HHA Infection Control and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of gloves should be used when a client has a latex allergy?
- Latex gloves with powder
- Nitrile gloves (Correct answer)
- Vinyl gloves with powder
- Any gloves available
Correct answer: Nitrile gloves
Nitrile gloves are the recommended alternative for clients with latex allergies because they are latex-free and durable.
Question 2: How long should an HHA scrub hands with soap and water to effectively remove pathogens?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 45 seconds
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to hum 'Happy Birthday' twice.
Question 3: What is the correct order for DONNING (putting on) PPE?
- Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
- Gown, mask/respirator, goggles, gloves (Correct answer)
- Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
- Goggles, gloves, gown, mask
Correct answer: Gown, mask/respirator, goggles, gloves
The correct donning sequence is gown first, then mask/respirator, then goggles/face shield, and finally gloves.
Question 4: When must gloves be changed during care of the same client?
- Only at the end of care
- Every 30 minutes automatically
- Between tasks when contamination risk changes (Correct answer)
- Only when they tear
Correct answer: Between tasks when contamination risk changes
Gloves must be changed between tasks on the same client when moving from a contaminated body site to a clean one.
Question 5: Which type of respiratory protection is required when caring for a client with tuberculosis (TB)?
- Surgical mask
- N95 respirator (Correct answer)
- Cloth mask
- No mask is needed
Correct answer: N95 respirator
An N95 respirator is required for TB because it filters at least 95% of airborne particles, including TB droplet nuclei.
Question 6: What is the FIRST step when doffing (removing) contaminated PPE?
- Remove the mask
- Remove the gown
- Remove gloves (Correct answer)
- Remove goggles
Correct answer: Remove gloves
Gloves are removed first because they are the most contaminated item and removing them prevents contaminating other surfaces.
Question 7: When is alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) NOT appropriate for hand hygiene?
- After removing gloves
- After contact with intact skin
- When hands are visibly soiled or after C. diff exposure (Correct answer)
- Before donning gloves
Correct answer: When hands are visibly soiled or after C. diff exposure
Visibly soiled hands and C. difficile spores require soap and water because alcohol does not effectively kill C. diff spores.
HHA Infection Control and Safety 2
Which type of gloves should be used when a client has a latex allergy?