1. . The nurse is caring for a patient in the endoscopy area. The nurse observes the technician performing

these tasks. Which observation will require the nurse to intervene?

a. Washing hands after removing gloves

b. Disinfecting endoscopes in the workroom

c. Removing gloves to transfer the endoscope

d. Placing the endoscope in a container for transfer

ANS: C

Standard precautions are used to prevent and control the spread of infection. Transferring contaminated

equipment without the protection of gloves can assist in the spread of microbes to inanimate objects and to the

person doing the transfer; therefore, the nurse must intervene. Utilizing gloves, washing hands, covering

contaminated supplies during transfer, and disinfecting equipment in the appropriate way in the appropriate

places utilize principles of basic medical asepsis and standard precautions and can break the chain of infection.

2. The nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for infection. Which action by the nurse indicates

correct understanding about standard precautions?

a. Teaches the patient about good nutrition

b. Dons gloves when wearing artificial nails

c. Disposes an uncapped needle in the designated container

d. Wears eyewear when emptying the urinary drainage bag

ANS: D

Standard precautions include the wearing of eyewear whenever there is a possibility of a splash or splatter, like

when emptying the urinary drainage bag. Teaching the patient about good nutrition is positive but does not

apply to standard precautions. Standard precautions apply to contact with blood, body fluid (except sweat),