NMC OSCE Infection Prevention and Control

Question 1

According to WHO guidelines, what are the 5 moments for hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Before touching a patient, before a clean/aseptic procedure, after body fluid exposure, after touching a patient, after touching patient surroundings

Answer

The WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene are: (1) before touching a patient, (2) before a clean/aseptic procedure, (3) after body fluid exposure/risk, (4) after touching a patient, and (5) after touching patient surroundings. These moments capture all situations where hand hygiene prevents transmission of healthcare-associated infections.

Question 2

A patient has been diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile infection. What specific hand hygiene method must be used and why?

Accepted Answer

Soap and water handwashing, because alcohol gel does not kill C. difficile spores

Answer

C. difficile produces spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand rubs. Effective decontamination requires physical removal of spores through handwashing with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. This is a critical infection control measure — using alcohol gel alone will not remove spores and allows ongoing transmission.

Question 3

What is the correct order for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment when preparing to enter a patient room requiring full contact precautions?

Accepted Answer

Gown/apron first, then mask/respirator, then eye protection, then gloves last

Answer

The correct donning sequence is: (1) gown/apron, (2) mask or respirator, (3) eye protection/face shield, (4) gloves last (so they cover the gown cuffs). This sequence ensures all areas are covered and minimises self-contamination. The doffing (removal) sequence is the reverse, with gloves removed first as they are the most contaminated.

Question 4

What type of isolation precautions are required for a patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions in a negative-pressure single room with FFP3 respirator masks for staff

Answer

Pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne nuclei (<5 micrometres) that remain suspended in air for prolonged periods. Patients require a single room with negative pressure ventilation. Staff must wear FFP3 respirator masks (not standard surgical masks). Visitors should be limited, and the door must remain closed. These precautions continue until the patient is non-infectious.

Question 5

When performing an aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) for a wound dressing, what is the key principle?

Accepted Answer

Identify and protect key parts (parts that if contaminated cause infection) and key sites (wounds, insertion sites) by ensuring they are not touched or contaminated

Answer

ANTT is based on identifying key parts (parts of equipment that come into contact with the patient's key site or connect with key parts of other equipment) and key sites (wounds, device insertion sites). The fundamental principle is that key parts and key sites must not be touched or exposed to contamination. This applies to both surgical-ANTT (complex procedures) and standard-ANTT (simpler procedures).

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Infection Prevention and Control