Editing Infection Control and Safety – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 5==
The nurse enters a client's room and finds a frayed electrical cord on the bedside pump. Which action should the nurse take '''first'''?
# Wrap the frayed area with tape and continue to use the pump.
# Unplug the pump, remove it from service, tag it, and obtain a replacement.
# Document the finding and report it at the end of the shift.
# Ask maintenance to repair the cord while the pump remains in use.

'''Answer:''' 2. Unplug the pump, remove it from service, tag it, and obtain a replacement.

''Rationale:'' Damaged electrical equipment must be taken out of use immediately, tagged, and reported so it cannot be used by another staff member. Nurses do not repair equipment, tape is not a repair, and continuing to use damaged equipment risks shock and fire. Delayed reporting leaves the hazard in place.