A nurse is caring for a client who is intubated and has a subclavian central venous catheter. Which nursing intervention is most important to prevent the spread of infection to this client? A)Frequent hand hygiene B)No artificial nails C)Use of chlorhexidine bath wipes D)Wearing personal protective equipment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene is the most important factor in preventing infection transmission. The nurse should perform hand hygiene before and after client contact, before donning and after removing gloves, and after contact with bodily fluids (Option A). Principles for proper hand hygiene include: Apply alcohol-based hand rubs liberally, covering the entire surface of the hands, and allow hands to dry completely. Do not use an alcohol-based hand rub if hands are visibly soiled. When using soap and water, wet the hands; apply soap; scrub all hand surfaces, wrists, and beneath the nails for at least 20 seconds; rinse; dry hands with a paper towel; and then use a new, dry paper towel to turn off the faucet. (Option B) The nurse should not wear artificial nails, especially in high-risk areas (eg, intensive care unit), because artificial nails harbor microorganisms, even after hand washing. However, the priority intervention for infection prevention is hand hygiene. (Option C) The nurse should use chlorhexidine to bathe clients who are critically ill, have central venous catheters, or are scheduled for surgery; and for indwelling catheter care. However, the risk for infection transmission would remain high if the nurse implements client care without performing hand hygiene. (Option D) Personal protective equipment (eg, gloves) is appropriate but is not as important as (and does not replace) hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Educational objective: Hand hygiene is the most important nursing intervention to prevent the spread of infection to clients.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Intubated