Infection Control

Question 1

What is an infection?

Answer 1

A disease caused by harmful microbes (pathogens).

Infections occur when pathogens grow inside the body and cause illness.

Question 2

List the SIX links in the chain of infection.

Answer 2

1. Pathogen
2. Reservoir
3. Portal of exit
4. Method of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host

Breaking any link in the chain can prevent infection.

Question 3

How can infections spread from one person to another?

Answer 3

Through direct or indirect transmission.

Transmission can be through touching and coughing.

Question 4

What is the most common method of indirect transmission?

Answer 4

Touching contaminated surfaces.

Pathogens can live on surfaces and be transferred to hands.

Question 5

What are some common portals of entry and exit for pathogens.

Answer 5

• Respiratory tract
• Digestive tract
• Genitourinary tract
• Breaks in the skin

Question 6

Define:

healthcare-associated infections (HAI)

Answer 6

Infections acquired in a healthcare facility.

Also known as nosocomial infections, these can be prevented with strict infection control measures.

Question 7

What is a potential consequence of a nosocomial infection?

Answer 7

Prolonged hospital stay.

Nosocomial infections can lead to longer hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs.

Question 8

What is MRSA?

Answer 8

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

A dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacterium commonly found in hospitals.

Question 9

How can C. difficile be spread?

Answer 9

Through contact with contaminated hands or surfaces.

C. difficile spores can survive for long periods on surfaces.

Question 10

What is the main symptom of C. difficile infection?

Answer 10

Severe diarrhea

C. difficile infections cause inflammation of the colon.

Question 11

Which type of microbe causes diseases such as tuberculosis?

Answer 11

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can be treated with antibiotics.

Question 12

List TWO examples of a bloodborne pathogen?

Answer 12

1. HIV
2. Hepatitis B

These viruses can be transmitted through contaminated blood.

Question 13

Fill in the blank:

HIV weakens the ______ system.

Answer 13

immune

HIV attacks the body’s ability to fight infections.

Question 14

True or False:

Needlestick injuries pose a risk of bloodborne infection.

Answer 14

True

Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through needlestick injuries.

Question 15

What should be done if a healthcare worker is exposed to a bloodborne pathogen?

Answer 15

• Report the exposure immediately.
• Follow the exposure control plan.

Prompt reporting ensures timely medical evaluation.

Question 16

List THREE factors that increase infection susceptibility.

Answer 16

1. Age
2. Chronic illness
3. Medical devices

Weakened immune systems make infections more likely.

A person who is more likely to become infected is called a susceptible host.

Question 17

What are the signs of infection in older adults?

Answer 17

• A new onset of confusion or increased confusion (if the person is already confused).
• Changes in eating or appetite.
• New onset of the loss of bladder or bowel control or more frequent episodes of incontinence.
• Loss of the ability to complete tasks the person is usually able to do.
• Fatigue or lethargy.
• Flu-like symptoms.

In older adults, fever may not be present even if an infection is present since many older adults have other chronic conditions, are taking medications.

Question 18

Fill in the blank:

The best defense against infection is _______.

Answer 18

prevention

Preventive measures like hand hygiene and PPE reduce infection risk.

Question 19

List THREE methods of infection control.

Answer 19

1. Hand hygiene.
2. Using PPE.
3. Cleaning contaminated surfaces.

These methods prevent the spread of microbes.

Question 20

What is the most important step in controlling the spread of infection?

Answer 20

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene removes microbes and prevents their spread.

Hands should be washed before and after patient contact.

Question 21

Fill in the blank:

Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against ______.

Answer 21

C. difficile

Handwashing with soap and water is required for removing C. difficile spores.

Question 22

How does vaccination help prevent infections?

Answer 22

It stimulates the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens.

Vaccines prevent serious infectious diseases like influenza and hepatistis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is required for healthcare workers.

Question 23

Which PPE should be worn when handling blood or body fluids?

Answer 23

• Gloves
• Gown
• Mask
• Protective eyewear

The type of PPE depends on the exposure risk.

Question 24

True or False:

Disposable gloves can be reused if disinfected properly.

Answer 24

False

Gloves are single-use items and should be discarded after use.

Question 25

What should a person with respiratory symptoms do to **prevent infection spread**?

Answer 25

* Wear a mask. * Practice cough etiquette. ## Footnote Covering coughs and sneezes reduces airborne transmission.

Question 26

What is the purpose of **isolation precautions**?

Answer 26

To prevent the spread of **contagious diseases**. ## Footnote Patients with contagious infections are placed in isolation. Isolation precautions can be standard or transmission based.

Question 27

What is the purpose of **standard precautions**?

Answer 27

To protect **healthcare workers and patients** from infections. ## Footnote These precautions apply to all patients, regardless of infection status. They are sometimes called universal precautions.

Question 28

# Define: **droplet** precautions

Answer 28

Precautions used when caring for a person who is known or thought to have an illness that is **transmitted by large droplets in the air** (respiratory droplets). ## Footnote Diseases like influenza and meningitis require these precautions.

