PSW Safety and Infection Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection when working with clients?
- Wearing gloves at all times
- Frequent and proper handwashing (Correct answer)
- Using a face mask during every visit
- Keeping the client's room clean
Correct answer: Frequent and proper handwashing
Proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective measure to prevent the spread of infections.
Question 2: When should a PSW perform hand hygiene?
- Only before preparing food
- Before and after every client contact (Correct answer)
- Only after removing gloves
- Once at the start and end of a shift
Correct answer: Before and after every client contact
Hand hygiene must be performed before and after every client contact to protect both the client and the worker from cross-contamination.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a standard precaution in personal support work?
- Isolating all clients with colds
- Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious (Correct answer)
- Using sterile gloves for every task
- Notifying public health for every illness
Correct answer: Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Standard precautions require treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious regardless of a client's known diagnosis.
Question 4: A PSW notices a spill of blood on the floor. What is the correct first step?
- Mop it up with a dry cloth
- Put on gloves before touching the spill (Correct answer)
- Report it to a supervisor first
- Dilute it with water immediately
Correct answer: Put on gloves before touching the spill
Donning gloves is the first step before handling any blood spill to protect the PSW from bloodborne pathogens.
Question 5: What does PPE stand for in a healthcare setting?
- Personal Protection Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Professional Practice Environment
- Patient Protective Equipment
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection used to reduce exposure to hazards.
Question 6: Which action helps prevent fall-related injuries for clients at home?
- Encouraging the client to move quickly to save time
- Removing clutter and ensuring adequate lighting in walkways (Correct answer)
- Placing all furniture close together for support
- Keeping the client in bed as much as possible
Correct answer: Removing clutter and ensuring adequate lighting in walkways
Removing clutter and ensuring good lighting are key environmental modifications that significantly reduce fall risk for clients.
PSW Safety and Infection Control 1
What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection when working with clients?