CPNRE Infection Prevention and Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse is caring for a client on droplet precautions. Which statement about surgical masks is CORRECT?
- A surgical mask must be fit-tested annually
- A surgical mask protects against airborne particles smaller than 1 micron
- A surgical mask should be worn within 1 metre (3 feet) of the client (Correct answer)
- A surgical mask may be reused across multiple clients if not visibly soiled
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.
Question 2: Which of the following is classified as a critical item requiring STERILIZATION before reuse?
- Blood pressure cuff
- Bedpan
- Laryngoscope blade (Correct answer)
- Stethoscope
Correct answer: Laryngoscope blade
Laryngoscope blades are critical items that penetrate sterile tissue or enter the vascular system and must be sterilized between uses.
Question 3: A nurse is donning PPE before entering a contact precaution room. What is the CORRECT order of donning?
- Gloves → gown → mask → eye protection
- Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves (Correct answer)
- Mask → gloves → gown → eye protection
- Eye protection → gown → gloves → mask
Correct 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).
Question 4: A client is placed on protective (neutropenic) isolation. The PRIMARY purpose of this precaution is to:
- Prevent the client from spreading infection to staff
- Protect a highly immunocompromised client from exogenous pathogens (Correct answer)
- Contain antibiotic-resistant organisms within the room
- Reduce the risk of droplet transmission from visitors
Correct 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.
Question 5: During an outbreak of scabies in a long-term care unit, which measure is MOST important for preventing spread to other residents?
- Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all residents
- Placing all affected residents on contact precautions and treating simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Closing the unit to new admissions for 48 hours only
- Applying permethrin cream to all staff members regardless of symptoms
Correct 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.
Question 6: When should alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) NOT be used as the primary method of hand hygiene?
- After removing gloves following routine care
- Before inserting a peripheral IV catheter
- When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids (Correct answer)
- After touching the client's intact skin
Correct 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.
Question 7: A nurse discovers that a single-use vial of insulin has been accessed for multiple clients on the unit. What is the priority response?
- Discard the vial and document the error only
- Notify the infection control practitioner and conduct a risk assessment for all exposed clients (Correct answer)
- Re-label the vial as multi-dose and continue use
- Report only if a client develops symptoms of infection
Correct 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.
CPNRE Infection Prevention and Control 5
A nurse is caring for a client on droplet precautions.
Which statement about surgical masks is CORRECT?