CNA Isolation Precautions 3

Question 1

A resident with localized herpes zoster (shingles) is immunocompetent. The lesions are on their torso and are completely covered by a dressing and their clothing. What is the minimum level of precaution a CNA should use when providing personal care?

Accepted Answer

Standard Precautions

Answer

For an immunocompetent resident with localized shingles where the lesions can be fully covered and contained, Standard Precautions are sufficient. The virus spreads by direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. If the lesions are covered, the risk of transmission is effectively managed.

Question 2

A CNA is assigned to a resident who is in Contact Precautions for C. difficile and also on Protective (Reverse) Isolation due to being severely immunocompromised. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Strictly adhere to both sets of precautions, including meticulous handwashing with soap and water and proper PPE sequencing.

Answer

This complex scenario requires adhering to both sets of precautions to protect the resident from outside pathogens (Protective Isolation) and to protect staff and other residents from C. difficile (Contact Precautions). This involves a strict sequence of donning and doffing PPE and emphasizes handwashing with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill C. difficile spores.

Question 3

When transporting a resident on Droplet Precautions to another department for a medical test, which action is essential for the CNA to perform?

Accepted Answer

Notify the receiving department of the patient's isolation status.

Answer

While placing a surgical mask on the patient is the primary measure to contain droplets, it is crucial to notify the receiving department beforehand. This allows their staff to prepare, maintain precautions, and ensure the safety of other patients and personnel in their area.

Question 4

A resident is on Contact Precautions. A family member brings them a stack of personal mail. What is the correct procedure for handling the mail?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves to receive the mail and give it to the resident, then perform hand hygiene.

Answer

Personal items like mail can be brought into an isolation room. The CNA should follow facility policy, which generally involves using standard or contact precautions as appropriate. The key is to handle the items safely (e.g., with gloves if contact with contaminated surfaces is likely) and always perform hand hygiene after the interaction to prevent cross-contamination.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key difference in the environmental cleaning required for C. difficile compared to norovirus?

Accepted Answer

C. difficile requires a sporicidal agent like bleach, while norovirus is inactivated by standard disinfectants.

Answer

C. difficile forms spores that are resistant to many standard hospital disinfectants and alcohol-based hand rubs. Therefore, environmental cleaning requires the use of an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant, most commonly a bleach-based product. While norovirus is also resilient, some standard disinfectants are effective, though bleach is often recommended for outbreaks.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Isolation Precautions 3