A graduate nurse (GN) is orienting to her new position on a telemetry floor

Question

The graduate nurse's preceptor identifies that the novice nurse will need additional instruction on standard precautions when she observes which of the following behaviors?
A) The GN wears face protection, gloves, and a gown when irrigating a wound.
B) The GN washes her hands with a waterless antiseptic agent after removing a pair of soiled gloves.
C) The GN puts on a second pair of gloves over her soiled gloves while performing a bloody procedure.
D) The GN places a used needle and syringe in the puncture-resistant container without capping the needle.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: The preceptor must intervene when she observes the graduate nurse placing another pair of gloves over a soiled pair of gloves. The GN must be instructed to change her gloves after contact with materials that may contain a high concentration of microorganisms (such a blood or any body fluid), even when working with the same patient. After removing the soiled gloves, the GN must be instructed to wash her hands before donning the new pair. The GN was correct to avoid recapping the used needle before discarding it in the puncture-resistant container. Also, the GN anticipated that irrigation of a wound may lead to splashing or the generation of droplets and she assembled and wore the proper protective attire. After the removal of a pair of gloves, the GN was correct in washing her hands. Hands can be washed with soap and water, an antimicrobial agent, or waterless antiseptic agent.