NHA Infection Control and Safety 2

Question 1

Which disinfection level is required for semicritical medical instruments that contact intact mucous membranes?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

Semicritical items such as endoscopes and laryngoscopes that contact intact mucous membranes require high-level disinfection, which destroys all microorganisms except high levels of bacterial spores.

Question 2

What is the mechanism by which an autoclave sterilizes medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Pressurized steam at high temperature (typically 121°C)

Answer

An autoclave sterilizes by exposing items to saturated steam under pressure (typically 121°C at 15 psi for 15–30 minutes), which denatures proteins and destroys all forms of microbial life including spores.

Question 3

When should gloves be changed during care of a single patient?

Accepted Answer

When moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site on the same patient

Answer

Gloves must be changed between tasks on the same patient when moving from a contaminated to a clean body site to prevent cross-contamination within the patient's own body.

Question 4

What is the correct procedure for disposing of a used needle after drawing blood?

Accepted Answer

Place the uncapped needle immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container

Answer

Used needles must be placed immediately — without recapping — into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and pathogen exposure.

Question 5

Which PPE is minimally required when within 3–6 feet of a patient on droplet precautions?

Accepted Answer

Surgical mask worn over nose and mouth

Answer

Droplet precautions require wearing a surgical mask when within 3–6 feet of the patient because large respiratory droplets (>5 microns) do not remain airborne and fall quickly.

NHA - National Healthcareer Association Practice Test

NHA - National Healthcareer Association Practice Test

NHA Infection Control and Safety 2