PCT Infection Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following sharps disposal practices is correct?
- Drop used needles directly into the sharps container without recapping (Correct answer)
- Recap the needle using one hand and then discard it
- Bend the needle before disposal to prevent reuse
- Place used needles on the bedside tray until the procedure is complete
Correct answer: Drop used needles directly into the sharps container without recapping
Used needles should be dropped immediately into an approved sharps container; recapping, bending, or setting them down increases needlestick risk.
Question 2: A PCT must transport a patient in airborne precautions to radiology. The patient should wear:
- A surgical mask to contain respiratory droplets during transport (Correct answer)
- An N95 respirator
- No mask because the hallway is well-ventilated
- A gown and gloves during transport
Correct answer: A surgical mask to contain respiratory droplets during transport
During transport, a patient on airborne precautions wears a surgical mask to contain their respiratory secretions; the N95 is worn by healthcare workers.
Question 3: Which situation represents a break in the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?
- Properly disposing of soiled linens in a closed bag (Correct answer)
- Vaccinating a patient against influenza
- Isolating an infectious patient in a private room
- Wearing gloves when handling body fluids
Correct answer: Properly disposing of soiled linens in a closed bag
Proper containment of soiled linens interrupts the mode of transmission (indirect contact via contaminated objects).
Question 4: When is it acceptable to use alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) instead of soap and water?
- When hands are not visibly soiled and the patient does not have C. difficile (Correct answer)
- After caring for a patient with C. difficile infection
- When hands are soiled with blood or feces
- Before eating or after using the restroom
Correct answer: When hands are not visibly soiled and the patient does not have C. difficile
ABHR is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled and the patient situation does not involve spore-forming organisms like C. difficile.
Question 5: Protective (reverse) isolation is used to protect which type of patient?
- Severely immunocompromised patients such as bone marrow transplant recipients (Correct answer)
- Patients with active tuberculosis
- Patients with MRSA wound infections
- Patients who are colonized with VRE
Correct answer: Severely immunocompromised patients such as bone marrow transplant recipients
Protective isolation shields highly immunocompromised patients (e.g., transplant recipients, neutropenic patients) from environmental and caregiver-borne pathogens.
Question 6: Which body fluid is NOT covered under standard precautions?
- Sweat (perspiration) (Correct answer)
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Sputum
- Wound drainage
Correct answer: Sweat (perspiration)
Sweat is the only body fluid excluded from standard precautions because it is not associated with pathogen transmission.
Question 7: A PCT observes mold growing on a patient's window sill. Why is this an infection control concern?
- Mold spores can cause serious respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients (Correct answer)
- Mold releases toxins that are absorbed through intact skin
- Mold attracts insects that can serve as vectors
- Mold growth indicates poor air circulation only
Correct answer: Mold spores can cause serious respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients
Fungal mold (e.g., Aspergillus) can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients via inhalation of airborne spores.
PCT Infection Control 5
Which of the following sharps disposal practices is correct?