Free NCMA Infection Control and Medical Asepsis Questions and Answers

Question 1

In the chain of infection, which link is broken by proper hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Mode of Transmission

Answer

Proper hand hygiene, including handwashing and using alcohol-based rubs, directly interrupts the mode of transmission. This prevents pathogens from being carried from a reservoir or source to a susceptible host.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary goal of medical asepsis?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the number of pathogens and prevent their spread.

Answer

Medical asepsis, also known as 'clean technique,' aims to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their spread. It does not eliminate all microorganisms, which is the goal of surgical asepsis (sterilization).

Question 3

The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores, is called:

Accepted Answer

Sterilization

Answer

Sterilization is the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial spores. Disinfection eliminates many pathogens but not necessarily spores, while sanitization simply lowers microbial counts to safe levels.

Question 4

According to Standard Precautions, when should a medical assistant wear gloves?

Accepted Answer

When anticipating contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.

Answer

Standard Precautions dictate that healthcare workers should assume all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes are potentially infectious. Therefore, gloves should be worn whenever there is a risk of contact with these substances.

Question 5

A medical assistant accidentally sticks themselves with a used needle. What is the first step they should take?

Accepted Answer

Wash the area with soap and water.

Answer

The immediate priority after a needlestick injury is to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. This helps to remove any potential contaminants from the surface of the skin before reporting the incident and seeking medical evaluation.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

Free NCMA Infection Control and Medical Asepsis Questions and Answers