Infection Control Practices Flashcards

A Certified Medical Technician (CMT) is preparing to assist a resident with a dressing change for a wound with a large amount of drainage. According to Standard Precautions, which combination of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is MOST appropriate for the CMT to wear?

Answer: Gloves and gown

Standard Precautions require wearing gloves when contact with blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin is possible. A gown is necessary to protect skin and clothing from splashes or sprays of body fluids, which is likely with a heavily draining wound. A mask and face shield would be needed if splashes to the face were anticipated, but gloves and a gown are the most essential items in this scenario.

Which of the following practices is the most effective way to break the 'mode of transmission' link in the chain of infection?

Answer: Performing proper hand hygiene

The 'mode of transmission' is how an infectious agent travels from a reservoir to a susceptible host. Performing consistent and proper hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the transmission of pathogens, directly interrupting this link in the chain. While other options are valid infection control measures, they primarily target other links in the chain (e.g., vaccination for the susceptible host, antibiotics for the infectious agent).

When performing hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the CMT should rub their hands together until when?

Answer: The hands feel completely dry

According to the CDC, when using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, you should apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of your hands and fingers, until your hands are dry. This typically takes about 20 seconds and ensures the sanitizer has had enough contact time to be effective.

A CMT is cleaning a resident's room after they have been discharged. The resident had a known infection with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which type of product is essential for cleaning the environmental surfaces?

Answer: A bleach-based disinfectant or other sporicidal agent

Clostridioides difficile forms spores that are resistant to standard disinfectants, including alcohol-based hand rubs and some hospital-grade cleaners. Therefore, a sporicidal agent, such as a bleach-based disinfectant, is required to effectively kill the spores and decontaminate the environment.

The practice of reducing the number of microorganisms and preventing their spread is known as which of the following?

Answer: Medical asepsis

Medical asepsis, also known as the 'clean technique', involves practices that reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their transfer. This includes procedures like handwashing and cleaning the environment. Surgical asepsis ('sterile technique') aims to eliminate all microorganisms.

A CMT accidentally sustains a needlestick injury with a used lancet after performing a blood glucose check. What is the immediate, priority action the CMT should take?

Answer: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

The immediate priority after a needlestick or sharps injury is to clean the exposed area. The CDC recommends washing the wound with soap and water. After cleaning the wound, the incident should be reported immediately to a supervisor to ensure proper follow-up and post-exposure prophylaxis can be initiated if necessary.