NCMA Infection Control and Medical Asepsis 3

Question 1

What is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) PPE before entering an isolation room?

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene → gown → mask/respirator → eye protection → gloves

Answer

The CDC sequence for donning PPE is: hand hygiene first, then gown (cover clothing), then mask or respirator (secure to face), then eye protection, and finally gloves (pulled over gown cuffs).

Question 2

How often should a medical assistant perform hand hygiene during a patient encounter?

Accepted Answer

Before touching the patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure, after touching the patient, and after touching patient surroundings (WHO 5 Moments)

Answer

The WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene framework identifies the five critical points during patient care where hand hygiene must be performed to break the chain of infection transmission.

Question 3

Which level of disinfection is required for items that contact intact mucous membranes but do not penetrate sterile tissue?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection (kills all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores)

Answer

Per the Spaulding Classification, semi-critical items (contact with mucous membranes, such as vaginal specula, laryngoscope blades, respiratory therapy equipment) require high-level disinfection at minimum, achieved with glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, or hydrogen peroxide.

Question 4

What is the purpose of maintaining a 'clean-to-dirty' workflow in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination by ensuring clean supplies and equipment always move away from contaminated areas and are never returned to clean storage

Answer

Clean-to-dirty workflow is an infection control principle that ensures contaminated items never flow back toward clean storage areas; this spatial separation reduces environmental contamination and breaks the chain of infection.

Question 5

What does MRSA stand for, and what type of precaution is required for a patient colonized with MRSA?

Accepted Answer

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; contact precautions (gown and gloves)

Answer

MRSA is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics; it spreads primarily through direct contact, requiring contact precautions (gown and gloves) and dedicated or disinfected equipment.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA Infection Control and Medical Asepsis 3