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 healthcare worker is told they test positive for MRSA nasal carriage. What is the recommended management?
Answer: Decolonisation treatment with nasal mupirocin and skin antiseptic washes per occupational health guidance
Confirmed MRSA carriers are managed with decolonisation protocols including mupirocin nasal ointment and chlorhexidine body washes.
Which of the following is an example of an endogenous source of infection?
Answer: Patient's own gut flora translocating during immunosuppression
Endogenous infections arise from the patient's own flora, such as gut bacteria translocating during immunosuppression or bowel surgery.
A reusable laryngoscope blade requires which level of decontamination between patients?
Answer: Cleaning and high-level disinfection or sterilisation
Laryngoscope blades contact mucous membranes and require at minimum high-level disinfection; sterilisation is preferred.
During an infection control audit, a nurse is observed wearing the same pair of gloves for multiple patient procedures without changing them. This practice is MOST likely to cause:
Answer: Cross-contamination and transmission of pathogens between patients
Wearing gloves across multiple patients without changing transfers pathogens from one patient's environment to another, causing cross-contamination.
A patient is prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic for a non-bacterial infection. As the nurse administering it, what is the MOST appropriate action?
Answer: Query the prescription with the prescriber, citing antimicrobial stewardship principles
Antimicrobial stewardship requires nurses to challenge inappropriate antibiotic use by querying prescriptions through appropriate professional channels.
Which of the following correctly describes the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation?
Answer: Cleaning removes visible dirt; disinfection reduces viable microorganisms to a safe level; sterilisation eliminates all microorganisms including spores
Cleaning removes physical soil; disinfection reduces pathogen load to safe levels; sterilisation achieves complete elimination of all viable microorganisms including spores.
A nurse notices a colleague has not performed hand hygiene after removing gloves. According to NMC professional standards, the correct response is to:
Answer: Politely remind the colleague to perform hand hygiene in line with infection control policy
The NMC Code requires nurses to challenge poor practice and promote patient safety; a direct, respectful reminder is the appropriate first step.