Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

For a short-term nontunneled CVC in place less than 10 days, what is the predominant route of catheter colonization?

Answer: Extraluminal migration of skin organisms along the catheter tract

Short-term catheters are colonized mainly by skin flora migrating along the external surface, whereas long-term catheters are colonized mainly intraluminally via the hub.

A patient with suspected Clostridioides difficile has a PICC. Which hand hygiene method is most appropriate after care?

Answer: Soap and water handwashing

Alcohol does not kill C. difficile spores, so mechanical removal with soap and water is required.

When using povidone-iodine for skin antisepsis before catheter insertion, how long should it remain on the skin?

Answer: At least 1.5 to 2 minutes or until fully dry

Povidone-iodine requires a longer contact time of about 1.5 to 2 minutes to achieve antisepsis and must not be blotted.

Which practice is recommended to reduce the risk of CLABSI in ICU patients aged 2 months and older?

Answer: Daily bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate

Daily CHG bathing reduces skin bioburden and CLABSI, while scheduled replacement and antibiotic ointments are not recommended.

A disinfecting cap containing 70% isopropyl alcohol is removed from a needleless connector. What is the correct next step before accessing?

Answer: Access the connector without additional scrubbing if the cap was in place per manufacturer time

Passive disinfecting caps disinfect the connector after the manufacturer's minimum dwell time, so a separate scrub is not required if used per instructions.

When removing a nontunneled CVC, which patient position helps prevent air embolism?

Answer: Trendelenburg or supine flat position

Placing the patient supine or in Trendelenburg increases central venous pressure above atmospheric pressure, reducing air entry.

Under USP , which equipment is recommended when administering hazardous antineoplastic drugs?

Answer: Closed-system drug-transfer device and two pairs of chemotherapy-tested gloves

USP requires closed-system transfer devices for administration when the dosage form allows, and double chemotherapy gloves.