Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

Which type of isolation room uses negative air pressure to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens?

Answer: Airborne infection isolation room

Airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) use negative pressure so that air flows inward, preventing infectious airborne particles from escaping into the corridor.

Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which vaccine must employers offer to employees with occupational exposure to blood?

Answer: Hepatitis B vaccine

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to offer the Hepatitis B vaccination series at no cost to employees who have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

What is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) PPE before entering an isolation room?

Answer: Gown → Mask/respirator → Eye protection → Gloves

The CDC recommends donning PPE in the order: gown first, then mask/respirator, then eye protection, and gloves last so gloves cover the gown cuffs.

Medical waste that is saturated with blood or contains recognizable human tissue is classified as:

Answer: Regulated biohazardous waste

Waste saturated with blood, body fluids, or containing recognizable anatomical parts is classified as regulated biohazardous (infectious) waste and must be disposed of in approved red biohazard bags or containers.

What does the acronym MRSA stand for?

Answer: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a strain of staph bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, requiring contact precautions in healthcare settings.

Autoclave sterilization achieves sterilization through which mechanism?

Answer: Moist heat (steam) under pressure at 121°C

An autoclave uses saturated steam under pressure (typically 121°C/250°F at 15 psi for 15–20 minutes) to denature proteins and kill all microorganisms including spores.

When removing (doffing) contaminated PPE, which item should be removed FIRST?

Answer: Gloves

Gloves should be removed first during doffing because they are the most contaminated item; removing them first prevents transferring contamination to other PPE or skin.