NMBI Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A nurse is about to remove a used IV cannula. Which PPE should she wear at minimum?
- Non-sterile gloves (Correct answer)
- Sterile gloves and gown
- FFP3 mask and goggles
- Apron and surgical mask only
Correct answer: Non-sterile gloves
Removing a used IV cannula involves contact with blood/body fluids. Non-sterile (examination) gloves are the minimum requirement under standard precautions to protect from bloodborne pathogen exposure.
Question 2: What does 'decontamination' mean in healthcare settings?
- The process of removing or destroying microorganisms from surfaces, equipment, or skin (Correct answer)
- The disposal of all clinical waste
- The sterilisation of surgical instruments only
- The quarantine of infected patients
Correct answer: The process of removing or destroying microorganisms from surfaces, equipment, or skin
Decontamination encompasses cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation — the processes used to reduce or eliminate microorganisms from equipment and environments to safe levels.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct order of donning (putting on) PPE?
- Apron/gown → mask → gloves (Correct answer)
- Gloves → mask → apron
- Mask → gloves → apron
- Gloves → apron → mask
Correct answer: Apron/gown → mask → gloves
The correct order of donning PPE is: apron/gown first (covers clothing), then mask (protects face), then gloves (the last item, protecting hands and covering gown cuffs). This sequence prevents contamination of PPE during application.
Question 4: What is the significance of a 'sharps injury' for a healthcare worker?
- Risk of transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C (Correct answer)
- Only relevant if the patient is known to have an infection
- A minor occupational hazard with no serious risk
- Only dangerous if the needle was used for IV drug administration
Correct answer: Risk of transmission of bloodborne viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
Sharps injuries carry risk of bloodborne virus (BBV) transmission regardless of known patient infection status. Immediate first aid, reporting, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocols must be followed.
Question 5: How should clinical waste (contaminated materials) be disposed of in an Irish hospital?
- Yellow clinical waste bags for infectious waste, following local and national waste management guidelines (Correct answer)
- General black refuse bags if the amount is small
- Flushed down the sluice room drain
- Left for domestic staff to deal with
Correct answer: Yellow clinical waste bags for infectious waste, following local and national waste management guidelines
Infectious/clinical waste in Ireland is segregated into yellow clinical waste bags, collected by licensed contractors, and disposed of by incineration. Incorrect disposal is a legal and infection control violation.
Question 6: What is 'antimicrobial stewardship' and why is it important in nursing?
- The responsible use of antibiotics to prevent resistance — nurses can contribute by ensuring prescribed courses are completed and questioning unnecessary prescriptions (Correct answer)
- Giving antibiotics to all post-operative patients as a precaution
- Using the strongest available antibiotic for every infection
- Rotating antibiotic brands to save cost
Correct answer: The responsible use of antibiotics to prevent resistance — nurses can contribute by ensuring prescribed courses are completed and questioning unnecessary prescriptions
Antimicrobial stewardship aims to optimise antibiotic use to preserve their effectiveness and slow the development of resistance. Nurses have a key role in ensuring correct administration and patient education.
NMBI Infection Control 2
A nurse is about to remove a used IV cannula.
Which PPE should she wear at minimum?