CNA Infection Control and Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the single most important practice CNAs can perform to prevent the spread of infection?
- Wearing a gown at all times
- Cleaning surfaces with bleach daily
- Performing proper hand hygiene consistently (Correct answer)
- Wearing double gloves for all patient contact
Correct answer: Performing proper hand hygiene consistently
Hand hygiene—whether with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub—is the most effective measure to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. It should be performed before and after every resident contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before donning and after removing gloves.
Question 2: Standard precautions apply to which of the following?
- Only residents with known infections
- All residents, regardless of diagnosis, for contact with blood and body fluids (Correct answer)
- Only residents on isolation precautions
- Only residents who are incontinent
Correct answer: All residents, regardless of diagnosis, for contact with blood and body fluids
Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat) as potentially infectious regardless of the resident's diagnosis. This approach protects both the CNA and the resident.
Question 3: A CNA is changing a wound dressing for a resident with a known MRSA infection. What PPE is required?
- No PPE is necessary since MRSA only affects the skin
- Gloves only
- Gloves and a gown (contact precautions) (Correct answer)
- Full hazmat suit
Correct answer: Gloves and a gown (contact precautions)
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) requires contact precautions. The CNA must wear gloves and a gown when coming into contact with the resident or their environment. A mask is also required if there is a risk of splash or spray.
Question 4: After removing gloves, what should a CNA do?
- Put on a new pair of gloves immediately
- Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer (Correct answer)
- Dry hands on a towel and proceed with care
- Apply lotion to protect the skin
Correct answer: Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
Gloves can develop microscopic holes during use and hands can become contaminated when removing gloves. Hand hygiene must always be performed after glove removal to ensure that any contamination on the gloves or hands is eliminated.
Question 5: Which action helps prevent the spread of a resident's respiratory infection to other residents and staff?
- Having the resident breathe through their mouth only
- Placing the resident in a prone position
- Teaching and encouraging the resident to cover coughs and sneezes and perform hand hygiene (Correct answer)
- Limiting the resident's fluid intake
Correct answer: Teaching and encouraging the resident to cover coughs and sneezes and perform hand hygiene
Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette includes covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them properly, and performing hand hygiene afterward. Placing a surgical mask on a coughing resident (if tolerated) also reduces droplet spread.
Question 6: What should a CNA do with sharps (needles, lancets) after use?
- Recap them carefully and place in a regular trash can
- Leave them on the bedside table for the nurse to dispose of
- Place them immediately in an approved puncture-resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Wrap in a tissue and discard in the biohazard bag
Correct answer: Place them immediately in an approved puncture-resistant sharps container
Sharps must be disposed of immediately in an approved, puncture-resistant sharps container. Sharps should never be recapped by hand, left on surfaces, or placed in regular trash. Needlestick injuries are a leading cause of bloodborne pathogen exposure among healthcare workers.
CNA Infection Control and Safety
What is the single most important practice CNAs can perform to prevent the spread of infection?