GAMSAT Safety and Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A ward experiences a cluster of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections. Which hand hygiene agent is most effective against C. diff spores?
- Alcohol-based hand rub
- Chlorhexidine-based surgical scrub
- Soap and water with friction (Correct answer)
- Povidone-iodine hand wash
Correct answer: Soap and water with friction
C. diff produces spores resistant to alcohol; soap and water with friction physically removes spores from hands.
Question 2: During a surgical procedure, the scrub nurse accidentally touches an unsterile surface with a gloved hand. What is the correct response?
- Continue the procedure but document the break in sterile technique
- Change gloves only if the hand is visibly contaminated
- Immediately change gloves and the contaminated instrument (Correct answer)
- Apply antiseptic to the glove surface and continue
Correct answer: Immediately change gloves and the contaminated instrument
Any break in sterile technique requires immediate correction by changing gloves and replacing any contaminated instruments.
Question 3: Which of the following isolation room requirements is specific to airborne precautions?
- Positive pressure ventilation with HEPA filtration
- Negative pressure ventilation with at least 12 air changes per hour (Correct answer)
- Sealed room with UV-C decontamination lighting
- Standard room with door kept closed
Correct answer: Negative pressure ventilation with at least 12 air changes per hour
Airborne isolation requires negative pressure rooms with high air-change rates to prevent infectious particles from escaping into the corridor.
Question 4: A healthcare facility implements a bundle approach to prevent central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Which element is NOT part of the standard CLABSI prevention bundle?
- Hand hygiene before line insertion
- Maximum sterile barrier precautions during insertion
- Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis
- Routine line replacement every 72 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Routine line replacement every 72 hours
Routine scheduled line replacement is not evidence-based and is not part of the CLABSI bundle; lines should be removed when no longer needed.
Question 5: What is the primary risk associated with reusing single-use medical devices (SUDs) without reprocessing?
- Increased device cost
- Residual protein contamination leading to infection transmission (Correct answer)
- Voiding manufacturer warranty
- Non-compliance with billing regulations
Correct answer: Residual protein contamination leading to infection transmission
SUDs may retain protein deposits after use that are difficult to remove, creating a risk of transmitting prions and other pathogens.
Question 6: A healthcare worker developing a productive cough and fever should take which action before providing direct patient care?
- Wear a surgical mask and continue normal duties
- Report to occupational health and be assessed before working (Correct answer)
- Increase hand hygiene frequency and continue duties
- Self-isolate only if diagnosed with influenza
Correct answer: Report to occupational health and be assessed before working
Symptomatic healthcare workers must be assessed by occupational health to prevent transmission to vulnerable patients before returning to duty.
Question 7: Which type of PPE is specifically designed to protect against bloodborne pathogen splashes to the face?
- N95 respirator
- Surgical mask alone
- Face shield or goggles combined with a mask (Correct answer)
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
Correct answer: Face shield or goggles combined with a mask
Face shields or goggles combined with a mask protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from blood and body fluid splashes.
GAMSAT Safety and Infection Control 3
A ward experiences a cluster of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections.
Which hand hygiene agent is most effective against C. diff spores?