NCNZ Infection Control and Prevention 3

Question 1

Which of the following best defines a healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Accepted Answer

An infection occurring 48 hours or more after admission, or within 30 days post-procedure, not present on admission

Answer

Any infection that occurs in any healthcare setting regardless of timing

Answer

An infection contracted exclusively by healthcare workers during clinical duties

Answer

Any infection caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms in hospital

Question 2

Which type of healthcare-associated infection is most common globally, including in New Zealand hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)

Answer

Central line-associated bloodstream infections

Answer

Surgical site infections

Answer

Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Question 3

A nurse identifies that three patients on the ward have developed vomiting and diarrhoea within 24 hours. What is the FIRST action the nurse should take?

Accepted Answer

Report the situation to the infection control team and nurse manager

Answer

Immediately close the ward to all new admissions and transfers

Answer

Collect stool specimens from all symptomatic patients before doing anything else

Answer

Begin empiric antibiotic treatment for all symptomatic patients

Question 4

What is the primary goal of an antimicrobial stewardship programme in a New Zealand hospital?

Accepted Answer

To optimise antimicrobial use to improve outcomes and minimise the development of resistance

Answer

To restrict antibiotic prescribing to life-threatening infections only

Answer

To ensure all infections are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for maximum coverage

Answer

To ensure nurses administer antibiotics exactly as prescribed without question

Question 5

A patient is found to be colonised with MRSA but has no signs or symptoms of active infection. Which statement about the nursing management is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions should be applied; the patient may leave the room for necessary procedures with precautions maintained

Answer

The patient must remain in strict isolation and cannot leave their room under any circumstances

Answer

Antibiotics should be prescribed immediately to eliminate MRSA colonisation before discharge

Answer

Only nursing staff wearing full PPE may enter the room; medical staff are exempt from precautions

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of conducting an infection control audit in a healthcare facility?

Accepted Answer

To systematically assess compliance with infection control practices and identify areas for improvement

Answer

To identify and formally discipline staff who do not follow infection control protocols

Answer

To collect mandatory data for direct submission to the New Zealand Ministry of Health

Answer

To document infections for insurance liability and medico-legal purposes

Question 7

The WHO 'Five Moments for Hand Hygiene' framework specifies when hand hygiene must be performed. Which of the following is NOT one of the five moments?

Accepted Answer

Before physically entering the patient's room

Answer

Before touching a patient

Answer

After contact with the patient's immediate surroundings

Answer

After a risk of exposure to body fluids