Free HHA Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers 2 Flashcards

The most effective way to prevent the spread of infection is:

Answer: Washing hands thoroughly and frequently

Proper hand hygiene — washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand rub — is the single most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Standard precautions apply to:

Answer: All patients regardless of diagnosis

Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious for every patient, preventing unknown transmission.

A patient has been diagnosed with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). What additional precaution is typically required?

Answer: Contact precautions — gown and gloves when entering the room

MRSA is transmitted by direct contact. Contact precautions (gown + gloves on entry, removing before exit) contain the organism and prevent spread to other patients or staff.

Used sharps (needles, lancets) should be disposed of in:

Answer: A puncture-resistant sharps container

Puncture-resistant sharps containers prevent needlestick injuries. Placing sharps in regular trash bags is dangerous and illegal in most jurisdictions.

An aide should change gloves:

Answer: Between tasks on the same patient if moving from a contaminated area to a clean area

Changing gloves between tasks (e.g., from perineal care to wound care) prevents cross-contamination. Wearing one pair throughout a visit spreads pathogens.

Which of the following is the correct order of donning (putting on) PPE?

Answer: Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves

The correct donning order is: gown → mask/respirator → eye protection/face shield → gloves. This sequence ensures each item is correctly secured before the next potentially contaminated item is added.