Proper Hand Hygiene and PPE Usage Flashcards

A CNA is caring for a patient on contact precautions. After removing gloves, what is the next immediate action?

Answer: Perform hand hygiene immediately

Hand hygiene must be performed immediately after removing gloves, as gloves can have microscopic tears that allow pathogen transfer.

Which type of PPE should be donned LAST when preparing to enter an airborne precautions room?

Answer: N95 respirator

The N95 respirator is donned last because it must be fit-checked after all other PPE is in place to ensure a proper seal.

A CNA notices their gown has become wet while caring for a patient with C. difficile. What should they do?

Answer: Remove and replace the gown immediately

A saturated or wet gown is no longer an effective barrier and must be changed immediately to prevent pathogen transmission.

When using an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR), which situation requires soap and water instead?

Answer: When hands are visibly soiled with blood

Soap and water must be used when hands are visibly dirty, soiled, or contaminated with blood or body fluids because ABHR is not effective in these situations.

A CNA is assigned to a patient with known MRSA. Which PPE combination is required for routine care involving direct contact?

Answer: Gown and gloves

Contact precautions for MRSA require both a gown and gloves for direct patient contact to prevent spread via the contact route.

How long should a CNA rub hands together with soap and water during proper hand hygiene?

Answer: At least 20 seconds

The CDC recommends scrubbing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove pathogens.

A CNA is removing a face shield after caring for a patient. Which part of the shield should they avoid touching?

Answer: The outer front surface of the shield

The outer front surface of the face shield is considered contaminated and must not be touched during removal to prevent self-contamination.