Pathophysiology · practice question

A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include surgical incision with purulent drainage and fever 101.5°F (38.6°C). Which infection-prevention action is essential?

Multiple choiceMediumnclex-rn-bsnnclex-validatednclex-2026pathophysiology

Skip precautions if the client has no fever.Use sterile technique for all routine hygiene regardless of diagnosis.Perform hand hygiene and apply the transmission-based precautions indicated by the client's diagnosis.Wear gloves only and skip hand hygiene when leaving the room.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer

C. Perform hand hygiene and apply the transmission-based precautions indicated by the client's diagnosis.

Why

Infection control matches the pathogen route: hand hygiene plus appropriate precautions for contact, droplet, or airborne transmission.

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A 62-year-old client on a postoperative unit is being evaluated for nursing care related to hypoxia and impaired gas exchange. Assessment data include surgical incision with purulent drainage and fever 101.5°F (38.6°C). Which infection-prevention action is essential?

Correct answer

Why

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