Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards

In the context of surgical site infection (SSI) prevention, when should prophylactic antibiotics be administered preoperatively?

Answer: Within 60 minutes before incision (120 minutes for vancomycin/fluoroquinolones)

Prophylactic antibiotics should be administered within 60 minutes before surgical incision to achieve adequate tissue levels at the time of incision. For vancomycin and fluoroquinolones, the window extends to 120 minutes due to longer infusion times.

A healthcare worker is found to have active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). What is the required action under DHA guidelines?

Answer: Remove from direct patient care until confirmed non-infectious (sputum smear-negative on treatment for minimum 2 weeks)

Active pulmonary TB in a healthcare worker requires immediate removal from patient contact. The HCW is considered non-infectious after clinical improvement, treatment for at least 2 weeks, and two consecutive negative sputum AFB smears. Return to work requires infectious disease clearance.

Which of the following pathogens is the most common cause of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in patients with urinary catheters?

Answer: Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen causing CAUTI, followed by Candida spp., Enterococcus, and Klebsiella. E. coli from the patient's own bowel flora colonizes the catheter, especially in women where the periurethral area is close to the anus.

During a cluster of unexplained pneumonia cases in a Dubai hospital, MERS-CoV is suspected. What is the priority infection control measure for handling these patients?

Answer: Airborne precautions (N95 respirator), contact precautions (gown, gloves), eye protection, and negative pressure room

MERS-CoV requires the highest level of precautions: airborne + contact + eye protection in a negative pressure room. This reflects both droplet and potential airborne transmission and the severe consequences of HCW infection. This has particular relevance in the UAE given the regional epidemiology of MERS-CoV.

When performing a clinical procedure such as inserting a urinary catheter, which hand hygiene product is preferred when hands are NOT visibly soiled?

Answer: Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)

Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is the preferred hand hygiene method in healthcare when hands are not visibly soiled. It is more effective than soap at killing most pathogens (except spores), faster to use, and less damaging to skin than repeated hand washing.

An outbreak investigation reveals 8 cases of surgical site infection (SSI) following cardiac surgery over 3 weeks. Environmental cultures grow Staphylococcus aureus matching the strain from patient wounds. What source investigation should be prioritized?

Answer: Nasal swabs and skin cultures from cardiac surgical team members

Staphylococcus aureus SSI outbreak in cardiac surgery most commonly traces to a nasal or skin carrier among the surgical team. Anterior nares is the primary reservoir for S. aureus. Active surveillance cultures of all cardiac surgery team members are the priority investigation.