1. A nurse is assigned to care for a client with an infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The client has an abdominal wound that requires irrigation and has a tracheostomy attached to a mechanical ventilator that requires frequent suctioning. While gathering the needed supplies before entering the client's room, which necessary protective items does the nurse obtain? Select all that apply. A. Mask B. Gown C. Gloves D. Face shield E. Shoe protectors 2. A nurse is assisting with disaster relief after a tornado. The nurse's goal with the overall community is to prevent as much injury and death resulting from the uncontrollable event as possible. Finding safe housing for survivors, providing support to families, organizing counseling sessions, and securing physical care when needed are all examples of which level of prevention? A. Initial B. Primary C. Tertiary D. Secondary
Answer (1)
To address the question about protective items a nurse should obtain when caring for a client with an MRSA infection, it’s important to think about contact and droplet precautions given the patient’s conditions:
A. Mask : This is necessary to protect against respiratory droplets, especially since the patient has a tracheostomy.
B. Gown : Wearing a gown is important to prevent contamination of the nurse’s clothing and skin with infectious material.
C. Gloves : Gloves are essential for protecting the nurse’s hands from direct contact with infectious material while providing wound care and suctioning.
D. Face shield : A face shield is advisable to protect the nurse’s face and eyes from splashes of bodily fluids during irrigation and suctioning.
Shoe protectors (E) are not typically required unless the facility's policy specifically mandates them for high-risk infections.
The second question involves the nurse's role in disaster relief following a tornado.
The correct answer is C. Tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention focuses on helping people manage long-term, complex health issues and injuries. The activities described, such as finding safe housing, providing support to families, organizing counseling, and securing physical care, aim at reducing the impact of the disaster on survivors and helping them rehabilitate and return to a stable life. These activities are part of the long-term recovery process, therefore, aligning with tertiary prevention efforts.
