CMA Infection Control & Sterile Technique

Question 1

Which hand hygiene technique is recommended before assisting with a sterile procedure in midwifery?

Accepted Answer

Surgical hand scrub with antimicrobial soap for at least 2–3 minutes

Answer

A surgical hand scrub with antimicrobial soap for 2–3 minutes (or per institutional protocol) is required before any sterile field procedure.

Question 2

When is it appropriate to break sterile technique during a birth procedure?

Accepted Answer

Never — a contaminated field must be replaced or re-established

Answer

A compromised sterile field is never acceptable; contaminated items must be removed and replaced to prevent infection.

Question 3

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis is typically administered to GBS-positive mothers via which route?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous penicillin during active labor

Answer

IV penicillin G is the first-line antibiotic given intrapartum to GBS-positive mothers to prevent neonatal GBS disease.

Question 4

Standard precautions in a birth setting require that blood and amniotic fluid be treated as:

Accepted Answer

Potentially infectious for all patients regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Standard precautions require all blood and body fluids be treated as potentially infectious for every patient, regardless of known status.

Question 5

Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when catching a baby at delivery?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, gown, eye protection, and mask

Answer

Full PPE — gloves, waterproof gown, eye/face protection, and mask — protects against splashing blood and amniotic fluid during delivery.

CMA - Certified Midwife Assistant Practice Test