Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A nurse prepares to administer IV medications using a multi-dose vial. Which action is MOST important for infection control?

Answer: Clean the rubber stopper with 70% alcohol before each access

The rubber stopper of a multi-dose vial must be disinfected with 70% alcohol and allowed to dry before each needle insertion to prevent contamination.

When performing a sterile dressing change, the nurse accidentally touches the outer wrapper of the sterile gauze. What should the nurse do?

Answer: Discard the gauze and obtain new sterile supplies

Any breach of sterile technique, including touching the outer edge of a sterile field, requires discarding affected items and starting with new sterile supplies.

A patient with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is being discharged. What education should the nurse prioritize?

Answer: Hand hygiene and not sharing personal items are key prevention measures

MRSA is primarily spread by direct contact; patient education should focus on hand hygiene and not sharing towels, razors, or other personal items.

What is the purpose of the 'two-patient identifier' rule before administering medications?

Answer: To prevent medication errors and wrong-patient events

Using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before medication administration is a core safety standard to prevent wrong-patient errors.

A patient requires isolation for pulmonary tuberculosis. Which healthcare worker is exempt from entering the room without an N95 respirator?

Answer: No healthcare worker is exempt; all must wear an N95 when entering

All healthcare workers must wear a fit-tested N95 respirator when entering an airborne isolation room for active TB, regardless of vaccination or prior exposure history.

Which of the following actions violates surgical asepsis during a sterile procedure?

Answer: Reaching over a sterile field to pass instruments

Reaching over a sterile field introduces the risk of contamination by non-sterile clothing or falling particles from above.

A healthcare facility notes increased central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Which bundle element is MOST critical to address?

Answer: Using a checklist for line insertion with maximum sterile barrier precautions

The CLABSI bundle mandates maximum sterile barrier precautions (cap, mask, gown, sterile gloves, large sterile drape) during insertion, which has the greatest impact on prevention.