NCLEX Safety and Infection Control || High-Accuracy
Exam Questions & Solutions.
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which methods are appropriate for the nurse to use in
removing excessive body hair?
Select all that apply.
1. Shaving the hair with a razor.
2. Removing the hair with clippers.
3. Lathering the skin with soap and water prior to shaving with a razor.
4. Using a depilatory cream.
5. Always use a new, sharp razor. correct answers 2. Removing the hair with clippers.
4. Using a depilatory cream.
(2. & 4. Correct: Not removing the hair at all is preferred, but if this is not an option the use of
clippers or a depilatory cream may be used to prevent trauma to the skin before surgery.
1. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.
3. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.
5. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.)
The nurse is planning to teach a group of assisted living residents about tuberculosis (TB)
infection. What should the nurse include?
Select all that apply.
1. Cover mouth when coughing.
2. Proper handwashing.
3. Obtain a TB skin test.
4. Obtain a yearly chest x-ray.
,5. Proper disposal of tissues. correct answers 1. Cover mouth when coughing.
2. Proper handwashing.
3. Obtain a TB skin test.
5. Proper disposal of tissues.
(1., 2., 3. & 5. Correct: In an effort to prevent transmission of TB to others, the nurse should
carefully instruct about the importance of hygiene measures, including mouth care, covering the
mouth when coughing and sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, and hand hygiene. A TB skin test
is especially important when living in tight quarters such as an assisted living center.
4. Incorrect: Chest x-rays are not needed yearly, especially without signs and symptoms of TB.)
Which client diagnosis would require the nurse to initiate droplet precaution?
1. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
2. Varicella
3. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
4. Whooping cough correct answers 4. Whooping cough
(4. Correct: Droplet isolation precautions are used for diseases or germs that are spread in tiny
droplets caused by coughing and sneezing (examples: pneumonia, influenza, whooping cough,
bacterial meningitis). Healthcare workers should wear a surgical mask while in the room. Mask
must be discarded in trash after leaving the room. Clean hands (hand washing or use hand
sanitizer) when they enter the room and when they leave the room.
1. Incorrect: Contact isolation precautions are used for infections, diseases, or germs that are
spread by touching the client or items in the room {examples: MRSA, VRE, diarrheal illnesses,
open wounds, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)}. Healthcare workers should wear a gown and
gloves while in the client's room. Remove the gown and gloves before leaving the room. Clean
hands (hand washing or use hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the room. Visitors must
check with the nurse before taking anything into or out of the room.
2. Incorrect: Airborne isolation precautions are used for diseases or very small germs that are
spread through the air from one person to another (examples: Tuberculosis (TB), measles,
varicella). Healthcare workers should ensure client is placed in an appropriate negative air
pressure room (a room where the air is gently sucked outside the building) with the door shut.
Wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved N-95 or higher level respirator while in the room. Clean
hands (hand washing or use hand sanitizer) when they enter the room and when they leave the
, room. Ensure the client wears a surgical mask when leaving the room. Instruct visitors to wear a
mask while in the room.
3. Incorrect: Contact isolation precautions are used for infections, diseases, or germs that are
spread by touching the client or items in the room (examples: MRSA, VRE, diarrhea
A new mother calls the clinic and tells the nurse, "I don't have any help taking care of my 3 week
old baby. I don't know what to do. I just feel like I can't take care of him anymore. I wish I never
had him sometimes. Maybe then my husband would spend more time at home." What would be
the nurse's best response?
1. "You are experiencing maternity blues, which will go away on its own."
2. "You are just tired. Tell your husband that you need his help."
3. "Come to the clinic now so that we can help you."
4. "Have you thought about getting a family member to help with the baby?" correct answers 3.
"Come to the clinic now so that we can help you."
(3. Correct: This client is exhibiting signs of postpartum psychosis. Post partum psychosis is
characterized by depressed mood, agitation, indecision, lack of concentration, guilt, and an
abnormal attitude toward bodily functions. There is a lack of interest in or rejection of the baby,
or a morbid fear that the baby may be harmed. Risks of suicide and infanticide should not be
overlooked.
1. Incorrect: Maternity blues includes tearfulness, despondency, anxiety and subjectivity with
impaired concentration.
2. Incorrect: This ignores a potentially life-threatening problem. The client is not just tired.
4. Incorrect: This ignores a potentially life-threatening problem. Assume the worse. Think about
the safety of mom and baby.)
The nurse is caring for a client with a perineal burn. The skin is not intact. What signs are
suggestive of infection?
Select all that apply.
1. Color Changes
2. Drainage
3. Odor
4. Fever
Exam Questions & Solutions.
The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which methods are appropriate for the nurse to use in
removing excessive body hair?
