Saudi Prometric Nursing Infection Control and Saudi MOH Regulations 2

Question 1

The nurse discovers that a patient who died in the ICU tested positive for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Which decontamination method is required for instruments used on this patient?

Accepted Answer

Extended autoclave at 134°C for 18 minutes (porous load) — standard disinfection is ineffective

Answer

Prions (CJD causative agents) are extremely resistant to standard sterilization. The WHO recommends extended steam autoclaving (134°C, 18 min) in a porous load autoclave, combined with sodium hydroxide pre-treatment. Standard disinfectants do not inactivate prions.

Question 2

A nurse sustains a needlestick injury while caring for an HIV-positive patient. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Wash the wound with soap and water and report immediately for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) assessment

Answer

Immediate washing with soap and water reduces transmission risk, followed by immediate reporting for PEP eligibility assessment. PEP (antiretroviral therapy) must ideally begin within 2 hours and no later than 72 hours post-exposure to be effective in reducing HIV transmission risk.

Question 3

Which antiseptic agent is recommended for skin antisepsis before central line insertion according to Saudi MOH/CDC guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% in 70% isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Current guidelines (CDC, Saudi MOH IPC) recommend chlorhexidine gluconate 2% in 70% isopropyl alcohol for central line insertion site antisepsis. It provides both rapid (alcohol) and sustained (chlorhexidine) antimicrobial activity, reducing CLABSI more effectively than povidone-iodine alone.

Question 4

A patient in the hospital develops diarrhea and is positive for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which type of gloves should the nurse wear?

Accepted Answer

Non-sterile gloves — but alcohol-based hand rub is NOT sufficient; soap and water required

Answer

C. difficile spores are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Soap and water must be used for hand hygiene when caring for C. diff patients, as the physical scrubbing action removes spores. Contact precautions (gloves and gown) are required.

Question 5

The Saudi MOH has established infection control standards for healthcare facilities. Which document outlines the minimum requirements for IPC programs in Saudi hospitals?

Accepted Answer

Saudi MOH Infection Prevention and Control Manual

Answer

The Saudi MOH Infection Prevention and Control Manual establishes mandatory IPC standards for all Saudi healthcare facilities, including program structure, surveillance requirements, isolation precautions, hand hygiene, and sterilization protocols.

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Practice Test

Saudi Prometric Nursing Infection Control and Saudi MOH Regulations 2