SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

A surveyor observes a staff member entering the room of a resident on contact precautions for MRSA without donning a gown or gloves.
This practice is a significant breach of which fundamental infection control principle?

Accepted Answer

Transmission-Based Precautions

Answer

Antibiotic stewardship

Answer

Environmental cleaning protocols

Answer

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

Question 2

The primary goal of an Antibiotic Stewardship Program in a long-term care facility, as required by 42 CFR §483.80, is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials to combat resistance and improve resident outcomes.

Answer

Ensure all documented infections are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Answer

Reduce the facility's annual pharmacy expenditures.

Answer

Mandate specific antibiotics for common infections to streamline care.

Question 3

A surveyor is reviewing the facility's response to an influenza outbreak. Which of the following interventions demonstrates correct implementation of Droplet Precautions?

Accepted Answer

Cohorting ill residents and having them wear a facemask when outside their room.

Answer

Placing all residents on a prophylactic course of antibiotics.

Answer

Requiring staff to wear N95 respirators for all resident contact.

Answer

Disinfecting all surfaces with an EPA-registered sporicidal agent.

Question 4

According to federal regulations, which of the following is a mandatory component of a facility's Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP)?

Accepted Answer

A system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases.

Answer

A policy requiring all staff and residents to receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Answer

An on-site microbiology laboratory for rapid testing.

Answer

A mandatory 7-day isolation period for all new admissions.

Question 5

A resident has been diagnosed with a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. For terminal cleaning of the resident's room after discharge, the surveyor should confirm that housekeeping staff use:

Accepted Answer

An EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant.

Answer

An alcohol-based cleaning solution.

Answer

A standard quaternary ammonium disinfectant.

Answer

Soap and water only.

Question 6

Per CMS requirements, the individual designated as the facility's Infection Preventionist (IP) must meet several qualifications, including:

Accepted Answer

Working at least part-time at the facility.

Answer

Being a board-certified infectious disease physician.

Answer

Holding a master's degree in public health.

Answer

Having at least 10 years of experience as a Director of Nursing.