CPC Infection Control and Communicable Disease Prevention 3

Question 1

What is the minimum recommended duration for hand washing with soap and water to be effective at removing transient pathogens?

Accepted Answer

20 seconds

Answer

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (approximately the time it takes to hum 'Happy Birthday' twice) to effectively remove pathogens.

Question 2

A community paramedic suspects a homebound patient has a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which finding would most support this suspicion?

Accepted Answer

Watery, foul-smelling diarrhea with recent antibiotic use

Answer

C. diff infection classically presents with watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequently following antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora.

Question 3

After a needlestick injury involving a potentially HIV-positive patient, what is the FIRST action the community paramedic should take?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Answer

The first action after a needlestick is to immediately wash the wound with soap and water, followed by reporting and evaluation for PEP within 72 hours.

Question 4

HIV transmission can occur through which of the following routes?

Accepted Answer

Unprotected sexual contact and sharing of needles

Answer

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, blood transfusions with infected blood, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

Question 5

Which isolation precautions are most appropriate for a patient with active varicella (chickenpox)?

Accepted Answer

Both airborne and contact precautions

Answer

Varicella requires both airborne precautions (due to aerosolized virus) and contact precautions (due to infectious skin lesions), making it one of the few diseases requiring two types.

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

CPC Infection Control and Communicable Disease Prevention 3