Infection Control Flashcards

Which type of isolation precaution is required for a patient diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions are required for TB because the pathogen is transmitted via small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air.

What is the minimum alcohol concentration in an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) that is effective against most healthcare pathogens?

Answer: 60%

The CDC recommends ABHRs containing 60–95% alcohol to effectively kill most organisms on hands.

A laboratory worker accidentally splashes a potentially infectious sample on their lab coat. What is the FIRST action they should take?

Answer: Remove the coat and wash affected skin

Removing contaminated clothing and washing exposed skin immediately limits ongoing exposure to the infectious material.

Which organism is most commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections transmitted via contaminated hands?

Answer: MRSA

MRSA is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections and spreads primarily through direct contact via contaminated hands.

What does the term 'nosocomial infection' mean?

Answer: An infection acquired in a healthcare setting

Nosocomial infections are those acquired during a hospital stay or other healthcare encounter, not present on admission.

When collecting blood cultures from a patient, which skin antiseptic application technique is most appropriate?

Answer: Apply in concentric circles moving outward and allow to dry

Cleaning from center outward in concentric circles and allowing the antiseptic to fully dry reduces the risk of contaminating the culture.

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a biological safety cabinet (BSC) in the microbiology laboratory?

Answer: To protect personnel, samples, and the environment from aerosols

A BSC uses HEPA-filtered airflow to protect the worker, the specimen, and the surrounding environment from infectious aerosols.