Safe and Effective Care Environment Flashcards
6 cards from real RN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Safe and Effective Care Environment flashcards as text
A nurse is preparing to perform hand hygiene. According to the CDC, when is alcohol-based hand rub NOT appropriate?
Answer: When hands are visibly soiled or after caring for a patient with C. difficile
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against C. difficile spores and do not remove visible soiling; soap and water must be used in these situations per CDC guidelines.
A nurse is using the SBAR communication tool to hand off a patient to the oncoming nurse. Which component of SBAR describes the patient's current vital signs and assessment data?
Answer: Assessment
The Assessment component of SBAR includes the nurse's clinical interpretation of the patient's condition, including current vital signs, lab values, and relevant findings.
Which action by the nurse best prevents a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)?
Answer: Change central line dressings every 7 days using sterile technique or when soiled/loose
Evidence-based CLABSI bundles mandate sterile dressing changes every 7 days (or when soiled/non-occlusive) as a key intervention to prevent insertion-site colonization.
A nurse suspects elder abuse in a patient admitted from a nursing facility. The nurse's legal obligation is to:
Answer: Report the suspected abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS) as required by mandatory reporting laws
Nurses are mandated reporters under federal and state law; suspected elder abuse must be reported to APS regardless of whether abuse is confirmed or the patient requests confidentiality.
A nurse is performing a surgical time-out before a procedure. Which information must be confirmed during the time-out?
Answer: Patient identity, correct procedure, correct site/side, correct position, and availability of correct implants or equipment
The Universal Protocol requires a pre-procedure time-out to confirm patient identity, correct procedure, correct anatomical site/side, patient position, and availability of required equipment.
A patient receiving a unit of packed red blood cells develops fever, chills, and back pain 15 minutes into the transfusion. The nurse's priority action is:
Answer: Stop the transfusion, keep the IV line open with normal saline, and notify the physician and blood bank immediately
Fever, chills, and back pain during transfusion are classic signs of an acute hemolytic reaction; the transfusion must be stopped immediately to prevent renal failure and death.