Hygiene, Environmental Safety, and Infection Control in Nursing | Chapter 14 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

Hygiene, Environmental Safety, and Infection Control in Nursing | Chapter 14 from Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition)

Book cover

Welcome to Chapter 14 of the Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) by Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela E. Silvestri. This chapter covers the foundations of hygiene, client safety, and infection control—critical concepts for every practical nurse and NCLEX-PN candidate. From fire safety to disaster response and proper use of PPE, it equips you to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

Watch the full chapter video summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for every NCLEX-PN chapter review and safety update:

Principles of Hygiene Care

  • Provide individualized bathing, grooming, perineal care, and oral hygiene, focusing on privacy, comfort, pain management, and maintaining skin integrity.
  • Promote patient independence and involve clients in self-care as much as possible.
  • Educate on hygiene routines and infection prevention at home and in the facility.

Environmental Safety: Fire, Electrical, and Hazardous Precautions

  • Fire Safety: Remember RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish) and PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) for fire emergencies.
  • Follow protocols for electrical and radiation safety; report faulty equipment.
  • Dispose of hazardous waste, sharps, and medications according to institutional and OSHA standards.

Fall Risk and Injury Prevention

  • Assess for fall risks (age, medications, gait, cognition) on admission and regularly.
  • Implement strategies: bed alarms, non-skid footwear, clear pathways, adequate lighting, and supervision.
  • Teach safe ambulation and use of assistive devices for both clients and health care workers.

Restraints and Client Safety Devices

  • Use physical and chemical restraints only as last resorts—explore and document alternatives first.
  • Follow legal/ethical guidelines, document thoroughly, and monitor frequently.
  • Educate clients and families on restraint purposes, risks, and safe use.

Poison Control and Emergency Response

  • Follow poisoning protocols: identify agent, call poison control, support airway/breathing/circulation, and give antidotes as indicated.
  • Document exposures and teach families about household toxin prevention.

Infection Control: Preventing HAIs and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms

  • Recognize and prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) like MRSA and C. difficile.
  • Follow standard and transmission-based precautions—airborne, droplet, contact—for high-risk pathogens.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene per CDC guidelines and use PPE (gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection) correctly: donning and doffing in the right order.
  • Clean and disinfect equipment and environment between patients, especially with C. difficile cases.

Disaster Preparedness and Bioterrorism Response

  • Be familiar with emergency response plans, evacuation protocols, and National Patient Safety Goals.
  • Know the signs and nursing actions for exposure to bioterrorism/chemical agents: anthrax, botulism, Ebola, sarin, phosgene, and mustard gas.
  • Prepare for mass casualty incidents and infection control during disasters.

Need more examples or visual learning? Watch the video above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for the complete NCLEX-PN safety series!

Conclusion: Delivering Safe, Infection-Free Nursing Care

Chapter 14 of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) gives you practical tools for client hygiene, fall prevention, environmental safety, and infection control. From PPE to disaster protocols, you’ll have the knowledge to keep clients, yourself, and your workplace safe—whether you’re in the clinic, hospital, or community setting.

If you found this review useful, subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more NCLEX-PN chapter guides and real-world nursing tips.

If you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more chapter-by-chapter textbook summaries and academic study guides.

Explore the full YouTube playlist for Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-PN Examination (7th Edition) here: Complete Playlist

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Behavior Therapies & Evidence-Based Practice — Chapter 9 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 9 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the robust field of behavior therapies, which focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through practical, empirical methods. These approaches, grounded in learning theory and continuous assessment, have become foundational in treating a range of psychological conditions. This expanded summary, based on our podcast-style breakdown of Chapter 9 , highlights the key techniques, theoretical foundations, and clinical applications of behavior therapy. Want a concise video guide? Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more psychology study resources! The Foundations of Behavior Therapy Behavior therapy focuses on observable, measurable changes in behavior rather than probing unconscious processes. Using empirical methods, therapists continuously assess and adjust treatmen...
Read more

Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy

Image
Cognitive & Rational-Emotive Therapies — Chapter 10 Summary from Systems of Psychotherapy Chapter 10 of Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis explores the evolution and techniques of Cognitive Therapy (CT) and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Developed by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, these therapies target the root of emotional distress by challenging and changing maladaptive thought patterns. This in-depth summary, based on our podcast breakdown of Chapter 10 , explains the major concepts, therapeutic techniques, and clinical impact of these cognitive-based approaches. Watch the chapter summary above and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for expert textbook guides and psychology study resources! The Foundations of Cognitive Therapy & REBT Cognitive therapies emerged in response to limitations of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, emphasizing the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and behaviors. Aaron Beck’s Cognitive Therapy and Albert E...
Read more

Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering

Image
Materials Failure: Fracture, Fatigue, and Creep — Chapter 8 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering Chapter 8 of Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction by William D. Callister, Jr. and David G. Rethwisch explores the primary failure modes in engineering materials: fracture, fatigue, and creep. This chapter is essential for anyone interested in the reliability, durability, and safety of materials used in engineering structures and components. By understanding these mechanisms, engineers can design safer, longer-lasting products and infrastructure. Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for more clear, chapter-by-chapter breakdowns of foundational STEM topics! Fracture: Ductile vs. Brittle Failure Ductile fracture involves significant plastic deformation and energy absorption prior to failure. It usually provides visual warning signs, making it the preferred mode in most engineering applications. I...
Read more