CMLA Infection Control 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended sequence for donning (putting on) PPE in a healthcare setting?
- Gloves → gown → mask → eye protection
- Gown → mask/respirator → eye protection → gloves (Correct answer)
- Mask → gloves → gown → eye protection
- Eye protection → gown → gloves → mask
Correct answer: Gown → mask/respirator → eye protection → gloves
The CDC recommends donning gown first, then mask or respirator, then eye protection, and finally gloves so each layer protects the previous one.
Question 2: Which bloodborne pathogen has the highest risk of transmission following a needle-stick injury?
- HIV
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (Correct answer)
- HTLV-1
Correct answer: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B virus has a transmission risk of up to 30% after a needle-stick from a HBeAg-positive source, far higher than HIV or HCV.
Question 3: In the laboratory, when must gloves be changed?
- Only when they are visibly torn
- After every patient specimen and when contaminated (Correct answer)
- At the end of the shift only
- Only when moving between different laboratory sections
Correct answer: After every patient specimen and when contaminated
Gloves must be changed between patients and whenever they become contaminated to prevent cross-contamination of specimens and surfaces.
Question 4: Which of the following is classified as an OPIM (Other Potentially Infectious Material) under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?
- Urine with no visible blood
- Saliva from a routine dental procedure
- Cerebrospinal fluid (Correct answer)
- Sweat from intact skin
Correct answer: Cerebrospinal fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid is specifically listed as an OPIM under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard along with semen, vaginal secretions, and other body fluids.
Question 5: A phlebotomist sustains a needle-stick injury from a patient of unknown HIV status. What is the FIRST step in post-exposure management?
- Begin antiretroviral prophylaxis immediately
- Test the phlebotomist for HIV
- Wash the wound with soap and water and report the exposure (Correct answer)
- Obtain consent from the source patient for HIV testing
Correct answer: Wash the wound with soap and water and report the exposure
The immediate priority after a needle-stick is to wash the wound thoroughly and report the incident so a post-exposure protocol can be initiated.
Question 6: Which of the following pathogens requires droplet precautions?
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Influenza (Correct answer)
- Measles
- Aspergillus species
Correct answer: Influenza
Influenza is transmitted by large respiratory droplets and therefore requires droplet precautions, including a surgical mask within 3 feet of the patient.
Question 7: What is the recommended disinfection level for non-critical patient care items that contact only intact skin?
- Sterilization
- High-level disinfection
- Low-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- No disinfection required
Correct answer: Low-level disinfection
Non-critical items such as blood pressure cuffs require only low-level disinfection because they contact only intact skin and pose minimal infection risk.
CMLA Infection Control 4
What is the recommended sequence for donning (putting on) PPE in a healthcare setting?