what is the most important step that the nurse can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting
Logo

Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Exam Preview Answers

1. What is the most important step that healthcare personnel can take to prevent the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial step in preventing the transmission of microorganisms in the hospital setting is proper hand hygiene. Healthcare personnel should wash their hands thoroughly before and after each patient contact to reduce the risk of spreading infections. While cleaning the stethoscope with an alcohol swab between patients is recommended, it is secondary to hand hygiene. Wearing protective eyewear at all times is not necessary for routine patient care unless specifically indicated, and wearing gloves only when in direct contact with patients is important but not as critical as proper handwashing. Therefore, the correct answer is to wash hands before and after contact with each patient.

2. During an initial assessment interview, which statement made by a patient should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement about hearing evil voices indicates that the patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations, which is a significant symptom that requires immediate attention and intervention. This symptom can be associated with serious mental health conditions like psychosis. Choices A, B, and C are more general statements that do not provide specific information about the patient's mental health status or symptoms, making them less urgent and not as critical for the plan of care compared to the presence of auditory hallucinations.

3. When considering the structural organization of the human body, what is the basic unit of life?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The basic unit of life is the cell. Cells are considered the fundamental unit of life because they are capable of carrying out all the processes necessary for life, such as growth, reproduction, responding to stimuli, and more. While chemicals, atoms, and molecules are essential components of cells and living organisms, they are not considered the basic unit of life. Chemicals are general substances, atoms are the smallest units of matter, and molecules are combinations of atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is cells, as they are the building blocks of all living organisms.

4. Which of the following medical terms means 'surgical fixation of the stomach'?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Gastropexy,' which means 'surgical fixation of the stomach.' This procedure involves surgically fixing the stomach in place. 'Abdominorrhaphy' refers to suturing or repairing the abdomen, not related to fixing the stomach. 'Gastroplasty' is a surgical reconstruction of the abdomen, not specifically related to fixing the stomach. 'Abdominorrhexis' refers to the rupture or tearing of the abdomen, not a surgical fixation procedure.

5. Surgical asepsis is being performed when:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Surgical asepsis refers to the process of maintaining a sterile environment to prevent the introduction of pathogens to a patient's body. Sterilizing instruments is a crucial aspect of surgical asepsis as it ensures that the instruments used during procedures are free from microorganisms that could cause infections. Wiping down exam tables with bleach may help in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces but does not pertain directly to maintaining a sterile field. Changing table paper is important for cleanliness and infection control but is not specifically related to surgical asepsis. Wearing gloves when performing injections is important for standard precautions and preventing the spread of infection but does not encompass the concept of surgical asepsis, which focuses on maintaining a sterile field during invasive procedures.

Similar Questions

A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of platelets to a client. Which of the following actions must the healthcare professional perform before giving the platelets?
A client who complains of nausea and seems anxious is admitted to the nursing unit. The nurse should take which of the following actions regarding completion of the admission interview?
A client is being assisted with ambulation in the hallway using a gait belt when they become dizzy and start to faint. What is the first action the nurse should take?
Which of these actions illustrates the correct technique for a nurse when assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer?
Which of the following is an organizational factor that affects workplace violence directed at nurses?

Access More Features

NCLEX RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
  • 30 days access

NCLEX RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • Comprehensive NCLEX coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses