Infection Control and Saudi MOH Regulations Flashcards

Which vaccine is included in Saudi Arabia's national childhood immunization schedule at birth?

Answer: Hepatitis B vaccine (first dose)

Saudi Arabia's national immunization schedule includes: at birth — BCG (for TB prevention) and Hepatitis B (first dose). BCG is given in countries with high TB burden, and Saudi Arabia includes it at birth. This provides early protection against severe TB and hepatitis B.

A patient in a Saudi hospital is found to have carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). What action beyond contact precautions should be taken?

Answer: Active surveillance cultures of contacts, cohorting, and notification to IPC team for outbreak investigation

Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) represent a major threat and require enhanced measures beyond standard contact precautions: active surveillance cultures of roommates/contacts, cohorting of positive patients, notification of IPC team for investigation, and review of antibiotic stewardship.

The nurse is assessing compliance with the hand hygiene program on the ward. Which observation technique provides the most accurate compliance data?

Answer: Direct observation by trained observers during natural patient care situations

Direct observation remains the gold standard for measuring hand hygiene compliance because it captures actual bedside behavior at all five WHO moments. Consumption monitoring and electronic systems estimate opportunity rates but cannot confirm the quality of hand hygiene performed.

A nurse in Saudi Arabia is preparing to administer the MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) precaution guidelines to a newly suspected case. Which precautions are required?

Answer: Airborne + Contact + standard precautions; N95 respirator for aerosol-generating procedures

Saudi MOH and WHO guidelines for MERS-CoV require contact and droplet precautions routinely, with additional airborne precautions (N95) for aerosol-generating procedures. Given the severe outcomes and limited treatment, many Saudi facilities apply full airborne precautions for all MERS-CoV cases.

Which antiseptic is contraindicated for use on mucous membranes or near the eyes during wound care?

Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate — ototoxic if enters middle ear; causes corneal damage if contacts eye

Chlorhexidine gluconate is contraindicated near the eyes (corneal damage) and must not be allowed to enter the ear canal (ototoxic, causing sensorineural hearing loss if it reaches the middle ear). It should not be used to irrigate wounds near these structures.

A nurse is reviewing the Saudi MOH 'zero tolerance' HAI targets. Which infection has a zero-tolerance target in Saudi accredited hospitals?

Answer: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in ICUs

Saudi MOH and accreditation bodies (e.g., CBAHI) set zero-tolerance (zero preventable infections) targets specifically for CLABSI in ICU settings, as evidence shows most CLABSIs are preventable with proper bundle compliance. This drives bundle implementation and surveillance.