Question

When caring for a client with a bacterial respiratory infection and an active cough, what action should the nurse take to prevent becoming infected?

a) Wear a mask and gloves
b) Administer antibiotics
c) Maintain proper hand hygiene
d) Avoid contact with the client

Answer 1

A nurse should wear a mask and gloves and practice proper hand hygiene to prevent infection when caring for a client with a bacterial respiratory infection and cough. Administering antibiotics treats the infection but does not prevent transmission to healthcare providers.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with a bacterial respiratory infection and an active cough, the action a nurse should take to prevent becoming infected is a) Wear a mask and gloves. This is because personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves create a barrier that helps to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Furthermore, proper hand hygiene is essential as it is the single most important defense against the spread of pathogens, particularly those that cause respiratory illnesses. Therefore, even though administering antibiotics can help treat the infection, it does not serve as a means of protection for the healthcare provider against infection. To ensure the nurse avoids contracting the illness, maintaining distance from the client when possible is also advisable, but it is vital to provide necessary care when needed.

In summary, to prevent the transmission of the infection, it is important that medical staff rigorously follow protocols like wearing appropriate PPE, engaging in stringent hand washing routines, and carefully disinfecting surfaces and equipment. These measures, accompanied by patient isolation, help minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.