CDS Safety & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with a disability who uses a ventilator develops a respiratory infection. Which precaution type is MOST likely indicated?
- Contact precautions only
- Droplet precautions (Correct answer)
- Airborne precautions
- No precautions unless culture results are known
Correct answer: Droplet precautions
Respiratory infections spread by large respiratory droplets typically require droplet precautions, including a surgical mask within 3 feet of the patient.
Question 2: Which technique BEST prevents cross-contamination when cleaning a client's assistive devices?
- Wiping all devices with the same cloth and then discarding it
- Cleaning each device with a fresh disposable cloth and approved disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Rinsing devices with warm water only to avoid chemical damage
- Cleaning devices only when they appear visibly dirty
Correct answer: Cleaning each device with a fresh disposable cloth and approved disinfectant
Using a fresh cloth for each device with an approved disinfectant prevents transferring pathogens between items.
Question 3: A specialist is preparing to change a client's colostomy bag. Which step should occur LAST?
- Don gloves
- Remove and dispose of the old bag in a sealed plastic bag
- Cleanse the stoma site with warm water
- Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene
Hand hygiene after removing gloves is always the final step in any care procedure involving bodily waste to prevent secondary contamination.
Question 4: Which environmental modification BEST reduces fall risk for a client with lower extremity weakness in the bathroom?
- Installing a raised toilet seat with armrests (Correct answer)
- Placing a decorative rug on the bathroom floor for comfort
- Removing the shower chair so the client builds strength
- Turning off bathroom lights to reduce visual distraction
Correct answer: Installing a raised toilet seat with armrests
A raised toilet seat with armrests reduces the range of motion required and provides support, directly addressing fall risk from lower extremity weakness.
Question 5: A disability specialist discovers that a client's medication was left uncapped on the counter. What is the BEST response?
- Replace the cap and return the medication to its proper storage location (Correct answer)
- Dispose of the medication as it may be contaminated
- Leave it and document the client's behavior
- Administer the next dose early to prevent missed medication
Correct answer: Replace the cap and return the medication to its proper storage location
Recapping and storing medication correctly is within the specialist's role for medication safety and prevents accidental ingestion by others.
Question 6: When providing care to a client who is immunocompromised, what ADDITIONAL precaution may be necessary beyond standard precautions?
- Reverse (protective) isolation to shield the client from pathogens (Correct answer)
- Using double gloves at all times
- Restricting all oral communication to prevent droplet exposure
- Applying contact precautions for all visitors regardless of health status
Correct answer: Reverse (protective) isolation to shield the client from pathogens
Reverse isolation (protective precautions) protects immunocompromised clients from pathogens brought in by caregivers and visitors.
Question 7: A specialist working in a group home notices that another staff member is not washing hands between client contacts. What is the MOST appropriate action?
- Ignore it to avoid conflict with the coworker
- Remind the coworker of hand hygiene policy in a respectful manner (Correct answer)
- Report the coworker to state licensing immediately
- Assume the coworker used hand sanitizer that was not visible
Correct answer: Remind the coworker of hand hygiene policy in a respectful manner
Respectfully reminding a colleague of hand hygiene protocols upholds patient safety while maintaining a professional work environment.
CDS Safety & Infection Control 3
A client with a disability who uses a ventilator develops a respiratory infection.
Which precaution type is MOST likely indicated?