The nurse is observing a new staff member work with the client. Of the following activities, which one has the greatest possibility of contributing to a nosocomial infection and requires cor-rection?

Question

a. Washing hands before applying a dressing
b. Taping a plastic bag to the bed rail for tissue disposal
c. Placing a Foley catheter bag on the bed when transferring a client
d. Using alcohol to cleanse the skin before starting an intravenous line

Answer 1

C
The staff member who places the Foley catheter bag on the bed when transferring the client is placing the client at risk for a nosocomial infection because urine in the catheter or drainage tube may re-enter the bladder (reflux).
Washing hands before applying a dressing is a correct action to help prevent a nosocomial infec-tion.
Taping a plastic bag to the bed rail for tissue disposal is a correct action to aid the client in proper disposal of secretions.
Using alcohol to cleanse the skin before starting an intravenous line is a correct action to prevent a nosocomial infection of the bloodstream.