35. To break the chain of infection when caring for a resident, a nursing assistant must:
Answer: A
Wearing a gown and goggles is essential to break the chain of infection when caring for a resident.
Using personal protective equipment, such as a gown and goggles, helps to prevent the transmission of pathogens from one individual to another, thereby effectively breaking the chain of infection.
A) wear gown and goggles
This option is correct because wearing a gown and goggles provides a physical barrier that protects both the nursing assistant and the resident from potential contaminants. These protective measures are crucial in healthcare settings to minimize the risk of infection, especially when dealing with bodily fluids or contaminated environments.
B) wash hands
While washing hands is a critical practice in infection control, it alone does not provide the necessary protection against exposure to infectious agents that may be present in the environment or on surfaces. Therefore, although hand hygiene is vital, it does not fulfill the same protective role as wearing a gown and goggles in this context.
C) use hand sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer is an important aspect of infection control; however, it does not offer the same level of protection as wearing a gown and goggles when caring for residents. Hand sanitizer is effective for sanitizing hands after potential contamination but does not prevent exposure to pathogens that could occur during direct care.
D) use disposable dishes
Using disposable dishes can help minimize the risk of cross-contamination, but it is not directly related to breaking the chain of infection in the context of personal protective equipment. This option does not address the need for immediate protective measures during direct care, which is the primary concern in this scenario.
Conclusion
Wearing a gown and goggles is the most effective way to break the chain of infection during resident care, as it provides essential barriers against pathogens. Other options, while important in their own right, do not offer the same level of protective measures necessary for safeguarding both the caregiver and the resident from infection.