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

HAIs are infections that develop 48 hours or more after hospital admission, or within a defined post-procedure period, that were not incubating or clinically present at the time of admission.

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

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are the most common type of HAI, accounting for approximately 30 to 40 percent of all healthcare-associated infections globally.

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

The first action when a cluster of cases suggests a potential outbreak is to report to the infection control team and nurse manager so a formal outbreak investigation can be initiated and a coordinated response planned.

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

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes aim to optimise antimicrobial prescribing practices to improve patient outcomes, reduce adverse effects, and minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

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

MRSA-colonised patients require contact precautions, but can leave their room for necessary clinical procedures provided precautions are consistently maintained throughout the patient journey.

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Practice Test

NCNZ Infection Control and Prevention 3