1. A nurse is working in a hospital that is facing a shortage

of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the COVID19 pandemic. The nurse is assigned to care for a patient

who has tested positive for the virus and requires isolation

precautions. The nurse notices that there are not enough

disposable gowns and masks available in the unit. What

should the nurse do in this situation?

a) Use the same gown and mask for multiple patients until

they are visibly soiled or damaged.

b) Borrow PPE from another unit or department that has a

surplus of supplies.

c) Report the issue to the infection control officer and the

nursing manager and request additional PPE.

d) Refuse to care for the patient until adequate PPE is

provided.

*Answer: c) Report the issue to the infection control officer

and the nursing manager and request additional PPE.*

Rationale: The nurse has a duty to provide safe and quality

care to the patient, but also to protect themselves and others

from infection. Using the same gown and mask for multiple

patients or borrowing PPE from another unit or department

may increase the risk of cross-contamination and

transmission of the virus. Refusing to care for the patient

may violate the nurse's professional code of ethics and

compromise the patient's rights and well-being. The best

option is to report the issue to the infection control officer

and the nursing manager and request additional PPE, as

they are responsible for ensuring adequate resources and

supplies for infection prevention and control.