Infection Control Practices Flashcards

The single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings is:

Answer: Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene, including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizer use, is the most effective infection prevention measure.

Which type of precaution requires a negative-pressure isolation room?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions require a negative-pressure airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) to prevent transmission of airborne pathogens.

How long should a standard surgical hand scrub last?

Answer: 2-6 minutes

A surgical hand scrub should last 2-6 minutes depending on the product used and institutional protocol.

Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach what fill level?

Answer: Three-quarters full

Sharps containers should be replaced when they are three-quarters (75%) full to prevent overfilling and needlestick injuries.

Which organism is most commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections from improper catheter care?

Answer: Escherichia coli

E. coli is the most common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

What color bag is used for disposing of regulated medical waste (biohazardous materials)?

Answer: Red

Red bags marked with the biohazard symbol are used for regulated medical waste disposal.

Standard precautions apply to which of the following?

Answer: All patients regardless of diagnosis

Standard precautions are applied to all patients in all healthcare settings, regardless of known or suspected infection status.

The term 'nosocomial infection' refers to:

Answer: A healthcare-associated infection

Nosocomial infections are infections acquired in healthcare facilities, now more commonly called healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Which level of disinfection is required for semicritical medical devices that contact mucous membranes?

Answer: High-level disinfection

Semicritical items that contact mucous membranes require high-level disinfection, which kills all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores.

When donning full PPE, which item should be put on first?

Answer: Gown

The gown should be donned first, followed by the mask/respirator, eye protection, and gloves last.

What is the correct temperature range for an autoclave used for standard sterilization?

Answer: 121-134°C (250-273°F)

Autoclaves use pressurized steam at 121-134°C (250-273°F) to achieve sterilization.

The chain of infection includes six links. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

Answer: Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is not a link in the chain of infection. The six links are: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.