ASHE Infection Control Risk Assessment Questions and Answers

Question 1

A major renovation project involving heavy demolition (Type D) is planned for a vacant wing directly adjacent to a hospital's bone marrow transplant unit (Highest Risk Group). According to the standard ICRA matrix, which Class of Precautions is required?

Accepted Answer

Class IV or V

Answer

The ICRA matrix matches the construction activity type with the patient risk group to determine the required level of precautions. A Type D activity (major demolition) in or adjacent to a Highest Risk group (such as immunocompromised patients in a transplant unit) requires the most stringent level of controls, which corresponds to Class IV or V, depending on the specific matrix version used (e.g., ASHE ICRA 2.0 introduced Class V).

Question 2

When developing a comprehensive ICRA for a hospital renovation, which of the following individuals is considered an essential, core member of the multidisciplinary team?

Accepted Answer

Infection Preventionist

Answer

A multidisciplinary team is crucial for a successful ICRA. The Infection Preventionist (IP) is a core member, bringing expertise on pathogen transmission, patient risk factors, and required mitigation strategies. While others may be involved, the IP's role is fundamental to the entire process.

Question 3

For a Class IV ICRA project, what is the primary purpose of establishing an anteroom and maintaining negative air pressure within the construction zone?

Accepted Answer

To contain construction dust and airborne pathogens, preventing their escape into patient care areas.

Answer

The primary infection control purpose of this combination is containment. Negative air pressure ensures that air flows from the clean patient areas into the construction zone, not the other way around. The anteroom serves as an airlock, allowing workers to enter/exit while minimizing the escape of contaminated air and dust.

Question 4

At which stage of a healthcare construction or renovation project should the initial Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) be performed?

Accepted Answer

In the earliest planning and design phases, before the project is bid.

Answer

The ICRA must be performed as early as possible in the project lifecycle, specifically during planning and design. This allows the required infection control measures to be properly designed, budgeted, and included in the construction documents for bidding, ensuring the contractor is aware of and accounts for all requirements from the start.

Question 5

An ICRA is best described as a 'living document' because it must be:

Accepted Answer

Reviewed and updated if the project scope, site conditions, or patient risk levels change.

Answer

The ICRA is not a one-time assessment. It must be treated as a living document that is continuously monitored and formally reviewed and updated by the multidisciplinary team whenever there are significant changes to the project, such as an expanded scope of work, unexpected site conditions (like the discovery of mold), or changes in the adjacent patient population.

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

(ASHE) American Society for Health Care Engineering Certified Practice Test

ASHE Infection Control Risk Assessment Questions and Answers