Infection Control Flashcards
6 cards from real CRNI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infection Control flashcards as text
What is the purpose of antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters?
Answer: To reduce the risk of catheter colonization and CLABSI
Antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs (e.g., chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine or minocycline/rifampin) reduce bacterial colonization and CLABSI rates in high-risk settings.
Which hand hygiene method is preferred before inserting a vascular access device?
Answer: Antiseptic hand scrub or alcohol-based hand rub per WHO guidelines
WHO guidelines recommend either antiseptic hand washing or alcohol-based hand rub before vascular access device insertion, with thorough technique being more important than the specific agent.
What is the recommended practice for blood culture collection when CLABSI is suspected?
Answer: Collect paired blood cultures: one peripheral and one from each catheter lumen
Paired blood cultures (peripheral venipuncture plus catheter draw) allow comparison of differential time to positivity, helping distinguish CLABSI from contamination or other infection sources.
Which infection prevention measure should be implemented for all patients receiving parenteral nutrition through a central line?
Answer: Dedicated lumen for PN administration
A dedicated lumen should be reserved exclusively for parenteral nutrition to reduce contamination risk from multiple access points and incompatible infusions.
What role does biofilm formation play in catheter-related infections?
Answer: Biofilm protects microorganisms from antibiotics and immune defenses, making catheter infections difficult to treat
Biofilm is a complex microbial community that adheres to catheter surfaces, providing protection against antibiotics and host immune responses, often necessitating catheter removal.
When is it appropriate to use an antimicrobial lock solution in a central venous catheter?
Answer: For salvage therapy of catheter-related bloodstream infections when catheter removal is not feasible
Antimicrobial lock therapy is indicated for catheter salvage when CRBSI is confirmed but catheter removal carries significant risk or is not feasible.