Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Standard precautions
NCLEX: The nurse is caring for clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which statement about standard precautions is correct…
Microbiology Safety and Infection Prevention and Control
Case Study
The nurse is caring for clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which statement about standard precautions is correct?
Question
A. They apply to all clients regardless of diagnosis and include hand hygiene.
B. They are used only when a client has a confirmed bloodstream infection.
C. They replace the need for hand hygiene when gloves are worn.
D. They require airborne isolation for every hospitalized client.
B. They are used only when a client has a confirmed bloodstream infection.
C. They replace the need for hand hygiene when gloves are worn.
D. They require airborne isolation for every hospitalized client.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. They apply to all clients regardless of diagnosis and include hand hygiene.
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all client contact; gloves do not replace hand hygiene (CDC/NCSBN infection prevention).
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Standard precautions apply to all client contact; gloves do not replace hand hygiene (CDC/NCSBN infection prevention).
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.