NMBI Infection Control — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary chain of infection broken by hand hygiene?
- Transmission route (Correct answer)
- Susceptible host
- Infectious agent
- Portal of entry
Correct answer: Transmission route
Hand hygiene is most effective at breaking the 'transmission route' — the means by which microorganisms travel from one host to another. Without transmission, infection cannot spread.
Question 2: What type of isolation precautions are used for a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB)?
- Airborne precautions (negative pressure room, FFP2/3 mask) (Correct answer)
- Standard precautions only
- Contact precautions (gown and gloves)
- Droplet precautions (surgical mask)
Correct answer: Airborne precautions (negative pressure room, FFP2/3 mask)
TB is transmitted by airborne particles (aerosols). Airborne precautions require a negative pressure room and FFP2/3 respirators (not standard surgical masks) to prevent transmission.
Question 3: Which organism is associated with healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) and is resistant to most antibiotics?
- MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) (Correct answer)
- E. coli
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Candida albicans
Correct answer: MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
MRSA is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections and is resistant to methicillin and most beta-lactam antibiotics. It requires enhanced infection control measures including contact precautions.
Question 4: What does PPE stand for in infection control?
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Patient Protection Equipment
- Professional Practice Equipment
- Pathogen Prevention Equipment
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, and eye protection. It forms a barrier between the healthcare worker and potential sources of infection.
Question 5: A patient is diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). What specific hand hygiene method is most effective?
- Soap and water handwashing (Correct answer)
- Alcohol-based hand gel alone
- Gloves only
- Antiseptic hand gel
Correct answer: Soap and water handwashing
Alcohol-based gels are NOT effective against C. difficile spores. Soap and water physical handwashing is required to mechanically remove spores from hands. This is a critical exception to the general use of alcohol gel.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'aseptic non-touch technique' (ANTT)?
- To prevent microbial contamination of susceptible sites during clinical procedures (Correct answer)
- To sterilise all equipment before every patient contact
- To clean the patient's skin only
- To dispose of clinical waste safely
Correct answer: To prevent microbial contamination of susceptible sites during clinical procedures
ANTT is a framework for performing clinical procedures (e.g., wound care, IV cannulation) by protecting key parts (those that enter the patient or sterile field) from microbial contamination.
NMBI Infection Control
What is the primary chain of infection broken by hand hygiene?