CPCA Infection Control & Safety Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which action breaks the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?
- Vaccinating the client against influenza
- Isolating a client with active TB
- Wearing gloves when handling soiled linens (Correct answer)
- Treating an infected wound with antibiotics
Correct answer: Wearing gloves when handling soiled linens
Wearing gloves when handling soiled linens interrupts the mode of transmission (contact), breaking the chain before the pathogen can reach a new host.
Question 2: How should soiled linen from an infected client be handled?
- Shaken out to remove debris before placing in the hamper
- Carried close to the body to prevent dropping
- Rolled or folded with contaminated side inward and placed directly into a laundry bag (Correct answer)
- Rinsed in the client's sink before laundering
Correct answer: Rolled or folded with contaminated side inward and placed directly into a laundry bag
Soiled linen should be rolled with the dirty side inward and placed directly in a laundry bag to minimize surface contamination and pathogen spread.
Question 3: A client is on droplet precautions. The aide is working within 3 feet of the client. What PPE is required?
- N95 respirator and gloves
- Surgical mask and gloves (Correct answer)
- Gown and gloves only
- Eye protection only
Correct answer: Surgical mask and gloves
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask (and gloves) when within 3–6 feet of the client; an N95 is not required for droplet-spread illnesses.
Question 4: What is the minimum number of seconds recommended for effective handwashing?
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 45 seconds
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing all surfaces of hands for at least 20 seconds — roughly the time it takes to hum 'Happy Birthday' twice.
Question 5: An aide accidentally receives a needlestick injury at a client's home. The first action should be:
- Apply a tourniquet above the injury site
- Immediately wash the site with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply iodine directly to the puncture
- Squeeze the wound to make it bleed more
Correct answer: Immediately wash the site with soap and water
The first response to a needlestick is to wash the site thoroughly with soap and water, then report the exposure to the supervisor immediately.
Question 6: Which of the following is considered a 'susceptible host' in the chain of infection?
- A healthy 30-year-old aide with all vaccinations current
- An elderly client with diabetes and a healing leg ulcer (Correct answer)
- A client who recently recovered from the same infection
- A client receiving antibiotic therapy for an active infection
Correct answer: An elderly client with diabetes and a healing leg ulcer
A susceptible host has reduced defenses; advanced age, diabetes, and open wounds all impair the immune response, increasing infection risk.
Question 7: What should a personal care aide do with reusable equipment (e.g., a blood pressure cuff) after using it on a client on contact precautions?
- Store it in the hallway for the next caregiver
- Wipe it down with a facility-approved disinfectant before leaving the room (Correct answer)
- Place it in a biohazard bag for disposal
- Rinse it with hot water only
Correct answer: Wipe it down with a facility-approved disinfectant before leaving the room
Reusable equipment must be disinfected with an approved disinfectant before it leaves the client's room to prevent cross-contamination.
CPCA Infection Control & Safety Procedures 4
Which action breaks the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?