FREE CNA Safety and Infection Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the first step a CNA should take to prevent the spread of infection?

Accepted Answer

Perform hand hygiene

Answer

Hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub) is the first and most important step to prevent the spread of infection. It should be done before and after contact with patients, after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching any potentially contaminated surfaces. Gloves, gowns, and hand sanitizers are additional measures but do not replace proper hand hygiene.

Question 2

When should a CNA wear gloves?

Accepted Answer

When giving a bed bath

Answer

Gloves should be worn when there is a potential for coming into contact with bodily fluids, such as during a bed bath, when changing bed linens for an incontinent patient, or when performing oral care. Measuring blood pressure and feeding a patient typically do not require gloves unless the patient has an open wound or bodily fluid exposure risk.

Question 3

A CNA is cleaning a patient’s room after discharge. What is the proper way to handle the soiled linens?

Accepted Answer

Hold the soiled linens away from your uniform and place them in the designated laundry bin

Answer

Soiled linens should always be handled carefully to prevent contamination. CNAs should avoid shaking linens, as this can spread germs through the air. They should also avoid placing them on the floor, as it can lead to contamination of surfaces. Linens should be held away from the CNA’s uniform and placed in the proper laundry bin immediately.

Question 4

Which of the following is an important step when applying personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Remove gloves first when taking off PPE

Answer

When removing PPE, gloves should be removed first because they are most likely to be contaminated. After removing gloves, the gown, mask, and eye protection can be removed in a way that minimizes contamination. PPE should always be disposed of in designated biohazard containers, not regular trash bins. The mask should always cover both the mouth and nose.

Question 5

A CNA observes a spill on the floor in a patient’s room. What should they do first?

Accepted Answer

Place a wet floor sign and clean up the spill immediately

Answer

Safety is a priority, and spills can cause patients, staff, and visitors to slip and fall. The CNA should first place a wet floor sign to alert others to the hazard, then clean up the spill immediately if it's safe to do so. If the spill involves a hazardous substance (e.g., chemicals or bodily fluids), follow facility protocol for proper cleanup and call housekeeping if necessary.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

FREE CNA Safety and Infection Control Questions and Answers