AMCA Infection Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hand hygiene product is most effective against Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores?
- Alcohol-based hand rub
- Antibacterial soap and water
- Chlorhexidine gluconate foam
- Plain soap and water (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Plain soap and water
Soap and water with vigorous friction is required for C. difficile because alcohol-based hand rubs do not effectively remove or destroy its spores.
Question 2: What does the term 'sterilization' mean in infection control?
- Reduction of microorganisms to a safe level
- Elimination of all forms of microbial life, including spores (Correct answer)
- Removal of visible dirt and organic matter
- Killing of vegetative bacteria but not spores
Correct answer: Elimination of all forms of microbial life, including spores
Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial spores, which distinguishes it from disinfection and cleaning.
Question 3: A patient is placed on droplet precautions. What is the minimum distance at which a healthcare worker does NOT need to wear a surgical mask?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet
- 3 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
Correct answer: 3 feet
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient, as large respiratory droplets typically do not travel beyond that distance.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a reservoir in the chain of infection?
- A contaminated catheter
- A cough or sneeze
- A patient's broken skin
- A contaminated water supply (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A contaminated water supply
A reservoir is the habitat where the infectious agent lives and multiplies; a contaminated water supply is a classic environmental reservoir.
Question 5: Standard precautions apply to which patients?
- Only patients with known infectious diseases
- Only patients in intensive care units
- All patients regardless of diagnosis or infection status (Correct answer)
- Only patients who are immunocompromised
Correct answer: All patients regardless of diagnosis or infection status
Standard precautions apply to all patients in all healthcare settings regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status.
Question 6: Which intervention is MOST effective in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)?
- Using prophylactic antibiotics routinely
- Performing daily assessment of line necessity and prompt removal (Correct answer)
- Changing the dressing every 24 hours
- Using a multilumen catheter whenever possible
Correct answer: Performing daily assessment of line necessity and prompt removal
Daily assessment of the necessity of a central line and prompt removal when no longer needed is the most effective strategy for preventing CLABSI.
Question 7: What does the acronym PPE stand for in infection control?
- Pathogen Prevention Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Patient Protection Environment
- Protective Procedure Essentials
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents.
AMCA Infection Prevention 3
Which hand hygiene product is most effective against Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores?