Infection Control and Safety Practices Flashcards
6 cards from real RMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infection Control and Safety Practices flashcards as text
Which of the following is the HIGHEST level of microbial destruction on the Spaulding classification scale?
Answer: Sterilization
Sterilization destroys ALL forms of microbial life including the most resistant bacterial endospores, representing the highest level of microbial elimination in the Spaulding classification system.
When performing hand hygiene before a clean procedure, how long should alcohol-based hand rub be rubbed on the hands?
Answer: Until the hands feel dry (approximately 20–30 seconds)
WHO and CDC guidelines specify that alcohol-based hand rub should be applied and rubbed until completely dry, which takes approximately 20–30 seconds, to ensure adequate antimicrobial contact time.
A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick injury from a needle used on a patient with known HIV infection. What is the FIRST action the medical assistant should take?
Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
The first response to a needlestick injury is immediate, thorough washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by reporting to the supervisor and seeking occupational health evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Which transmission-based precaution category applies to a patient diagnosed with influenza?
Answer: Droplet precautions
Influenza spreads primarily via large respiratory droplets that travel up to 3–6 feet; droplet precautions (surgical mask, eye protection within 3 feet) are required — not airborne precautions.
When disposing of a used scalpel blade, which action is CORRECT per OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards?
Answer: Use forceps or a blade remover to transfer directly into a sharps container without recapping
OSHA mandates that sharps such as scalpel blades must be placed directly into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container immediately after use — without recapping, bending, or manipulating the sharp edge in any way.
Which type of isolation requires the patient's room to have NEGATIVE air pressure relative to the hallway?
Answer: Airborne infection isolation (AII)
Airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) maintain negative air pressure so that air flows into the room from the hallway, preventing infectious aerosol particles from escaping into common areas.