SHS Safety & Infection Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most effective method for preventing cross-contamination?
- Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (Correct answer)
- Using antibiotics prophylactically
- Limiting patient interactions
- Cleaning equipment once daily
Correct answer: Proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment
Hand hygiene combined with appropriate PPE use is the cornerstone of infection prevention, creating multiple barriers against pathogen transmission.
Question 2: How often should equipment be sterilized or disinfected?
- Between each patient use according to manufacturer guidelines (Correct answer)
- Once per shift
- Weekly during routine maintenance
- Only when visibly soiled
Correct answer: Between each patient use according to manufacturer guidelines
Equipment must be sterilized or disinfected between each patient use following manufacturer guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety.
Question 3: What is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment?
- Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves (Correct answer)
- Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
- Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection
- Any order is acceptable
Correct answer: Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves
The correct donning sequence (gown, mask, eye protection, gloves) ensures complete coverage and prevents contamination of already-donned items.
Question 4: What should be done immediately after a needlestick injury?
- Wash the area, report the incident, and seek medical evaluation (Correct answer)
- Apply a bandage and continue working
- Wait to see if symptoms develop
- Document it at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Wash the area, report the incident, and seek medical evaluation
Immediate wound care, incident reporting, and medical evaluation are essential after needlestick injuries to minimize infection risk and ensure proper follow-up.
Question 5: Which waste should be placed in biohazard containers?
- Items contaminated with blood or potentially infectious materials (Correct answer)
- All waste generated in clinical areas
- Only sharps and needles
- Paper and packaging materials
Correct answer: Items contaminated with blood or potentially infectious materials
Biohazard containers are specifically for items contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials, following OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of maintaining a clean field during procedures?
- To minimize the risk of introducing pathogens to the treatment area (Correct answer)
- To create a professional appearance
- To reduce cleanup time after procedures
- To comply with facility aesthetics standards
Correct answer: To minimize the risk of introducing pathogens to the treatment area
A clean field minimizes pathogen introduction during procedures, directly protecting patients from healthcare-associated infections.
SHS Safety & Infection Control 1
What is the most effective method for preventing cross-contamination?