CIC Hand Hygiene & Isolation Precautions

Question 1

According to CDC/WHO guidelines, what is the minimum recommended duration for alcohol-based hand rub application?

Accepted Answer

20–30 seconds

Answer

Hand rub must be applied for 20–30 seconds until hands are dry to achieve adequate antimicrobial efficacy.

Question 2

Which WHO 'moment' for hand hygiene occurs BEFORE an aseptic task?

Accepted Answer

Moment 2

Answer

Moment 2 (Before aseptic task) protects the patient from their own flora and from healthcare worker hands during procedures.

Question 3

A patient is placed on Contact Precautions. Which PPE must healthcare workers don before entering the room?

Accepted Answer

Gown and gloves

Answer

Contact Precautions require a gown and gloves to prevent transmission of organisms via direct or indirect contact.

Question 4

Which pathogen most commonly requires Droplet Precautions in addition to Standard Precautions?

Accepted Answer

Influenza virus

Answer

Influenza spreads primarily via large respiratory droplets (>5 µm) and requires Droplet Precautions with a surgical mask within 3 feet.

Question 5

When should hands be washed with soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

When hands are visibly soiled or after caring for a patient with C. difficile

Answer

Soap and water are required for visibly soiled hands and after C. difficile care because alcohol does not effectively eliminate C. difficile spores.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test