NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

What is considered the single most effective action to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs)?

Answer: Performing effective hand hygiene at key moments

Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention and control. It effectively removes or destroys microorganisms from the hands, breaking the chain of infection by preventing their transmission from healthcare workers to patients. It is a simple, low-cost, and highly effective intervention.

A nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a used needle. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Encourage gentle bleeding and wash with soap and running water

The immediate first aid for a sharps injury is to encourage the wound to bleed gently, ideally under running water, without sucking or scrubbing it. This should be followed by washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water and covering it with a waterproof dressing before reporting the incident.

Which cleaning agent is required for environmental decontamination of a room previously occupied by a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?

Answer: A chlorine-releasing agent

C. difficile produces spores that are highly resistant to standard detergents and alcohol-based cleaners. A chlorine-releasing agent, such as bleach (sodium hypochlorite), is sporicidal and necessary to effectively kill these spores and decontaminate the environment, preventing further transmission.

When caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA, when should a nurse remove their gloves and apron?

Answer: Just before leaving the patient's room

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be removed just before leaving the patient's room or designated care area. This prevents the transfer of microorganisms from the contaminated PPE to the wider clinical environment. Hand hygiene must be performed immediately after removing PPE.

Breaking the 'chain of infection' is a key principle of infection control. Which of the following actions targets the 'portal of entry'?

Answer: Using aseptic technique for wound dressing (portal of entry)

The 'portal of entry' is how a pathogen enters a new host. Using an aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) when dressing a wound protects this portal from contamination. This action directly prevents microorganisms from entering the patient's body through the break in their skin.

What minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when caring for a patient with suspected pandemic influenza?

Answer: Gloves, apron, fluid-resistant surgical mask, and eye protection

Pandemic influenza is spread by droplets and, in some procedures, aerosols. Therefore, droplet precautions are required, which include a fluid-resistant surgical mask (FRSM), eye protection, gloves, and an apron. This combination protects the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from infectious droplets.