Neurologists Exam Infection Control & Prevention 2

Question 1

According to WHO infection control guidelines for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which tissue is classified as HIGH infectivity?

Accepted Answer

Retina and optic nerve

Answer

WHO classifies brain, spinal cord, and eye (retina/optic nerve) as high-infectivity tissues, while CSF and several organs are low infectivity.

Question 2

Which reprocessing method is considered effective for heat-resistant surgical instruments used on a patient with suspected CJD?

Accepted Answer

Prevacuum autoclaving at 134°C for 18 minutes

Answer

Prions resist conventional sterilization, but prolonged high-temperature autoclaving (134°C, 18 min) or combined NaOH plus autoclaving is effective.

Question 3

Which precaution category is appropriate for routine bedside care of a hospitalized patient with sporadic CJD?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions

Answer

CJD is not transmitted by casual contact, droplets, or air, so standard precautions suffice for routine care.

Question 4

A CDC-recommended practice to prevent post-procedural bacterial meningitis during lumbar puncture is:

Accepted Answer

Wearing a surgical mask when placing the needle or injecting into the spinal space

Answer

Outbreaks of streptococcal meningitis from operators' oral flora led CDC to recommend face masks for spinal procedures.

Question 5

A patient is admitted with Neisseria meningitidis meningitis. For how long should droplet precautions be maintained?

Accepted Answer

Until 24 hours after initiation of effective antibiotic therapy

Answer

Droplet precautions for meningococcal disease can be discontinued after 24 hours of effective antimicrobial therapy.

Neurologists Exam Practice Test