GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A GNA is preparing to assist a resident with perineal care. The resident is known to have a C. difficile infection. Which of the following infection control actions is MOST critical?
- Using an alcohol-based hand rub before and after care.
- Wearing a gown, gloves, and a surgical mask.
- Washing hands with soap and water after removing gloves. (Correct answer)
- Placing used linens in a standard laundry bag.
Correct answer: Washing hands with soap and water after removing gloves.
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) produces spores that are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends washing hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with C. difficile to physically remove the spores.
Question 2: To break the 'Mode of Transmission' link in the chain of infection, a GNA should prioritize which of the following actions?
- Ensuring residents receive their prescribed antibiotics on time.
- Encouraging residents to eat a well-balanced diet.
- Assisting residents with bathing and personal hygiene.
- Practicing frequent and thorough hand hygiene. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Practicing frequent and thorough hand hygiene.
The 'Mode of Transmission' refers to how a pathogen travels from a reservoir to a susceptible host. Frequent and thorough hand hygiene is the single most effective way to break this link by removing pathogens from the hands, which are a primary vehicle for transmission in healthcare settings.
Question 3: A GNA is caring for a resident on droplet precautions due to influenza. When entering the resident's room, what is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) the GNA must wear?
- Gloves and a gown.
- A surgical mask. (Correct answer)
- An N95 respirator.
- Goggles and a gown.
Correct answer: A surgical mask.
Droplet precautions are used for diseases spread by large droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Standard infection control guidelines require a surgical mask to be worn when working within three to six feet of a resident on droplet precautions to protect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.
Question 4: When handling soiled linens contaminated with blood or body fluids, which action by the GNA demonstrates correct procedure?
- Shaking the linens vigorously to remove any solid waste before bagging.
- Carrying the soiled linens tightly against their uniform to prevent dropping them.
- Placing the linens on the floor outside the resident's room before bagging.
- Rolling the linens inward to contain the soiled area and placing them in a leak-proof bag. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rolling the linens inward to contain the soiled area and placing them in a leak-proof bag.
Soiled linens should be handled with minimal agitation to prevent contaminating the air, surfaces, and uniforms. Rolling the linens inward contains the contamination, and placing them directly into a designated leak-proof bag at the point of use prevents the spread of microorganisms.
Question 5: A GNA has just finished a task that involved contact with a resident's body fluids and has removed their gloves. According to Standard Precautions, what is the immediate next step?
- Apply a new pair of gloves for the next task.
- Use a paper towel to wipe off any residual moisture.
- Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub. (Correct answer)
- Document the care provided to the resident.
Correct answer: Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub.
Standard Precautions mandate that hand hygiene be performed immediately after removing gloves. Gloves are not a perfect barrier and can have microscopic tears, and hands can become contaminated during the removal process. Performing hand hygiene is a critical step to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 6: A GNA accidentally sustains a needlestick injury from a used lancet while performing a blood glucose check. What is the GNA's first priority?
- Immediately report the injury to the charge nurse.
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. (Correct answer)
- Find the resident to ask about their health history.
- Fill out an incident report form.
Correct answer: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
In the event of an exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as through a needlestick, the immediate first action is to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. This helps to remove as much of the potentially infectious material as possible. Reporting the incident and follow-up care are also critical but come immediately after initial decontamination of the site.
GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers
A GNA is preparing to assist a resident with perineal care.
The resident is known to have a C. difficile infection.
Which of the following infection control actions is MOST critical?