SNLE Infection Control 2

Question 1

How should sharps (needles, scalpels) be disposed of after use?

Accepted Answer

Immediately in a puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping

Answer

Sharps must be placed immediately in a designated puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container. Never recap needles (recapping is the most common cause of needlestick injuries). Never leave sharps on trays or in open containers.

Question 2

What is the correct order for donning (putting on) PPE?

Accepted Answer

Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves

Answer

CDC recommended donning order: 1) Gown (protects clothing), 2) Mask/respirator (protects airway), 3) Eye protection (protects mucous membranes), 4) Gloves (protect hands and seal gown cuffs). This sequence minimizes self-contamination during application.

Question 3

Which surface disinfectant is effective against C. difficile spores?

Accepted Answer

Hypochlorite (bleach) solution

Answer

C. difficile spores are extremely resistant. The CDC recommends EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectants, primarily diluted sodium hypochlorite (bleach, 1:10 dilution), for environmental cleaning in rooms of C. difficile patients. Alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds are ineffective against spores.

Question 4

A nurse enters a patient's room and notices the patient is coughing with blood-tinged sputum and has not been put on isolation. What should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Initiate airborne precautions immediately, put on N95 mask, and notify the physician and infection control

Answer

Hemoptysis with respiratory symptoms raises the concern of active pulmonary TB or other airborne pathogen. Precautions should be initiated based on clinical suspicion rather than waiting for culture results. Early isolation prevents nosocomial transmission.

Question 5

What is 'surgical asepsis' versus 'medical asepsis'?

Accepted Answer

Surgical asepsis means completely sterile technique; medical asepsis reduces microbial numbers to safe levels (clean technique)

Answer

Medical asepsis (clean technique) reduces microbial count and prevents spread (handwashing, clean environment). Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) aims to eliminate all microorganisms from objects and areas. Surgical asepsis is required for invasive procedures, wound care, and any entry into sterile body cavities.

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Infection Control 2