NCMA Infection Control and Medical Asepsis 2

Question 1

What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection in infection control?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys ALL microorganisms including spores; disinfection reduces or destroys most microorganisms but not necessarily spores

Answer

Disinfection destroys all microorganisms; sterilization only reduces bacterial counts

Answer

Sterilization and disinfection are interchangeable terms

Answer

Disinfection is used for surgical instruments; sterilization is used only for surfaces

Question 2

According to CDC hand hygiene guidelines, when is it MANDATORY to use soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub?

Accepted Answer

When hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood, body fluids, or after caring for a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

Answer

After every patient contact regardless of contamination

Answer

Only when gloves are not available

Answer

When entering the facility at the start of a shift

Question 3

What personal protective equipment (PPE) combination is required when a medical assistant anticipates exposure to blood or body fluids during a procedure?

Accepted Answer

Gloves at minimum; add mask/eye protection and gown when splashing or spraying is possible

Answer

No PPE is needed if the patient is not visibly ill

Answer

Only a face mask is required for all procedures

Answer

Gloves are optional if hands will be washed afterward

Question 4

What is the purpose of the autoclave biological indicator (spore test)?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the autoclave achieved conditions sufficient to kill the most resistant microorganisms (Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores)

Answer

To measure the temperature inside the autoclave during sterilization

Answer

To indicate that the wrapping paper was the correct color after sterilization

Answer

To count the number of instruments in each load

Question 5

Which transmission-based precaution category is used for tuberculosis (TB)?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions (N95 respirator, negative pressure room)

Answer

Droplet precautions (surgical mask, private room)

Answer

Contact precautions (gown and gloves)

Answer

Standard precautions only

Question 6

What does the term 'fomite' mean in the context of infection control?

Accepted Answer

An inanimate object that can harbor and transmit infectious organisms (e.g., doorknobs, stethoscopes, examination tables)

Answer

A type of airborne pathogen

Answer

A chemical used to disinfect surfaces

Answer

A personal protective equipment item