SCS Infection Control & Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An athletic trainer notices an athlete with a 'honey-crusted' lesion near the nose. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?
- Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes causing impetigo (Correct answer)
- Candida albicans causing cutaneous candidiasis
- Herpes simplex virus causing cold sores
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing folliculitis
Correct answer: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes causing impetigo
Honey-crusted lesions are the classic presentation of impetigo, caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and are highly contagious among athletes.
Question 2: Which immunization is specifically recommended for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated athletes before international travel to regions with endemic meningococcal disease?
- MenACWY conjugate vaccine (Correct answer)
- Pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23)
- Varicella zoster vaccine
- Yellow fever vaccine
Correct answer: MenACWY conjugate vaccine
MenACWY (meningococcal conjugate vaccine) provides protection against serogroups A, C, W, and Y, and is recommended for travelers to endemic regions such as sub-Saharan Africa's 'meningitis belt.'
Question 3: When caring for an athlete with suspected norovirus gastroenteritis, which disinfectant is MOST appropriate for environmental surface decontamination?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at appropriate dilution (Correct answer)
- 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
Correct answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at appropriate dilution
Norovirus requires a bleach-based disinfectant (sodium hypochlorite) because quaternary ammonium compounds and alcohols alone are not reliably effective against non-enveloped viruses like norovirus.
Question 4: Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, an employer must offer hepatitis B vaccination to covered employees at:
- The employee's expense within 30 days of hire
- No cost to the employee within 10 working days of initial assignment (Correct answer)
- No cost to the employee within 30 days of hire
- The employee's expense if they decline initially but later change their mind
Correct answer: No cost to the employee within 10 working days of initial assignment
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to the employee within 10 working days of initial assignment to tasks involving occupational exposure.
Question 5: A football player develops cellulitis on the forearm. Which finding would MOST suggest necrotizing fasciitis requiring emergent surgical referral?
- Erythema with well-defined borders
- Pain out of proportion to visible skin findings (Correct answer)
- Low-grade fever with localized warmth
- Purulent discharge from a central pustule
Correct answer: Pain out of proportion to visible skin findings
Pain disproportionate to the visible wound, along with rapid progression and possible skin necrosis, are hallmark warning signs of necrotizing fasciitis requiring immediate surgical evaluation.
Question 6: Which hand hygiene product is preferred over soap and water when hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids?
- Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)
- Chlorhexidine-based hand scrub
- Soap and water (Correct answer)
- Iodine-based hand antiseptic
Correct answer: Soap and water
When hands are visibly soiled with blood, body fluids, or dirt, soap and water must be used because alcohol-based hand rubs do not physically remove organic material.
Question 7: What is the correct sequence for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize self-contamination after treating a wound?
- Gloves → goggles → gown → mask (Correct answer)
- Gown → gloves → goggles → mask
- Mask → gown → gloves → goggles
- Goggles → mask → gown → gloves
Correct answer: Gloves → goggles → gown → mask
CDC doffing sequence: remove gloves first (most contaminated), then eyewear, then gown, then mask/respirator, performing hand hygiene between steps.
SCS Infection Control & Prevention 3
An athletic trainer notices an athlete with a 'honey-crusted' lesion near the nose.
Which pathogen is most likely responsible?