CNA Infection Control and Safety 2

Question 1

A resident becomes verbally agitated and starts shouting during personal care. From a safety perspective, what is the CNA's most important first action?

Accepted Answer

Ensure there is a clear path to the door and maintain a safe distance.

Answer

The CNA's immediate safety is the priority. Before attempting de-escalation, they must ensure they are not trapped and have an escape route. Maintaining personal space can also help de-escalate the situation by not making the resident feel crowded or threatened.

Question 2

A CNA is cleaning the room of a resident who has been discharged after a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which of the following is a critical step in the environmental cleaning process for this specific pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Using a bleach-based disinfectant or another EPA-approved sporicidal agent.

Answer

C. diff forms spores that are highly resistant to standard disinfectants and alcohol. A bleach-based solution or an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant is required to effectively kill the spores and prevent transmission to the next resident.

Question 3

A resident with scabies is on contact precautions. When preparing to dispose of their bed linens, what is the most appropriate action for the CNA to take?

Accepted Answer

Roll the linens carefully inward, place them in a specially marked, sealed bag inside the room, and wear gloves throughout.

Answer

To prevent the spread of scabies mites, linens should be handled minimally. Rolling them inward contains the mites. They must be placed in a labeled, sealed bag within the patient's room to prevent contaminating the environment and to alert laundry staff. Gloves are essential PPE for handling contaminated items.

Question 4

During a norovirus outbreak in the facility, which hand hygiene method is most effective for a CNA after providing care to a symptomatic resident?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Answer

Norovirus is resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The most effective way to remove the virus from hands is through the mechanical friction of washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Question 5

A CNA is assigned to a resident with a multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) who is under contact precautions. The resident's family member is visiting and is not wearing any PPE. What is the CNA's most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Politely intercept the visitor, explain the precautions, and offer to help them put on the correct PPE.

Answer

The CNA's primary responsibility is to maintain safety and infection control. The most professional and effective initial action is to educate the visitor about the need for PPE and assist them in applying it correctly. This protects the visitor, the resident, and prevents further spread of the MDRO within the facility.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Infection Control and Safety 2