Infection Control Flashcards

An N95 respirator is required for which type of transmission-based precaution?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions require an N95 or higher respirator because pathogens travel on small particles that can penetrate surgical masks.

Which of the following is considered a fomite in the transmission of infection?

Answer: A contaminated blood pressure cuff

A fomite is an inanimate object (such as medical equipment) that becomes contaminated and can transfer pathogens to a susceptible host.

Which of the following patients is at the HIGHEST risk for developing a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Answer: A patient with an indwelling urinary catheter for 5 days

Indwelling urinary catheters are the leading cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and risk increases with duration of catheterization.

What is the correct order of donning (putting on) PPE?

Answer: Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves

The CDC recommends donning in the order: gown first, then mask/respirator, eye protection, and gloves last so gloves cover the gown cuffs.

A PCT is caring for a patient with scabies. Which precaution type is most appropriate?

Answer: Contact precautions

Scabies is caused by a skin mite transmitted through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, requiring contact precautions.

How long should the PCT wash hands with soap and water to effectively remove transient microorganisms?

Answer: At least 20 seconds

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice) for effective pathogen removal.

Which of the following is an endogenous source of infection?

Answer: The patient's own intestinal bacteria entering the bloodstream

Endogenous infections arise from the patient's own normal flora that enter a new body site (e.g., gut bacteria entering the bloodstream).