CNA Safety and Infection Control — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct technique for removing contaminated gloves to avoid self-contamination?
- Pull both gloves off by the fingertips simultaneously
- Use the bare hand to pull off the second glove from the outside
- Peel the first glove off by grasping the outside, then slide a finger under the second glove's cuff to remove it inside out (Correct answer)
- Cut the gloves off with scissors
Correct answer: Peel the first glove off by grasping the outside, then slide a finger under the second glove's cuff to remove it inside out
To remove gloves safely: pinch the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it off, turning it inside out. Hold it in the gloved hand, then slide a finger under the cuff of the remaining glove and peel it off over the first glove. Dispose and perform hand hygiene.
Question 2: A CNA sustains a needlestick injury. What is the immediate first step?
- Apply a bandage and continue working
- Report to the supervisor first before washing the wound
- Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, then report to the supervisor and employee health (Correct answer)
- Squeeze the wound to remove blood, then apply antiseptic only
Correct answer: Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, then report to the supervisor and employee health
After a needlestick, the wound should be washed immediately with soap and water for several minutes. The incident must then be reported to the supervisor and employee health, and the CNA should undergo evaluation for bloodborne pathogen exposure per facility protocol.
Question 3: What does 'chain of infection' refer to in infection control?
- The hierarchy of staff responsible for infection control policies
- A sequence of paperwork required for reporting infections
- The six elements required for an infection to spread from one person to another (Correct answer)
- A list of infections that must be reported to the health department
Correct answer: The six elements required for an infection to spread from one person to another
The chain of infection describes the six links that must all be present for an infection to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any link in the chain prevents transmission.
Question 4: Which of the following is considered medical asepsis?
- Maintaining a sterile field during surgery
- Sterilizing all equipment before use
- Hand hygiene, wearing clean gloves, and regular cleaning to reduce microorganisms (Correct answer)
- Using only sterile water for all patient care
Correct answer: Hand hygiene, wearing clean gloves, and regular cleaning to reduce microorganisms
Medical asepsis (clean technique) refers to practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms. Examples include hand hygiene, wearing gloves, changing linens regularly, and cleaning equipment. Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) eliminates all microorganisms and is used for invasive procedures.
Question 5: A resident on contact precautions is to be transported for a diagnostic test. What must the CNA ensure?
- No special measures are needed during transport outside the room
- The resident must be transported in a sealed bubble stretcher
- Wounds or drainage are covered, the receiving area is notified, and precaution items are transported with the resident (Correct answer)
- The resident must be transported by a nurse, not a CNA
Correct answer: Wounds or drainage are covered, the receiving area is notified, and precaution items are transported with the resident
When transporting a resident on contact precautions, the CNA should cover any wounds or drainage sites, place a clean gown on the resident, notify the receiving area of precaution requirements, and follow facility protocol. This prevents pathogen spread during transport.
Question 6: What is the purpose of wearing a gown when providing care to a resident on contact precautions?
- To keep the CNA warm during care
- To identify the CNA as being on duty
- To protect clothing and skin from contact with infectious organisms and contaminated surfaces (Correct answer)
- Gowns are only needed for surgical procedures
Correct answer: To protect clothing and skin from contact with infectious organisms and contaminated surfaces
A gown protects the CNA's clothing and skin from contact with the resident's infectious microorganisms and contaminated surfaces in the room. It must be donned before entering the room and removed carefully before leaving to prevent carrying contamination outside.
CNA Safety and Infection Control
What is the correct technique for removing contaminated gloves to avoid self-contamination?