Infection Control & Safety Procedures Flashcards
6 cards from real HCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infection Control & Safety Procedures flashcards as text
What is the purpose of 'cohorting' residents during an infectious disease outbreak in a care facility?
Answer: Grouping residents with the same confirmed infection together in one area to prevent spreading the infection to unaffected residents
Cohorting groups infected residents and dedicated staff together, preventing cross-contamination with non-infected residents during an outbreak.
What special precaution should an HCA take when making an occupied bed to prevent infection transmission?
Answer: Work systematically from head to foot on one side then the other; hold linen away from uniform; avoid shaking and roll soiled linen inward before bagging
Systematic technique, holding linen away from the body, and no-shaking rules prevent pathogen dispersal during occupied bed making.
Which of the following personal hygiene practices is most important for HCAs to maintain to reduce infection transmission at work?
Answer: Keeping fingernails short and clean, avoiding artificial nails, and removing hand jewellery before providing care
Short, clean natural nails and no hand jewellery are essential because artificial nails and jewellery harbour pathogens and compromise glove seal.
A blood spill occurs on a vinyl floor in the resident's room. What is the correct decontamination sequence?
Answer: Don gloves and appropriate PPE; absorb the bulk spill with disposable absorbent material; clean the area with detergent and water; apply a facility-approved disinfectant; dispose of all materials; remove PPE; perform hand hygiene
Organic material (blood) inactivates many disinfectants; pre-cleaning before disinfection ensures effective pathogen elimination.
What does 'respiratory etiquette' mean and why is it important in a long-term care setting?
Answer: Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, disposing of tissues immediately, and performing hand hygiene afterward to prevent pathogen dispersal
Respiratory etiquette contains droplets and respiratory particles from spreading infection in a vulnerable population environment.
How does an HCA apply 'routine practices' when caring for a resident with no known infectious conditions?
Answer: Treat every resident's blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis; use appropriate PPE based on anticipated contact
Routine practices apply universally to all residents regardless of known infection status, as undiagnosed infections are common.