Infection Control and Prevention Flashcards

What is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections?

Answer: Hand hygiene performed at the correct moments

Hand hygiene is consistently identified as the most effective single intervention for preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections across all settings.

Which organism is most commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in New Zealand hospital settings?

Answer: Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA

Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is among the most common causes of HAIs in New Zealand, particularly wound and bloodstream infections.

According to standard precautions, when should a nurse wear gloves?

Answer: When there is potential contact with blood, bodily fluids, or non-intact skin

Standard precautions require gloves whenever there is potential contact with blood, bodily fluids, secretions, excretions, or non-intact skin, regardless of the patient's known infection status.

What is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer: Gown, mask or respirator, eye protection, gloves

The correct donning order is gown first, then mask or respirator, followed by eye protection, and finally gloves, so that each layer is secured before the next is applied.

A patient is diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Which hand hygiene approach is specifically required when caring for this patient?

Answer: Soap and water hand washing is required

C. difficile produces spores that are not inactivated by alcohol-based hand rubs, so soap and water hand washing is required to mechanically remove spores from the hands.

The chain of infection has six links that must all be present for infection to occur. Which of the following is NOT one of the six links?

Answer: Immune response of the host

The six links are: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host — the immune response is a host factor but not a link in the chain.

Under New Zealand legislation, who is legally responsible for notifying specified infectious diseases to the Medical Officer of Health?

Answer: Medical practitioners and laboratories

Under the Health Act 1956 and the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006, medical practitioners and laboratories are legally required to notify notifiable infectious diseases to the local Medical Officer of Health.