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
Which catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) prevention bundle element has the strongest evidence?
Answer: Maximal sterile barrier precautions during insertion
Maximal sterile barrier precautions (cap, mask, gown, gloves, full drape) during central line insertion is a core evidence-based bundle element reducing CRBSI.
A patient develops fever on day 5 post-intubation. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is suspected. Which criterion is required for VAP diagnosis?
Answer: New or progressive radiographic infiltrate plus clinical signs of infection
VAP diagnosis requires new or progressive pulmonary infiltrate on imaging combined with at least two of: fever, leukocytosis, and purulent secretions.
In a patient with a suspected healthcare-associated infection (HAI), what is the preferred specimen timing for blood cultures?
Answer: Immediately before initiating empirical antibiotics
Blood cultures should be drawn before antibiotics are given to maximize yield and avoid false-negative results.
Which isolation precaution is required for a patient colonized with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)?
Answer: Contact precautions
CRE is transmitted via direct or indirect contact, so contact precautions (gloves and gown) are required.
What is the primary benefit of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) daily bathing in ICU patients?
Answer: Reduces healthcare-associated bloodstream infections
Daily CHG bathing reduces skin bacterial burden and is associated with decreased rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs).
Which intervention is MOST effective in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
Answer: Maintaining a closed sterile drainage system and daily catheter need review
Maintaining a closed drainage system and performing daily review to remove unnecessary catheters is the most effective CAUTI prevention strategy.
A nurse notices that the alcohol hand rub dispenser is empty during a busy shift. According to hand hygiene guidelines, what is the appropriate action?
Answer: Report and replace the dispenser; use soap and water as interim
Dispensers must be replaced promptly; soap and water is an acceptable interim substitute, and hand hygiene must not be omitted.
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