Infection Control Flashcards

What is the correct procedure for cleaning a blood spill?

Answer: Apply bleach solution, allow contact time, then wipe and discard materials

Blood spills must be cleaned with a 1:10 bleach solution allowed to sit for full contact time before wiping, with all materials discarded as biohazard waste.

How should a PCA safely dispose of a used needle?

Answer: Drop it uncapped directly into an approved sharps container

Used needles must never be recapped or broken; they must be dropped directly into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container.

Which disinfectant is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores?

Answer: Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solution

C. diff spores are resistant to most common disinfectants but are effectively killed by EPA-registered bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solutions.

A client has been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Which precaution type should the PCA expect?

Answer: Airborne precautions with a fit-tested N95 respirator

Tuberculosis is spread through airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air, requiring airborne precautions and an N95 or higher respirator.

When removing soiled linen from a client's bed, the PCA should:

Answer: Roll soiled surfaces inward and carry the bundle away from the body

Soiled linen should be rolled with contaminated surfaces inside and held away from the body and uniform to prevent cross-contamination.

What does 'medical asepsis' (clean technique) refer to?

Answer: Reducing the number and spread of microorganisms

Medical asepsis refers to practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms rather than achieving complete sterility.

A PCA notices redness, warmth, and swelling around a client's wound site. This is most likely a sign of:

Answer: A localized wound infection

Redness, warmth, swelling, and pain around a wound are classic signs of localized infection that must be reported to a supervisor immediately.