The nurse is observing the new staff member work with the client. Of t

The nurse is observing the new staff member work with the client. Of the following activities, which one has the greatest possibility of contributing to a nosocomial infection and requires cor-rection?

1. Washing hands before applying a dressing
2. Taping a plastic bag to the bed rail for tissue disposal
3. Placing a Foley catheter bag on the bed when transferring a client
4. Using alcohol to cleanse the skin before starting an intravenous line

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The staff member who places the Foley catheter bag on the bed when transferring the client is placing the client at risk for a nosocomial infection because urine in the catheter or drainage tube may reenter the bladder (reflux). Washing hands before applying a dressing is a correct action to help prevent a nosocomial infection. Taping a plastic bag to the bed rail for tissue disposal is a correct action to aid the client in proper disposal of secretions. Using alcohol to cleanse the skin before starting an intravenous line is a correct action to prevent a nosocomial infection of the bloodstream.