PCU PCU Infection Control & Safety

Question 1

A PCU patient is placed on contact precautions for MRSA. Which PPE should the nurse don before entering the room?

Accepted Answer

Gown and gloves

Answer

Contact precautions require a gown and gloves; an N95 respirator is not required unless aerosol-generating procedures are performed.

Question 2

Which hand hygiene technique is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores in the PCU?

Accepted Answer

Soap and water handwashing for at least 20 seconds

Answer

C. diff forms spores that are not killed by alcohol-based sanitizers; soap and water handwashing physically removes spores and is required.

Question 3

A PCU patient develops fever, hypotension, and tachycardia 48 hours after central line insertion. Which intervention is the nurse's priority?

Accepted Answer

Obtain blood cultures and notify the physician immediately

Answer

Signs of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) require prompt blood cultures and physician notification to initiate timely antibiotics and line evaluation.

Question 4

Which practice is part of the central line insertion bundle to prevent CLABSI in the PCU?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene and using maximal sterile barrier precautions

Answer

The CLABSI prevention bundle includes hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier precautions, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, optimal site selection, and daily necessity review.

Question 5

A PCU nurse is caring for a patient on airborne precautions for tuberculosis. Which mask must the nurse wear when entering the room?

Accepted Answer

N95 respirator that has been fit-tested

Answer

Airborne precautions require a fit-tested N95 respirator (or higher) to filter the small airborne droplet nuclei that transmit tuberculosis.

PCU - Progressive Care Unit Certification Practice Test

PCU - Progressive Care Unit Certification Practice Test

PCU PCU Infection Control & Safety