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Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards

6 cards from real DHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. A patient in the ICU develops fever, purulent discharge from a central venous catheter site, and positive blood cultures 5 days after CVC insertion. What is this complication called and what is the primary prevention strategy?

    Answer: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI); strict aseptic technique and central line bundle

    This is a CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection). Prevention relies on the 'Central Line Bundle': hand hygiene, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, maximal barrier precautions during insertion, optimal site selection (subclavian preferred), and daily review of catheter necessity with prompt removal.

  2. According to WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in healthcare settings, what are the 'Five Moments for Hand Hygiene'?

    Answer: Before patient contact; before aseptic procedures; after body fluid exposure; after patient contact; after touching patient surroundings

    WHO's Five Moments for Hand Hygiene: (1) Before touching a patient, (2) Before aseptic/clean procedures, (3) After body fluid exposure/risk, (4) After touching a patient, (5) After touching patient surroundings. This framework applies to all healthcare settings.

  3. A patient is admitted with confirmed MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) pneumonia. What transmission-based precautions should be implemented?

    Answer: Contact precautions (gloves, gown) plus standard precautions

    MRSA primarily spreads by direct and indirect contact. Contact precautions are required: single room or cohorting, gloves and gown for all room entries, dedicated equipment. Standard precautions are always maintained in addition. Airborne precautions are for aerosolized infections (TB, measles, varicella).

  4. In the context of sterilization and disinfection, which method achieves the highest level of microbial kill, including all bacterial spores?

    Answer: Sterilization (steam autoclave or ethylene oxide)

    Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms including bacterial spores. Methods include steam autoclave (121°C/15 psi for 15 minutes or 134°C for 3 min), ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and dry heat. High-level disinfection kills all organisms except some spores.

  5. An outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting 15 patients in a ward is suspected to be caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which measure is critical to stop transmission that differs from standard contact precautions?

    Answer: Handwashing with soap and water (not alcohol gel) is mandatory

    Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores are NOT killed by alcohol-based hand rub. Soap and water handwashing is mandatory for all care of C. diff patients because physical removal and soap can eliminate spores. This is a critical distinction from other contact precautions.

  6. Healthcare workers in Dubai who sustain a needlestick injury from a patient of unknown HIV status should follow which protocol?

    Answer: Assess source patient risk, report immediately, and start PEP within 72 hours if indicated

    Needlestick protocol: immediately wash wound, report to occupational health, assess source patient HIV risk (consent for testing if possible), and start PEP within 72 hours if source is HIV+ or high-risk unknown. PEP is most effective when started as early as possible, ideally within 1–2 hours.