FREE NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is considered the single most effective action to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Performing effective hand hygiene at key moments

Answer

Wearing sterile gloves for all patient contact

Answer

Placing all new admissions in isolation

Answer

Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all patients

Question 2

A nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a used needle. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Encourage gentle bleeding and wash with soap and running water

Answer

Squeeze the wound vigorously to express all blood

Answer

Immediately find and question the source patient

Answer

Apply an alcohol hand rub to the wound

Question 3

Which cleaning agent is required for environmental decontamination of a room previously occupied by a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?

Accepted Answer

A chlorine-releasing agent

Answer

Alcohol-based solution

Answer

Standard neutral detergent

Answer

Hot soapy water

Question 4

When caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA, when should a nurse remove their gloves and apron?

Accepted Answer

Just before leaving the patient's room

Answer

At the nurses' station

Answer

After performing hand hygiene

Answer

Only when they become visibly soiled

Question 5

Breaking the 'chain of infection' is a key principle of infection control. Which of the following actions targets the 'portal of entry'?

Accepted Answer

Using aseptic technique for wound dressing (portal of entry)

Answer

Isolating an infectious patient (source)

Answer

Performing hand hygiene (mode of transmission)

Answer

Ensuring staff are vaccinated (susceptible host)

Question 6

What minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a patient with suspected pandemic influenza?

Accepted Answer

Gloves, apron, fluid-resistant surgical mask, and eye protection

Answer

Gloves and apron only

Answer

FFP3 mask only

Answer

A full-body hazmat suit