Practice Test Geeks(FFICM) Final Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine Practice Test
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Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

7 cards from real FFICM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Safety and Infection Control flashcards as text

  1. Which decontamination method is required for flexible bronchoscopes between patient uses?

    Answer: High-level disinfection (e.g., glutaraldehyde or automated endoscope reprocessor)

    Flexible bronchoscopes are semi-critical items requiring high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms except bacterial spores.

  2. According to the Spaulding classification, a laryngoscope blade used for intubation is classified as:

    Answer: Semi-critical

    Laryngoscope blades contact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical items requiring at minimum high-level disinfection.

  3. A cluster of MRSA infections occurs in the ICU. After implementing contact precautions, which additional measure is most likely to identify the source?

    Answer: Environmental cultures of high-touch surfaces

    Environmental cultures of high-touch surfaces can identify MRSA reservoirs and guide targeted cleaning in outbreak investigations.

  4. In ICU patients, subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) endotracheal tubes primarily prevent VAP by which mechanism?

    Answer: Removing pooled secretions above the cuff that otherwise microaspirate

    SSD tubes have a port above the cuff that continuously or intermittently aspirates secretions, preventing their microaspiration into the lower airways.

  5. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a patient with confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis?

    Answer: Fit-tested N95 respirator, gloves, gown, and eye protection in a negative-pressure room

    Pulmonary TB is transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei; a fit-tested N95 or higher respirator and negative-pressure room are mandatory.

  6. What is the recommended maximum duration of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dwell before mandatory replacement to reduce infection risk?

    Answer: There is no evidence-based time limit; replace only if clinically indicated

    Current CDC guidelines do not recommend routine scheduled replacement of PICCs; catheters should be removed only when clinically indicated.

  7. During a confirmed outbreak of norovirus in the ICU, which disinfectant is most appropriate for environmental decontamination?

    Answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at ≥1000 ppm

    Norovirus is resistant to many common disinfectants; sodium hypochlorite at ≥1000 ppm (0.1%) is effective against non-enveloped viruses.

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Sources & references

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  1. ficm.ac.uk — Exam dates, fees, registration deadline, registration, retake policy, score release, test delivery, eligibility, late registration, passing score · verified Oct 2026