CMT Infection Control Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings is:
- Wearing gloves at all times
- Hand hygiene (Correct answer)
- Using antibiotics prophylactically
- Wearing N95 respirators
Correct answer: Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene, including handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizer use, is the most effective infection prevention measure.
Hand hygiene is universally recognized as the most important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The CDC and WHO recommend hand hygiene at five key moments: before patient contact, before aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure, after patient contact, and after touching patient surroundings. Alcohol-based hand rub (60-95% alcohol) is preferred for routine decontamination when hands are not visibly soiled. Soap and water must be used when hands are visibly contaminated or after caring for patients with C. difficile or norovirus.
Question 2: Which type of precaution requires a negative-pressure isolation room?
- Contact precautions
- Droplet precautions
- Airborne precautions (Correct answer)
- Standard precautions
Correct answer: Airborne precautions
Airborne precautions require a negative-pressure airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) to prevent transmission of airborne pathogens.
Airborne precautions are used for pathogens that remain suspended in air for prolonged periods and travel long distances (greater than 6 feet). A negative-pressure room has lower air pressure than surrounding areas, preventing contaminated air from escaping when the door opens. Air is exhausted outside or through HEPA filtration. Diseases requiring airborne precautions include tuberculosis, measles, varicella (chickenpox), and disseminated herpes zoster. Healthcare workers must wear N95 respirators (fit-tested) when entering these rooms.
Question 3: How long should a standard surgical hand scrub last?
- 15-30 seconds
- 1-2 minutes
- 2-6 minutes (Correct answer)
- 10-15 minutes
Correct answer: 2-6 minutes
A surgical hand scrub should last 2-6 minutes depending on the product used and institutional protocol.
Surgical hand antisepsis requires 2-6 minutes of scrubbing with an antimicrobial agent (chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine) to eliminate transient flora and reduce resident flora on hands and forearms. The traditional counted-stroke method involves scrubbing each surface a specific number of strokes. Newer alcohol-based surgical hand rub protocols may take 1.5-3 minutes. Routine handwashing requires only 20 seconds minimum. Nails must be short, and artificial nails and jewelry must be removed before surgical scrubbing.
Question 4: Sharps containers should be replaced when they reach what fill level?
- Completely full
- Three-quarters full (Correct answer)
- Half full
- One-quarter full
Correct answer: Three-quarters full
Sharps containers should be replaced when they are three-quarters (75%) full to prevent overfilling and needlestick injuries.
OSHA regulations require that sharps containers be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof, and labeled with the biohazard symbol. They must be replaced when contents reach the fill line, typically at three-quarters capacity. Overfilling sharps containers is a leading cause of needlestick injuries. Containers should be mounted at eye level and within arm's reach of the point of use. Used needles must never be recapped, bent, or broken. All sharps (needles, scalpels, broken glass) must go directly into the container immediately after use.
Question 5: Which organism is most commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections from improper catheter care?
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Escherichia coli (Correct answer)
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Haemophilus influenzae
Correct answer: Escherichia coli
E. coli is the most common cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) account for approximately 75% of all hospital-acquired UTIs. E. coli is the most common causative organism, followed by Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas. Prevention strategies include: inserting catheters only when medically necessary, using aseptic technique during insertion, maintaining a closed drainage system, keeping the collection bag below bladder level, performing regular perineal hygiene, and removing catheters as soon as clinically appropriate.
Question 6: What color bag is used for disposing of regulated medical waste (biohazardous materials)?
- Black
- Clear
- Red (Correct answer)
- Blue
Correct answer: Red
Red bags marked with the biohazard symbol are used for regulated medical waste disposal.
Red biohazard bags are used for regulated medical waste including blood-soaked items, pathological waste, microbiological waste, and items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Regular trash goes in clear or black bags. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires biohazard labeling on all containers of regulated waste. Improper segregation of waste increases disposal costs and creates safety hazards. Medical technicians must know their facility's waste segregation policies and ensure proper disposal at the point of care.
CMT Infection Control Practices 2
The single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings is: