CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which hand hygiene method is most effective at eliminating C. difficile spores?
- Alcohol-based hand rub
- Soap and water handwashing (Correct answer)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Waterless sanitizer
Correct answer: Soap and water handwashing
Soap and water is required for C. difficile because alcohol-based products do not destroy its spores.
Question 2: What level of disinfection is required for semi-critical medical instruments that contact mucous membranes?
- Low-level disinfection
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- High-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Sterilization
Correct answer: High-level disinfection
High-level disinfection destroys all microorganisms except some bacterial spores and is required for semi-critical items.
Question 3: What does the acronym PPE stand for in infection control?
- Personal Preventive Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Patient Protection Equipment
- Pathogen Prevention Equipment
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
Question 4: Which type of isolation is used for patients with airborne diseases such as tuberculosis?
- Contact isolation
- Droplet isolation
- Airborne isolation (Correct answer)
- Reverse isolation
Correct answer: Airborne isolation
Airborne isolation requires a negative-pressure room and N95 respirators to prevent transmission of tiny airborne particles.
Question 5: Which autoclave sterilization cycle parameter is the standard for wrapped surgical instruments?
- 250°F for 10 minutes
- 250°F for 30 minutes
- 270°F for 4 minutes
- 270°F for 20 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 270°F for 20 minutes
The gravity cycle at 250°F for 30 minutes or the pre-vacuum cycle at 270°F for 4 minutes are both standard; for wrapped items the 270°F/4 min pre-vacuum cycle is common.
Question 6: What color biohazard bag should be used for disposing of blood-soaked materials?
- Black
- Blue
- Red or orange (Correct answer)
- Green
Correct answer: Red or orange
Red or orange biohazard bags are required by OSHA for regulated medical waste that may contain bloodborne pathogens.
CCMA Infection Control and Sterilization 1
Which hand hygiene method is most effective at eliminating C. difficile spores?