IV catheter and physician notification to prevent systemic spread.

Which transmission-based precaution is required for a PACU patient with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer: Airborne precautions with N95 respirator and negative-pressure room

Pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and placement in a negative-pressure room, because TB is transmitted via airborne particles.

A post-operative patient develops fever of 38.8°C, hypotension, and tachycardia six hours after surgery. These findings are MOST consistent with:

Answer: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

Fever, hypotension, and tachycardia meeting SIRS criteria postoperatively suggest possible sepsis requiring immediate evaluation and intervention.

When caring for a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, which hand hygiene method is MOST effective?

Answer: Soap and water hand washing for at least 15 seconds

C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs; soap and water physically remove spores and is the recommended hand hygiene method.

A PACU nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. Which action BEST reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) risk?

Answer: Maintaining a closed sterile drainage system throughout care

Maintaining a closed sterile drainage system is the single most important intervention to prevent CAUTI by preventing bacterial entry into the urinary tract.

Which patient is at HIGHEST risk for developing a surgical site infection (SSI)?

Answer: A 65-year-old diabetic with HbA1c of 10% undergoing open bowel resection

Poor glycemic control (HbA1c 10%) combined with diabetes, advanced age, and a contaminated surgical field (bowel resection) significantly elevate SSI risk.

A PACU nurse notes that a blood pressure cuff is visibly soiled after use. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Clean the cuff with an EPA-approved disinfectant before reuse

Visibly soiled non-critical equipment like blood pressure cuffs must be cleaned with an EPA-approved disinfectant before any reuse to prevent cross-contamination.