General CNA Practice Infection Control and Prevention Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is on Contact Precautions for a C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection. After providing care and removing gloves, what is the CNA's MOST important action?
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash hands vigorously with soap and water. (Correct answer)
- Put on a new pair of gloves immediately.
- Wipe hands with a disinfectant cloth.
Correct answer: Wash hands vigorously with soap and water.
C. diff forms spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The friction from thoroughly washing hands with soap and water is essential to physically remove the spores and prevent transmission.
Question 2: Which of the following represents the single most effective practice for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
- Wearing a gown for all resident interactions.
- Placing residents with infections in private rooms.
- Performing consistent and proper hand hygiene. (Correct answer)
- Using dedicated equipment for each resident.
Correct answer: Performing consistent and proper hand hygiene.
According to the CDC, proper hand hygiene is the most important, easiest, and least expensive means of preventing the spread of infection. While other options are important infection control measures, they are secondary to consistent hand hygiene.
Question 3: A CNA is preparing to enter the room of a resident who is on Droplet Precautions. What is the correct sequence for putting on (donning) the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
- Gloves, Gown, Mask, Goggles
- Mask, Gown, Goggles, Gloves
- Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves (Correct answer)
- Goggles, Gloves, Mask, Gown
Correct answer: Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves
The CDC recommends donning PPE in an order that moves from cleanest to least clean areas, generally from the body up. The correct sequence is Gown first, followed by Mask, then Goggles or face shield, and finally Gloves.
Question 4: When handling a resident's soiled bed linens, which action by the CNA demonstrates correct application of medical asepsis principles?
- Shaking the linens to remove loose debris before bagging them.
- Placing the soiled linens on a chair while finishing the bed change.
- Holding the linens close to the uniform to prevent dropping them.
- Rolling the linens with the soiled side inward and holding them away from the body. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rolling the linens with the soiled side inward and holding them away from the body.
To prevent the spread of microorganisms, soiled linens should be rolled to contain the contaminants and held away from the CNA's uniform. Shaking linens aerosolizes pathogens, placing them on furniture contaminates surfaces, and holding them against the body contaminates the uniform.
Question 5: Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices that should be used when caring for which residents?
- Only residents who have a known communicable disease.
- Only residents who are in isolation.
- All residents, regardless of their diagnosis or infection status. (Correct answer)
- Only residents who have compromised immune systems.
Correct answer: All residents, regardless of their diagnosis or infection status.
Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. Therefore, they must be used for the care of all residents at all times.
Question 6: A CNA sustains a minor puncture wound from a used disposable razor while cleaning a resident's bedside table. What is the CNA's immediate action?
- Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water. (Correct answer)
- Immediately find and report the incident to the charge nurse.
- Cover the wound with a bandage and continue with duties.
- Ask the resident about any known bloodborne illnesses.
Correct answer: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water.
The immediate priority and first aid step for a sharps injury is to wash the wound with soap and water to help remove any potential pathogens. Reporting the incident and follow-up care are crucial subsequent steps, but initial wound cleansing should not be delayed.
General CNA Practice Infection Control and Prevention Questions and Answers 1
A resident is on Contact Precautions for a C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection.
After providing care and removing gloves, what is the CNA's MOST important action?