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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.
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