MRCPsych Safety and Infection Control 5

Question 1

Which of the following hand hygiene moments described in the WHO '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' applies BEFORE touching a patient?

Accepted Answer

Moment 1

Answer

WHO Moment 1 ('Before touching a patient') requires hand hygiene to protect the patient from pathogens carried on healthcare workers' hands.

Question 2

A psychiatric patient is brought to the emergency department following an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants. Which cardiac monitoring finding is MOST concerning for imminent arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

QRS duration >100 ms and QTc prolongation

Answer

TCA overdose causes sodium channel blockade, manifesting as QRS widening (>100 ms) and QTc prolongation, which predict life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Question 3

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, what is the primary duty of a psychiatric trust as an employer regarding staff safety?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe working environment, safe systems of work, and adequate information and training, so far as is reasonably practicable

Answer

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, a safe workplace and safe systems of work for employees.

Question 4

A psychiatric nurse uses a sharps bin that is already three-quarters full and suffers a needlestick injury when trying to add a used needle. What safety principle was violated?

Accepted Answer

Overfilling the sharps container beyond the maximum fill line (typically 3/4 full)

Answer

Sharps containers should be sealed and replaced when they reach the fill line (approximately 3/4 full) to prevent needlestick injuries from overfilling.

Question 5

A newly admitted inpatient psychiatric patient is suspected to have influenza during a local outbreak. Which combination of isolation precautions is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Droplet precautions (surgical mask within 1 metre) plus standard precautions

Answer

Influenza spreads via respiratory droplets; droplet precautions (surgical mask when within 1 metre) in addition to standard precautions are recommended for routine influenza cases.

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

(MRCPsych) Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Practice Test

MRCPsych Safety and Infection Control 5