APHA Injection Safety & Infection Control

Question 1

What needle length is recommended for intramuscular (IM) vaccine administration in the deltoid of an average adult weighing 130–152 lbs?

Accepted Answer

1 inch (25 mm)

Answer

5/8 inch (16 mm)

Answer

1½ inch (38 mm)

Answer

2 inch (50 mm)

Question 2

According to Standard Precautions, gloves should be worn during vaccine administration:

Accepted Answer

Whenever contact with blood or body fluids is possible

Answer

Only when the patient has a known bloodborne infection

Answer

Only when administering intravenous medications

Answer

Only if the administrator has open wounds on their hands

Question 3

What is the preferred method of hand hygiene before administering vaccines when hands are not visibly soiled?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

Answer

Soap and water only, regardless of soil level

Answer

Antimicrobial soap only

Answer

Hand sanitizer containing at least 40% alcohol

Question 4

Which practice best prevents needlestick injuries in an immunization setting?

Accepted Answer

Using safety-engineered needles and activating the safety device immediately after withdrawal

Answer

Recapping needles using a two-handed technique

Answer

Bending the needle before disposal

Answer

Removing the needle from the syringe before placing it in the sharps container

Question 5

Used needles and syringes must be discarded immediately into:

Accepted Answer

Puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps containers

Answer

Regular trash containers lined with red biohazard bags

Answer

Any sealed rigid plastic container available

Answer

Biohazard bags without a rigid outer container

Question 6

At what angle should the needle be inserted for an intramuscular (IM) injection?

Accepted Answer

90 degrees

Answer

45 degrees

Answer

15 degrees

Answer

30 degrees

Question 7

To maintain sterility when accessing a multi-dose vaccine vial, the administrator should:

Accepted Answer

Wipe the rubber stopper with a new alcohol swab before each puncture

Answer

Use the same needle and syringe to draw multiple doses for efficiency

Answer

Store opened vials at room temperature to allow easy repeated access

Answer

Insert the needle into the vial and leave it between doses to avoid repeated puncture