General CNA Practice Infection Control and Prevention Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident is on Contact Precautions for a C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection. After providing care and removing gloves, what is the CNA's MOST important action?

Accepted Answer

Wash hands vigorously with soap and water.

Answer

C. diff forms spores that are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The friction from thoroughly washing hands with soap and water is essential to physically remove the spores and prevent transmission.

Question 2

Which of the following represents the single most effective practice for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?

Accepted Answer

Performing consistent and proper hand hygiene.

Answer

According to the CDC, proper hand hygiene is the most important, easiest, and least expensive means of preventing the spread of infection. While other options are important infection control measures, they are secondary to consistent hand hygiene.

Question 3

A CNA is preparing to enter the room of a resident who is on Droplet Precautions. What is the correct sequence for putting on (donning) the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves

Answer

The CDC recommends donning PPE in an order that moves from cleanest to least clean areas, generally from the body up. The correct sequence is Gown first, followed by Mask, then Goggles or face shield, and finally Gloves.

Question 4

When handling a resident's soiled bed linens, which action by the CNA demonstrates correct application of medical asepsis principles?

Accepted Answer

Rolling the linens with the soiled side inward and holding them away from the body.

Answer

To prevent the spread of microorganisms, soiled linens should be rolled to contain the contaminants and held away from the CNA's uniform. Shaking linens aerosolizes pathogens, placing them on furniture contaminates surfaces, and holding them against the body contaminates the uniform.

Question 5

Standard Precautions are a set of infection control practices that should be used when caring for which residents?

Accepted Answer

All residents, regardless of their diagnosis or infection status.

Answer

Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. Therefore, they must be used for the care of all residents at all times.

General Practice Test

General Practice Test

General CNA Practice Infection Control and Prevention Questions and Answers