NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards
7 cards from real NMC CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 NMC-CBT Infection Prevention and Control flashcards as text
A patient is returning from theatre following bowel surgery. Which bundle element is MOST important in preventing surgical site infections in the immediate postoperative period?
Answer: Maintaining normothermia, glycaemic control, and aseptic wound management
Postoperative SSI bundles include maintaining normothermia, controlling blood glucose, and using aseptic technique for wound care.
Which of the following patients is at HIGHEST risk for developing a healthcare-associated infection (HCAI)?
Answer: An 80-year-old with diabetes receiving a prolonged course of corticosteroids
Advanced age, diabetes, and immunosuppressive therapy (corticosteroids) significantly increase susceptibility to HCAIs.
In the context of infection prevention, what does 'standard precautions' assume about every patient?
Answer: They may be infectious regardless of known diagnosis
Standard precautions treat every patient as potentially infectious, protecting staff and patients regardless of diagnosis.
A nurse is preparing to administer an IV medication through a central venous catheter. Which action BEST reduces the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI)?
Answer: Decontaminating the needle-free connector with 70% alcohol for at least 15 seconds before access
Scrubbing the hub with 70% isopropyl alcohol for ≥15 seconds ('scrub the hub') removes microorganisms before catheter access.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of an infection control 'care bundle'?
Answer: A small set of evidence-based practices implemented together to improve clinical outcomes
Care bundles are three to five evidence-based interventions applied consistently together to significantly reduce specific HCAIs.
When performing a risk assessment for isolation of a patient with suspected Neisseria meningitidis meningitis, which precaution type should be added to standard precautions?
Answer: Droplet precautions
Meningococcal meningitis/septicaemia requires droplet precautions as N. meningitidis is spread via large respiratory droplets.
A ward sister notices that alcohol hand rub dispensers near patient beds are frequently empty. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Report the stock shortage and ensure dispensers are promptly refilled to support compliance
Ensuring continuous availability of hand hygiene products is a fundamental infrastructure requirement for infection prevention compliance.