LPN - Certified Practical Nurse Safety and Infection Control Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing to enter the room of a client diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Which combination of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for the nurse to don before providing care?
- Surgical mask and gloves
- Gown, gloves, and face shield
- N95 respirator and gloves (Correct answer)
- Gown and surgical mask
Correct answer: N95 respirator and gloves
Pulmonary tuberculosis requires airborne precautions. The essential PPE for airborne precautions includes a fit-tested N95 respirator to prevent inhalation of small airborne particles. Gloves are also necessary as part of standard precautions when contact with bodily fluids is possible.
Question 2: A nurse discovers a small fire in a client's wastebasket. After rescuing the client from the immediate area, what is the nurse's next priority action according to the RACE acronym?
- Extinguish the fire with the nearest fire extinguisher.
- Contain the fire by closing the door to the room.
- Activate the facility's fire alarm system. (Correct answer)
- Evacuate all other clients from the unit.
Correct answer: Activate the facility's fire alarm system.
The RACE acronym for fire safety stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish/Evacuate. After rescuing anyone in immediate danger, the next step is to activate the alarm to alert others and initiate an emergency response.
Question 3: A client with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection has soiled the bed linens. When leaving the client's room after providing care, which method of hand hygiene is most appropriate for the LPN to perform?
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Washing hands with soap and water. (Correct answer)
- Wiping hands with an antiseptic towelette.
- Rinsing hands with warm water only.
Correct answer: Washing hands with soap and water.
Clostridioides difficile forms spores that are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The most appropriate method of hand hygiene is to wash hands with soap and water, as the mechanical friction helps to physically remove the spores.
Question 4: An LPN is caring for an elderly client who is confused and has been trying to get out of bed without assistance. After attempting alternative measures without success, the provider orders soft wrist restraints. Which of the following actions is a critical safety measure for the nurse to implement?
- Secure the restraint ties to the side rails of the bed.
- Ensure the restraints are applied tightly to prevent any movement.
- Check the client's circulation and skin integrity every 4 hours.
- Use a quick-release knot to secure the restraints to the bed frame. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a quick-release knot to secure the restraints to the bed frame.
When using restraints, it is crucial to secure them to a part of the bed frame that moves with the client to avoid injury. A quick-release knot must be used to allow for rapid removal in an emergency. Restraints should never be tied to side rails. Circulation and skin checks should be performed much more frequently, typically every 1-2 hours, and the restraint should be snug but not tight.
Question 5: The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection. To prevent a needlestick injury after the injection, what is the most important action for the nurse to take?
- Recap the needle using the two-handed method.
- Activate the needle's safety device immediately after use. (Correct answer)
- Place the used syringe on the bedside table before disposal.
- Ask the client to hold pressure on the injection site while the nurse disposes of the needle.
Correct answer: Activate the needle's safety device immediately after use.
To prevent needlestick injuries, the safety device on the needle should be activated immediately after administering the injection. Used needles should never be recapped and should be disposed of promptly in a designated sharps container.
Question 6: A client is admitted with influenza and is placed on droplet precautions. Which of the following interventions is a required component of droplet precautions?
- Placing the client in a negative-pressure airflow room.
- Wearing a gown and gloves for all entry into the room.
- Keeping the door to the client's room closed at all times.
- Wearing a surgical mask when working within 3 feet of the client. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Wearing a surgical mask when working within 3 feet of the client.
Droplet precautions are used for pathogens transmitted by respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking. These precautions require healthcare personnel to wear a surgical mask when in close contact (within 3 to 6 feet) with the patient. A private room is preferred, but a negative-pressure room is for airborne precautions. Gowns and gloves are part of standard precautions or contact precautions, not specifically for droplet precautions unless contact with fluids is anticipated.