Select all that apply.
1. Shaving the hair with a razor.
2. Removing the hair with clippers.
3. Lathering the skin with soap and water prior to shaving with a razor.
4. Using a depilatory cream.
5. Always use a new, sharp razor. correct answers 2. Removing the hair with clippers.
4. Using a depilatory cream.
(2. & 4. Correct: Not removing the hair at all is preferred, but if this is not an option the use of
clippers or a depilatory cream may be used to prevent trauma to the skin before surgery.
1. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.
3. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.
5. Incorrect: Using a razor for hair removal is not recommended because it causes micro-
abrasions of the skin. Bacteria multiply in the micro-abrasions, increasing the risk of infection.
This is not appropriate for a client going to surgery.)
The nurse is planning to teach a group of assisted living residents about tuberculosis (TB)
infection. What should the nurse include?
Select all that apply.
1. Cover mouth when coughing.
2. Proper handwashing.
3. Obtain a TB skin test.
4. Obtain a yearly chest x-ray.
,5. Proper disposal of tissues. correct answers 1. Cover mouth when coughing.
2. Proper handwashing.
3. Obtain a TB skin test.
5. Proper disposal of tissues.
(1., 2., 3. & 5. Correct: In an effort to prevent transmission of TB to others, the nurse should
carefully instruct about the importance of hygiene measures, including mouth care, covering the
mouth when coughing and sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, and hand hygiene. A TB skin test
is especially important when living in tight quarters such as an assisted living center.
4. Incorrect: Chest x-rays are not needed yearly, especially without signs and symptoms of TB.)
Which client diagnosis would require the nurse to initiate droplet precaution?
1. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
2. Varicella
3. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)
4. Whooping cough correct answers 4. Whooping cough
(4. Correct: Droplet isolation precautions are used for diseases or germs that are spread in tiny
droplets caused by coughing and sneezing (examples: pneumonia, influenza, whooping cough,
bacterial meningitis). Healthcare workers should wear a surgical mask while in the room. Mask
must be discarded in trash after leaving the room. Clean hands (hand washing or use hand
sanitizer) when they enter the room and when they leave the room.
1. Incorrect: Contact isolation precautions are used for infections, diseases, or germs that are
spread by touching the client or items in the room {examples: MRSA, VRE, diarrheal illnesses,
open wounds, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)}. Healthcare workers should wear a gown and
gloves while in the client's room. Remove the gown and gloves before leaving the room. Clean
hands (hand washing or use hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the room. Visitors must
check with the nurse before taking anything into or out of the room.
2. Incorrect: Airborne isolation precautions are used for diseases or very small germs that are
spread through the air from one person to another (examples: Tuberculosis (TB), measles,
varicella). Healthcare workers should ensure client is placed in an appropriate negative air
pressure room (a room where the air is gently sucked outside the building) with the door shut.
Wear a fit-tested NIOSH-approved N-95 or higher level respirator while in the room. Clean
hands (hand washing or use hand sanitizer) when they enter the room and when they leave the
, room. Ensure the client wears a surgical mask when leaving the room. Instruct visitors to wear a
mask while in the room.
3. Incorrect: Contact isolation precautions are used for infections, diseases, or germs that are
spread by touching the client or items in the room (examples: MRSA, VRE, diarrhea
A new mother calls the clinic and tells the nurse, "I don't have any help taking care of my 3 week
old baby. I don't know what to do. I just feel like I can't take care of him anymore. I wish I never
had him sometimes. Maybe then my husband would spend more time at home." What would be
the nurse's best response?
1. "You are experiencing maternity blues, which will go away on its own."
2. "You are just tired. Tell your husband that you need his help."
3. "Come to the clinic now so that we can help you."
4. "Have you thought about getting a family member to help with the baby?" correct answers 3.
"Come to the clinic now so that we can help you."
(3. Correct: This client is exhibiting signs of postpartum psychosis. Post partum psychosis is
characterized by depressed mood, agitation, indecision, lack of concentration, guilt, and an
abnormal attitude toward bodily functions. There is a lack of interest in or rejection of the baby,
or a morbid fear that the baby may be harmed. Risks of suicide and infanticide should not be
overlooked.
1. Incorrect: Maternity blues includes tearfulness, despondency, anxiety and subjectivity with
impaired concentration.
2. Incorrect: This ignores a potentially life-threatening problem. The client is not just tired.
4. Incorrect: This ignores a potentially life-threatening problem. Assume the worse. Think about
the safety of mom and baby.)
The nurse is caring for a client with a perineal burn. The skin is not intact. What signs are
suggestive of infection?
Select all that apply.
1. Color Changes
2. Drainage
3. Odor
4. Fever
