Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards
7 cards from real CNOR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Prevention and Control flashcards as text
What is the minimum required concentration of isopropyl alcohol for a waterless alcohol-based surgical hand rub to be considered effective?
Answer: 60–95% alcohol
The CDC recommends alcohol-based hand hygiene products containing 60–95% alcohol for effective antimicrobial activity.
In the OR, which surface is considered a critical zone requiring the highest level of environmental decontamination between cases?
Answer: The operating table and immediately surrounding sterile field areas
The operating table and areas directly involved in patient contact are critical zones requiring thorough terminal decontamination between cases.
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive flexible endoscopes used in the OR?
Answer: Low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (Sterrad) or ethylene oxide (EtO)
Heat-sensitive devices like flexible endoscopes require low-temperature sterilization methods such as hydrogen peroxide plasma or EtO.
A scrub person's sterile gown is torn above the elbow during a case. What is the correct action?
Answer: Immediately leave the sterile field, change the gown, and re-glove before returning
A torn or wet gown is no longer considered sterile and requires immediate replacement before the team member can continue in the sterile field.
Which action is required when a sterile package is found with a small hole or tear before opening?
Answer: The package must be considered contaminated and returned to SPD for reprocessing
Any compromised packaging — holes, tears, moisture, or missing seals — renders the item non-sterile and it must be reprocessed.
What does the Spaulding classification system categorize as 'critical' items requiring sterilization?
Answer: Items that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system
Critical items contact sterile body tissue or the bloodstream and carry the highest infection risk, requiring sterilization before use.
Which transmission-based precaution category applies to diseases spread by large respiratory droplets such as influenza?
Answer: Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions are used for pathogens transmitted via large droplets (>5 µm) that travel short distances, such as influenza.