CPCA Infection Control & Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement about alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) is correct?
- They are preferred over soap and water for visibly soiled hands
- They are effective against C. diff spores
- They should be used when soap and water are unavailable and hands are not visibly soiled (Correct answer)
- They require rinsing with water after use
Correct answer: They should be used when soap and water are unavailable and hands are not visibly soiled
ABHR is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled; soap and water must be used when hands are visibly dirty or after C. diff contact.
Question 2: A client asks the aide to recap a used syringe. The aide should:
- Recap it carefully using both hands
- Recap it using the one-handed scoop technique
- Refuse; used needles should go directly into the sharps container uncapped (Correct answer)
- Use forceps to replace the cap
Correct answer: Refuse; used needles should go directly into the sharps container uncapped
Used needles should never be recapped with two hands; the safest practice is to discard uncapped directly into a sharps container.
Question 3: What does the term 'clean technique' mean in home care?
- Using sterile gloves and sterile supplies for every procedure
- Reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level using non-sterile methods (Correct answer)
- Wearing full PPE for all client contact
- Sterilizing all equipment in an autoclave
Correct answer: Reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level using non-sterile methods
Clean technique (medical asepsis) reduces microorganism counts to safe levels and is used for most routine home care procedures.
Question 4: A client has been vomiting. After cleaning the area, how long should the aide wait before allowing others into the room if norovirus is suspected?
- 5 minutes
- 15–20 minutes
- At least 30 minutes after disinfection (Correct answer)
- No waiting period is needed
Correct answer: At least 30 minutes after disinfection
After norovirus-related cleanup with bleach disinfectant, a minimum 30-minute contact time is recommended before re-entry.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a reservoir in the chain of infection?
- A sneeze that spreads droplets
- An open wound on a client's leg (Correct answer)
- A broken skin barrier on the aide's hand
- The respiratory tract
Correct answer: An open wound on a client's leg
A reservoir is where the infectious agent lives and multiplies; an open wound harboring bacteria is a classic reservoir.
Question 6: When is it appropriate for a personal care aide to wear an N95 respirator instead of a standard surgical mask?
- When caring for any client with a fever
- When caring for a client on airborne precautions, such as active tuberculosis (Correct answer)
- During all wound care procedures
- When the client has a URI (upper respiratory infection)
Correct answer: When caring for a client on airborne precautions, such as active tuberculosis
N95 respirators are required for airborne precautions (e.g., TB, measles) because they filter out fine airborne particles that surgical masks cannot.
Question 7: A personal care aide has a fresh cut on her hand. She should:
- Continue working without modification
- Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and wear gloves during client care (Correct answer)
- Stay home until the wound is fully healed
- Only wear gloves when handling food
Correct answer: Cover the wound with a waterproof bandage and wear gloves during client care
An open wound must be covered with a waterproof bandage and gloves worn to prevent both infecting the client and exposing the aide to pathogens.
CPCA Infection Control & Safety Procedures 3
Which statement about alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) is correct?