NCLEX: A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for panic symptoms. Assessment data incl…
Psychiatric / mental health nursingPsychosocial Integrity
Case Study
A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for panic symptoms. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. 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.