Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

A nurse is caring for a client on droplet precautions. Which statement about surgical masks is CORRECT?

Answer: A surgical mask should be worn within 1 metre (3 feet) of the client

Surgical masks are recommended when within 1 metre of a client on droplet precautions to block large respiratory droplets.

Which of the following is classified as a critical item requiring STERILIZATION before reuse?

Answer: Laryngoscope blade

Laryngoscope blades are critical items that penetrate sterile tissue or enter the vascular system and must be sterilized between uses.

A nurse is donning PPE before entering a contact precaution room. What is the CORRECT order of donning?

Answer: Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves

The correct order for donning PPE is gown first, then mask, then eye protection, then gloves (gloves last to minimize contamination of other PPE).

A client is placed on protective (neutropenic) isolation. The PRIMARY purpose of this precaution is to:

Answer: Protect a highly immunocompromised client from exogenous pathogens

Protective isolation safeguards severely immunocompromised clients (e.g., post-bone marrow transplant) from environmental and exogenous pathogens.

During an outbreak of scabies in a long-term care unit, which measure is MOST important for preventing spread to other residents?

Answer: Placing all affected residents on contact precautions and treating simultaneously

Simultaneous treatment of all affected residents combined with contact precautions prevents re-infestation and interrupts the transmission cycle.

When should alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) NOT be used as the primary method of hand hygiene?

Answer: When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids

ABHR is ineffective when hands are visibly soiled; soap and water must be used to physically remove organic material and pathogens like C. diff spores.

A nurse discovers that a single-use vial of insulin has been accessed for multiple clients on the unit. What is the priority response?

Answer: Notify the infection control practitioner and conduct a risk assessment for all exposed clients

Reuse of single-use vials creates a bloodborne pathogen exposure risk; the infection control practitioner must be notified immediately to assess and manage risk for all potentially affected clients.