GAMSAT Safety and Infection Control 2

Question 1

A nurse prepares to insert a urinary catheter. Which action best reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)?

Accepted Answer

Use a closed drainage system and maintain the bag below bladder level

Answer

Closed drainage systems with dependent positioning prevent retrograde bacterial contamination.

Question 2

Which transmission-based precaution category is required for a patient diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis spreads via airborne droplet nuclei (<5 µm) requiring negative-pressure isolation and N95 respirators.

Question 3

A healthcare worker sustains a needlestick from a patient known to be HIV-positive. What is the recommended first step?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Answer

The first step is thorough wound washing with soap and water to reduce inoculum before any reporting or prophylaxis.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a safety data sheet (SDS) in a healthcare environment?

Accepted Answer

Provides information on hazardous chemical properties, handling, and emergency measures

Answer

SDS (formerly MSDS) documents chemical hazards, safe handling procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response.

Question 5

A patient on contact precautions requires transport to radiology. Which measure is most important during transport?

Accepted Answer

The patient should wear a clean gown and the wound covered before leaving the room

Answer

Covering wounds and dressing the patient limits environmental contamination during necessary transport outside isolation.

(GAMSAT) Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Practice Test