Microbiology and Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real CSFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Microbiology and Infection Control flashcards as text
Gram staining differentiates bacteria based on differences in their:
Answer: Cell wall peptidoglycan layer thickness
Gram-positive bacteria retain crystal violet due to their thick peptidoglycan cell wall, while gram-negative bacteria decolorize because of their thin layer and outer lipid membrane.
Which of the following describes the CORRECT method for removing a contaminated gown in the OR after a case?
Answer: Unfasten ties, roll the gown inward (contaminated surface inside), and discard in biohazard container
Rolling the gown inward contains contaminated surfaces and prevents self-contamination; it is then discarded as regulated medical waste.
Which surgical specialty case would most likely be classified as a clean-contaminated (Class II) wound?
Answer: Elective sigmoid colectomy with bowel entered under controlled conditions
Elective colon surgery with controlled entry into the GI tract without gross spillage meets the criteria for Class II clean-contaminated wounds.
Terminal cleaning of the OR after an infectious case should begin with:
Answer: Cleaning high-touch surfaces and the surgical field first, then progressing to the floor
OR terminal cleaning proceeds from the surgical field and high-touch surfaces downward to the floor, following a clean-to-dirty top-down approach.
Which antiseptic preparation requires a minimum drying and contact time before incision to achieve maximum antiseptic effect and to prevent surgical fire risk?
Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol (e.g., ChloraPrep)
Alcohol-based chlorhexidine preparations must dry completely before draping; the alcohol evaporation eliminates fire risk and the drying time ensures antimicrobial efficacy.
A patient who is HIV-positive is scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy. Standard Precautions in this case require:
Answer: Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, same as any other patient
Standard Precautions treat ALL patients' blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of known diagnosis, so care does not change based on HIV status.
Which of the following is the most effective personal protective practice to prevent transmission of microorganisms within the surgical environment?
Answer: Consistent and proper hand hygiene between patient contacts
Hand hygiene is consistently identified as the single most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections and microbial cross-transmission.