CNA Infection Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident on droplet precautions needs to be transported to another department. The CNA should:
- Place a surgical mask on the resident during transport (Correct answer)
- Place an N95 respirator on the resident
- Transport the resident without any mask
- Cancel the transport until precautions are lifted
Correct answer: Place a surgical mask on the resident during transport
During transport, a resident on droplet precautions should wear a surgical mask to contain respiratory droplets and protect others in the hallway.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'chain of infection'?
- The sequence of elements needed for an infection to spread from one host to another (Correct answer)
- The list of antibiotics used to treat infections
- The process of sterilizing medical equipment
- The order in which symptoms appear during illness
Correct answer: The sequence of elements needed for an infection to spread from one host to another
The chain of infection is a model describing six links—pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host—that must all be present for infection to occur.
Question 3: A CNA accidentally gets blood splashed into their eyes. The first action should be:
- Flush the eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Report to the charge nurse before doing anything else
- Apply antibiotic eye drops
- Wipe the eyes with a clean cloth and continue working
Correct answer: Flush the eyes immediately with water for 15 minutes
Immediate flushing of the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes is the first step after a mucous membrane exposure to blood or body fluids.
Question 4: Which of the following actions breaks the chain of infection at the 'susceptible host' link?
- Ensuring residents receive recommended vaccinations (Correct answer)
- Wearing gloves when handling body fluids
- Covering a cough with a tissue
- Disposing of sharps in a puncture-resistant container
Correct answer: Ensuring residents receive recommended vaccinations
Vaccinations strengthen the host's immune defenses, making residents less susceptible to infection and breaking the chain at the susceptible host link.
Question 5: When is it appropriate to double-bag infectious waste?
- When the outer surface of the first bag is contaminated or the bag is leaking (Correct answer)
- Every time any waste is discarded
- Only when the bag contains sharps
- When the bag is more than halfway full
Correct answer: When the outer surface of the first bag is contaminated or the bag is leaking
Double-bagging is indicated when the outer surface of the primary bag is visibly contaminated or the integrity of the bag is compromised to prevent leakage during handling.
Question 6: A resident develops a rash after contact with another resident's wound drainage. Which mode of transmission occurred?
- Direct contact transmission (Correct answer)
- Airborne transmission
- Vector-borne transmission
- Common vehicle transmission
Correct answer: Direct contact transmission
Direct contact transmission occurs when infectious material is physically transferred from one person to another through touch or body-to-body contact.
Question 7: Which practice is part of 'respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette' recommended by the CDC?
- Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then performing hand hygiene (Correct answer)
- Coughing into the open air to disperse droplets quickly
- Wearing an N95 for all resident interactions
- Holding the breath when around others with a cough
Correct answer: Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then performing hand hygiene
CDC respiratory hygiene guidelines recommend covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, disposing of the tissue, and immediately performing hand hygiene.
CNA Infection Control 5
A resident on droplet precautions needs to be transported to another department.
The CNA should: