Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

What is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of infection in a medical setting?

Answer: Performing proper hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the #1 method recommended by the CDC and WHO for preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings.

Which category of transmission-based precautions is required for a patient diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB)?

Answer: Airborne precautions

Tuberculosis is spread via airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air, requiring airborne precautions including an N95 respirator and negative-pressure room.

The CDC recommends that hand washing with soap and water should last at least how many seconds?

Answer: 20 seconds

The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to effectively remove pathogens.

Which of the following is the correct practice for sharps disposal in a medical office?

Answer: Dispose of sharps immediately after use without recapping

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires that needles never be recapped and must be disposed of immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.

What term describes microorganisms capable of causing disease in a host?

Answer: Pathogens

Pathogens are microorganisms—such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites—that are capable of causing disease in a susceptible host.

A patient has a wound infected with C. difficile. Which type of precaution should be implemented?

Answer: Contact precautions

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is transmitted via the fecal-oral route through direct or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, requiring contact precautions including gown and gloves.

Which of the following correctly describes the biohazard symbol's purpose in a medical office?

Answer: It identifies materials that contain or are contaminated with infectious agents

The biohazard symbol is used to warn that a substance or container may contain biological materials that pose a threat to health, such as blood, body fluids, or cultures.