Question

Which nursing action causes the greatest likelihood of spreading VRE?

A.) Sending a VRE-positive client to the radiology department for a chest X-ray with a face mask
B.) Emptying the Foley catheter bag of a client with VRE and then helping the client in the next bed transfer to a chair without washing hands between contact
C.) Removing the staples from VRE-positive postoperative client's incision without prior hand washing
D.) Delivering a meal tray to a VRE-positive client without first donning gloves and a gown

Answer 1

Emptying the Foley catheter bag of a client with VRE and then helping the client in the next bed transfer to a chair without washing hands between contact causes the greatest likelihood of spreading VRE.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the nursing actions listed, emptying the Foley catheter bag of a client with VRE and then helping the client in the next bed transfer to a chair without washing hands between contact causes the greatest likelihood of spreading VRE.

VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. It can be present in the urine of patients with urinary tract infections and in the stool of patients with gastrointestinal infections.

By emptying the Foley catheter bag of a client with VRE and then helping the client in the next bed transfer to a chair without washing hands between contact, the nurse can transfer the bacteria from the contaminated Foley catheter bag to their hands and then to the next patient. This can result in the spread of VRE and increase the likelihood of infection.