Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

Which statement about alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is TRUE?

Answer: ABHR is preferred over soap and water unless hands are visibly soiled or C. diff is suspected

ABHRs are effective for most pathogens and are preferred when hands are not visibly soiled, but soap and water must be used for C. difficile and visible contamination.

A nursing assistant is preparing to perform perineal care on a female resident. In which direction should cleansing strokes be made?

Answer: Front to back

Cleansing front to back (from the urethral meatus toward the rectum) prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra and reducing UTI risk.

What is the purpose of wearing a gown when providing care under contact precautions?

Answer: To protect clothing from becoming contaminated with infectious organisms

Gowns act as a barrier to prevent transfer of microorganisms from the patient's environment to the nursing assistant's clothing and then to other patients.

A resident's oxygen concentrator alarm sounds and the resident appears short of breath. The nursing assistant should:

Answer: Check the tubing for kinks, ensure the machine is plugged in, and immediately notify the nurse

A quick equipment check followed by immediate nurse notification ensures the resident receives timely clinical evaluation for a potentially life-threatening situation.

Which resident is at HIGHEST risk for developing a pressure injury?

Answer: A resident who is bedridden, incontinent, and has poor circulation

Immobility, incontinence, and poor circulation are major risk factors for pressure injuries as they lead to prolonged pressure and skin breakdown.

When a nursing assistant observes signs of a possible stroke in a resident (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), the correct action is to:

Answer: Call for the nurse immediately and note the time symptoms began

Stroke is a medical emergency where time is critical; immediately alerting the nurse and noting symptom onset time enables faster life-saving treatment decisions.

Which of the following actions breaks the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?

Answer: Wearing gloves and washing hands between patient contacts

Hand hygiene and barrier precautions interrupt the pathway by which pathogens travel from reservoir to host, directly breaking the mode of transmission link.