NCWO Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

Which of the following best defines a critically colonized wound?

Accepted Answer

A wound with bacteria causing tissue damage and delayed healing without systemic signs

Answer

Critical colonization refers to a wound where bacteria have multiplied to levels that impair healing and cause local tissue damage but have not yet triggered a systemic response.

Question 2

According to wound infection principles, what bacterial count per gram of tissue is generally considered the threshold for clinical infection?

Accepted Answer

10^5 organisms per gram

Answer

A bacterial count of ≥10^5 organisms per gram of tissue is the classic threshold associated with impaired wound healing and clinical infection.

Question 3

Which hand hygiene method is most effective against Clostridioides difficile spores?

Accepted Answer

Soap and water handwashing for at least 20 seconds

Answer

Alcohol-based hand rubs do not kill C. difficile spores; soap and water physically removes spores through mechanical action and rinsing.

Question 4

When caring for a patient with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection, which isolation precaution level is required?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

MRSA is transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces, so contact precautions (gown and gloves) are required in addition to standard precautions.

Question 5

Which clinical sign is MOST specific for identifying wound infection in a chronic wound?

Accepted Answer

Increased pain or change in pain character

Answer

New or increased pain, or a change in the character of pain (e.g., from dull to sharp), is one of the most specific indicators of infection in chronic wounds, where classic signs may be absent.

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO Infection Prevention and Control