CHS Infection Control & Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant (HLD) suitable for semi-critical items used in hyperbaric chambers?
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Glutaraldehyde 2% (Correct answer)
- Phenolic compounds
Correct answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%
Glutaraldehyde 2% is an EPA-registered high-level disinfectant capable of killing all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores, making it appropriate for semi-critical items.
Question 2: A hyperbaric patient has a known MRSA infection. What is the most appropriate isolation precaution level to implement during HBO therapy?
- Standard precautions only
- Airborne precautions
- Contact precautions plus standard precautions (Correct answer)
- Droplet precautions
Correct answer: Contact precautions plus standard precautions
MRSA is transmitted primarily through direct or indirect contact, so contact precautions combined with standard precautions are required to prevent spread.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum contact time for a sporicidal disinfectant to be effective on environmental surfaces in a hyperbaric unit?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- As specified on the product label (Correct answer)
- 10 minutes minimum regardless of product
Correct answer: As specified on the product label
Contact (wet) time specified on the product label must be followed to ensure the disinfectant achieves its stated efficacy against target organisms.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the purpose of an infection control risk assessment (ICRA) in a hyperbaric facility?
- Evaluate patient eligibility for HBO therapy
- Identify and mitigate risks of healthcare-associated infections during construction or renovation (Correct answer)
- Determine antibiotic prophylaxis protocols
- Assess equipment decontamination schedules
Correct answer: Identify and mitigate risks of healthcare-associated infections during construction or renovation
An ICRA is a multidisciplinary risk assessment used to identify infection risks introduced by construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in healthcare settings.
Question 5: When cleaning a multiplace hyperbaric chamber after treating a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which disinfectant is most appropriate?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV)
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution (Correct answer)
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
Correct answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution
C. difficile produces spores resistant to most disinfectants; EPA-registered sodium hypochlorite solutions are effective sporicidal agents for environmental decontamination.
Question 6: Hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is LEAST effective against which of the following pathogens relevant to hyperbaric patients?
- MRSA
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Clostridioides difficile spores (Correct answer)
- Candida albicans
Correct answer: Clostridioides difficile spores
Alcohol-based hand rubs do not reliably kill C. difficile spores; soap and water handwashing with friction is required to physically remove spores from hands.
Question 7: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is correct when performing wound care on a hyperbaric patient with a heavily draining infected wound?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and surgical mask
- Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- N95 respirator and gloves only
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Heavily draining infected wounds pose splash and splatter risks, requiring gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection to protect mucous membranes and clothing.
CHS Infection Control & Prevention 2
Which class of disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant (HLD) suitable for semi-critical items used in hyperbaric chambers?