ASPT Safety and Infection Control 4

Question 1

Which of the following pathogens is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and requires contact precautions with special attention to hand washing with soap and water?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile

Answer

C. difficile produces spores that are not killed by alcohol-based hand rubs, so soap and water must be used, and contact precautions are required to prevent fecal-oral spread.

Question 2

The 'reservoir' in the chain of infection refers to:

Accepted Answer

The place where the infectious agent lives and multiplies

Answer

A reservoir is the habitat (human, animal, or environmental) where the infectious agent normally lives, multiplies, and from which it can be transmitted.

Question 3

A phlebotomist sustains a needlestick from a needle used on a patient with known HIV. After first aid, the NEXT step is to:

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to occupational health or a supervisor

Answer

Immediate reporting to occupational health is critical because post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of exposure.

Question 4

Which item is classified as biohazardous waste and must be discarded in a red bag or biohazard container?

Accepted Answer

Blood-saturated gauze pads from a venipuncture site

Answer

Blood-saturated gauze is regulated medical waste and must be discarded in a properly labeled biohazard container, not in regular trash.

Question 5

Standard Precautions apply to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Blood, all body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes of ALL patients

Answer

Standard Precautions treat blood, all body fluids (except sweat unless visibly bloody), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes from every patient as potentially infectious.

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test

ASPT Safety and Infection Control 4