Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

Which type of isolation precaution is required for a patient diagnosed with active pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Airborne precautions are required for TB because the bacteria are transmitted via tiny droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air.

What is the correct order of donning (putting on) PPE before entering an isolation room?

Answer: Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves

CDC guidelines specify gown first, then mask/respirator, then eye protection, then gloves last so gloves cover the gown cuffs.

A phlebotomist sustains a needlestick injury while drawing blood from an HCV-positive patient. What is the first action to take?

Answer: Immediately wash the site with soap and water

Immediate washing with soap and water for at least 15 seconds is the first response to a needlestick to reduce pathogen load.

Which disinfectant concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is recommended by the CDC for decontaminating blood spills?

Answer: 1:10 dilution (approximately 5,000 ppm)

A 1:10 dilution of household bleach provides approximately 5,000 ppm of available chlorine, which is effective for blood spill decontamination.

Which of the following actions violates standard precautions when drawing blood?

Answer: Recapping a used needle by holding the cap with the other hand

Two-handed recapping is prohibited under standard precautions because it significantly increases the risk of needlestick injury.

What does the term 'fomite' refer to in the context of infection control?

Answer: An inanimate object that can harbor and transmit pathogens

A fomite is any inanimate object (e.g., doorknob, phlebotomy tray) that can carry infectious agents and facilitate their transfer.

A patient with MRSA is placed on contact precautions. Which PPE is minimally required when entering the room to perform a blood draw?

Answer: Gown and gloves

Contact precautions require a gown and gloves at minimum to prevent skin and clothing contamination with MRSA.