CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The standard handwashing technique recommended by the CDC requires scrubbing hands for at least how long?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
Question 2: Which organization sets the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard that medical assistants must follow?
- CDC
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- HIPAA
- CLIA
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates exposure control plans, PPE, and training for healthcare workers.
Question 3: Which disinfectant is considered a tuberculocidal and is appropriate for environmental surface disinfection?
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Quaternary ammonium compounds alone
- Phenolic compounds (Correct answer)
- Distilled water with bleach 1:1000
Correct answer: Phenolic compounds
Phenolic compounds are tuberculocidal disinfectants suitable for environmental surfaces in healthcare settings.
Question 4: When removing contaminated gloves, what is the correct technique to avoid self-contamination?
- Pull both gloves off by the fingertips simultaneously
- Grasp the outside of one glove to remove it, then slide fingers under the remaining glove's inside cuff (Correct answer)
- Use scissors to cut the gloves off
- Remove gloves under running water
Correct answer: Grasp the outside of one glove to remove it, then slide fingers under the remaining glove's inside cuff
The correct doffing technique removes the first glove by its outside and the second by reaching inside the cuff to prevent contact with contaminated surfaces.
Question 5: A sharp needle used on a patient should be disposed of immediately in which container?
- Regular trash bin
- Biohazard bag
- Sharps container (Correct answer)
- Cardboard box
Correct answer: Sharps container
Used needles must be placed uncapped directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 6: Contact precautions are primarily used for pathogens spread by which route?
- Airborne particles
- Droplets larger than 5 microns
- Direct or indirect contact with patient or environment (Correct answer)
- Fecal-oral route only
Correct answer: Direct or indirect contact with patient or environment
Contact precautions prevent transmission of organisms spread by direct patient contact or contact with contaminated surfaces/equipment.
CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 2
The standard handwashing technique recommended by the CDC requires scrubbing hands for at least how long?