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

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 oxidation and cellular energy. Assessment data include client appears anxious and asks for help understanding the care plan. Which infection-prevention action is essential?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: A. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Oxidation and cellular energy