NCLEX: A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to buffers and bicarbona…

Chemistry or biochemistry basics Physiological Adaptation

Case Study

A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to buffers and bicarbonate. Assessment data include a family member reports the client seems confused since this morning. Which infection-prevention action is essential?

Question

A. Wear gloves only and skip hand hygiene when leaving the room.
B. Perform hand hygiene and apply the transmission-based precautions indicated by the client's diagnosis.
C. Use sterile technique for all routine hygiene regardless of diagnosis.
D. Skip precautions if the client has no fever.

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Perform hand hygiene and apply the transmission-based precautions indicated by the client's diagnosis.

Rationale: Infection control matches the pathogen route: hand hygiene plus appropriate precautions for contact, droplet, or airborne transmission.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Buffers and bicarbonate