GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A GNA is preparing to assist a resident with perineal care. The resident is known to have a C. difficile infection. Which of the following infection control actions is MOST critical?

Accepted Answer

Washing hands with soap and water after removing gloves.

Answer

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) produces spores that are not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends washing hands with soap and water after caring for a patient with C. difficile to physically remove the spores.

Question 2

To break the 'Mode of Transmission' link in the chain of infection, a GNA should prioritize which of the following actions?

Accepted Answer

Practicing frequent and thorough hand hygiene.

Answer

The 'Mode of Transmission' refers to how a pathogen travels from a reservoir to a susceptible host. Frequent and thorough hand hygiene is the single most effective way to break this link by removing pathogens from the hands, which are a primary vehicle for transmission in healthcare settings.

Question 3

A GNA is caring for a resident on droplet precautions due to influenza. When entering the resident's room, what is the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) the GNA must wear?

Accepted Answer

A surgical mask.

Answer

Droplet precautions are used for diseases spread by large droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Standard infection control guidelines require a surgical mask to be worn when working within three to six feet of a resident on droplet precautions to protect the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

Question 4

When handling soiled linens contaminated with blood or body fluids, which action by the GNA demonstrates correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Rolling the linens inward to contain the soiled area and placing them in a leak-proof bag.

Answer

Soiled linens should be handled with minimal agitation to prevent contaminating the air, surfaces, and uniforms. Rolling the linens inward contains the contamination, and placing them directly into a designated leak-proof bag at the point of use prevents the spread of microorganisms.

Question 5

A GNA has just finished a task that involved contact with a resident's body fluids and has removed their gloves. According to Standard Precautions, what is the immediate next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub.

Answer

Standard Precautions mandate that hand hygiene be performed immediately after removing gloves. Gloves are not a perfect barrier and can have microscopic tears, and hands can become contaminated during the removal process. Performing hand hygiene is a critical step to prevent cross-contamination.

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers