RN Infection Control and Prevention

Question 1

What is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub

Answer

Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure for preventing transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings, as recommended by the CDC and WHO.

Question 2

A nurse is assigned to care for a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Which type of isolation precautions must be implemented?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions with negative-pressure room and N95 respirator

Answer

TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei (<5 microns) that remain suspended in air, requiring a negative-pressure room and an N95 respirator.

Question 3

When donning PPE before entering a contact isolation room, which item should be put on first?

Accepted Answer

Gown

Answer

The gown is donned first because it covers the largest body surface area; gloves are applied last and pulled over the gown cuffs.

Question 4

A patient is admitted with a Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. Which precautions should be initiated in addition to standard precautions?

Accepted Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

C. difficile spreads via the fecal-oral route through contact with spore-contaminated surfaces or hands, requiring contact precautions.

Question 5

During a sterile dressing change, which action would break sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Reaching over the sterile field to arrange supplies

Answer

Reaching over a sterile field contaminates it because unsterile clothing or arms pass directly above the field, allowing microorganism fallout.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test