CNA Infection Control and Safety

Question 1

What is the single most important practice CNAs can perform to prevent the spread of infection?

Accepted Answer

Performing proper hand hygiene consistently

Answer

Hand hygiene—whether with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub—is the most effective measure to prevent the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. It should be performed before and after every resident contact, after touching contaminated surfaces, and before donning and after removing gloves.

Question 2

Standard precautions apply to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

All residents, regardless of diagnosis, for contact with blood and body fluids

Answer

Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat) as potentially infectious regardless of the resident's diagnosis. This approach protects both the CNA and the resident.

Question 3

A CNA is changing a wound dressing for a resident with a known MRSA infection. What PPE is required?

Accepted Answer

Gloves and a gown (contact precautions)

Answer

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) requires contact precautions. The CNA must wear gloves and a gown when coming into contact with the resident or their environment. A mask is also required if there is a risk of splash or spray.

Question 4

After removing gloves, what should a CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer

Answer

Gloves can develop microscopic holes during use and hands can become contaminated when removing gloves. Hand hygiene must always be performed after glove removal to ensure that any contamination on the gloves or hands is eliminated.

Question 5

Which action helps prevent the spread of a resident's respiratory infection to other residents and staff?

Accepted Answer

Teaching and encouraging the resident to cover coughs and sneezes and perform hand hygiene

Answer

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette includes covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them properly, and performing hand hygiene afterward. Placing a surgical mask on a coughing resident (if tolerated) also reduces droplet spread.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Infection Control and Safety