Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards

Which class of disinfectant is considered a high-level disinfectant (HLD) suitable for semi-critical items used in hyperbaric chambers?

Answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%

Glutaraldehyde 2% is an EPA-registered high-level disinfectant capable of killing all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores, making it appropriate for semi-critical items.

A hyperbaric patient has a known MRSA infection. What is the most appropriate isolation precaution level to implement during HBO therapy?

Answer: Contact precautions plus standard precautions

MRSA is transmitted primarily through direct or indirect contact, so contact precautions combined with standard precautions are required to prevent spread.

What is the recommended minimum contact time for a sporicidal disinfectant to be effective on environmental surfaces in a hyperbaric unit?

Answer: As specified on the product label

Contact (wet) time specified on the product label must be followed to ensure the disinfectant achieves its stated efficacy against target organisms.

Which of the following best describes the purpose of an infection control risk assessment (ICRA) in a hyperbaric facility?

Answer: Identify and mitigate risks of healthcare-associated infections during construction or renovation

An ICRA is a multidisciplinary risk assessment used to identify infection risks introduced by construction, renovation, or maintenance activities in healthcare settings.

When cleaning a multiplace hyperbaric chamber after treating a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which disinfectant is most appropriate?

Answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution

C. difficile produces spores resistant to most disinfectants; EPA-registered sodium hypochlorite solutions are effective sporicidal agents for environmental decontamination.

Hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is LEAST effective against which of the following pathogens relevant to hyperbaric patients?

Answer: Clostridioides difficile spores

Alcohol-based hand rubs do not reliably kill C. difficile spores; soap and water handwashing with friction is required to physically remove spores from hands.

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is correct when performing wound care on a hyperbaric patient with a heavily draining infected wound?

Answer: Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection

Heavily draining infected wounds pose splash and splatter risks, requiring gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection to protect mucous membranes and clothing.