DHA Infection Control & Prevention 2

Question 1

A patient in the ICU develops fever, purulent discharge from a central venous catheter site, and positive blood cultures 5 days after CVC insertion.
What is this complication called and what is the primary prevention strategy?

Accepted Answer

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI); strict aseptic technique and central line bundle

Answer

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI); use silver-coated catheters

Answer

Surgical Site Infection (SSI); prophylactic antibiotics

Answer

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP); head-of-bed elevation

Question 2

According to WHO guidelines on hand hygiene in healthcare settings, what are the 'Five Moments for Hand Hygiene'?

Accepted Answer

Before patient contact; before aseptic procedures; after body fluid exposure; after patient contact; after touching patient surroundings

Answer

Before entering a room; after leaving a room; before meals; after toileting; before procedures

Answer

When hands are visibly dirty; before surgery; after patient death; at shift change; after PPE removal

Answer

Before and after every procedure; at the start and end of each shift; after eating

Question 3

A patient is admitted with confirmed MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) pneumonia. What transmission-based precautions should be implemented?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions (gloves, gown) plus standard precautions

Answer

Standard precautions only

Answer

Droplet precautions (surgical mask, eye protection)

Answer

Airborne precautions (N95 respirator, negative pressure room)

Question 4

In the context of sterilization and disinfection, which method achieves the highest level of microbial kill, including all bacterial spores?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization (steam autoclave or ethylene oxide)

Answer

High-level disinfection with glutaraldehyde

Answer

Pasteurization

Answer

Low-level disinfection with quaternary ammonium compounds

Question 5

An outbreak of gastroenteritis affecting 15 patients in a ward is suspected to be caused by Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which measure is critical to stop transmission that differs from standard contact precautions?

Accepted Answer

Handwashing with soap and water (not alcohol gel) is mandatory

Answer

Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead of soap and water

Answer

Use of N95 respirators

Answer

Negative pressure room for all patients

Question 6

Healthcare workers in Dubai who sustain a needlestick injury from a patient of unknown HIV status should follow which protocol?

Accepted Answer

Assess source patient risk, report immediately, and start PEP within 72 hours if indicated

Answer

No action needed unless the patient is known HIV-positive

Answer

Immediately start 28-day post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in all cases

Answer

Wait for HIV test result before deciding on PEP