Question 29

# True or False: Droplet precautions require **a HEPA mask**.

Answer 29

False ## Footnote A surgical mask is sufficient for droplet precautions.

Question 30

What are the THREE types of **transmission-based precautions**?

Answer 30

1. Airborne 1. Droplet 1. Contact precautions ## Footnote Each precaution is based on the mode of pathogen transmission.

Question 31

# Define: **airbone** precautions

Answer 31

Precautions used when caring for a person who is known or thought to have an illness that is **transmitted through the air**. ## Footnote Precautions include placing the person in a private room and keeping the door closed, wearing a HEPA mask when providing care, and having the person wear a mask when he or she must leave the room.

Question 32

How is tuberculosis (**TB**) **spread**?

Answer 32

Through **airborne** droplets. ## Footnote Coughing and sneezing release TB bacteria into the air. TB necessitates airborne precautions in healthcare settings.

Question 33

What should be done with **used sharps**?

Answer 33

Dispose of them in a **puncture-proof** sharps container. ## Footnote Never recap needles to avoid accidental injury.

Question 34

What is the **first step** to take if you get **pricked by a needle** while changing linens?

Answer 34

**Wash** the area thoroughly. ## Footnote Immediate washing is essential to reduce the risk of infection following a needlestick injury.

Question 35

How should **contaminated laundry** be handled?

Answer 35

Place in a **leak-proof** laundry bag. ## Footnote This prevents the spread of infection.

Question 36

How should **bedpans be carried** to prevent contamination?

Answer 36

Always **covered**. ## Footnote This prevents the spread of germs.

Question 37

In what **sequence** should personal protective equipment (**PPE**) **be worn**?

Answer 37

1. Gown 1. Mask 1. Eyewear 1. Gloves ## Footnote Following the CDC guidelines, the correct order for putting on PPE is to first wear a gown, then a mask, followed by eyewear, and finally gloves.

Question 38

# Fill in the blank: PPE **should be removed** in the order of \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 38

gloves, eyewear, gown, mask ## Footnote This minimizes contamination.

Question 39

# True or False: A single-use disposable mask can be **worn multiple times**.

Answer 39

False ## Footnote Masks must be replaced after each use.

Question 40

How should healthcare workers dispose of **contaminated gloves**?

Answer 40

Remove and discard in a **biohazard waste container**. ## Footnote This prevents contamination of clean areas.

Question 41

How can a healthcare worker prevent **cross-contamination when using gloves**?

Answer 41

* Change gloves between tasks. * Wash hands after gloves removal. ## Footnote This prevents spreading microbes to clean areas.

Question 42

How can a person reduce their risk of **foodborne infection**?

Answer 42

* Washing hands before handling food. * Cooking food thoroughly. ## Footnote Proper food handling prevents bacterial contamination. Proper cooking kills harmful bacteria.

Question 43

How should **reusable medical equipment** be cleaned?

Answer 43

With **disinfectant** or **sterilization** methods. ## Footnote Proper cleaning prevents cross-contamination.

Question 44

# Define: sterilization

Answer 44

The process of **eliminating all microbes** from an object. ## Footnote It is achieved using gas, chemicals, dry heat or pressurized steam. It is necessary for surgical instruments and catheters.

Question 45

Which **cleaning agent** is effective against most healthcare pathogens?

Answer 45

A disinfectant solution **containing bleach**. ## Footnote Bleach kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Question 46

What should be done if a patient has a suspected **contagious skin infection**?

Answer 46

Implement **contact** precautions. ## Footnote Contact precautions are used when caring for a person who is known or thought to have an illness that can be spread by direct or indirect contact. Early precautions reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Question 47

What should be done **before exiting** a patient’s isolation room?

Answer 47

* Remove PPE. * Wash hands. ## Footnote This prevents carrying microbes outside the room.

Question 48

Where should you **dispose of a gown** used for an isolated patient?

Answer 48

In the laundry hamper **designated for that purpose** inside the patient’s room. ## Footnote To prevent the spread of infection, gowns should be removed and disposed of in the appropriate hamper located within the isolation room.

Question 49

What should be done if a patient **refuses isolation precautions**?

Answer 49

**Educate** them on the importance of infection control. ## Footnote Understanding the need for precautions encourages compliance.

Question 50

What is the purpose of an **exposure control plan**?

Answer 50

To outline procedures for handling **occupational exposure to pathogens**. ## Footnote OSHA mandates employers to have an exposure control plan.

Question 51

How is **norovirus** most commonly spread?

Answer 51

Through contaminated **food**, **water**, or **surfaces**. ## Footnote Norovirus causes severe gastroenteritis.

Question 52

What action should a healthcare worker take if he **exhibits flu symptoms** but is scheduled to work?

Answer 52

**Immediately report the illness** to the immediate supervisor and describe his symptoms. ## Footnote The supervisor can make decisions about what tasks you can do and what care he can safely provide to others. Reporting illness is crucial to protect patients, especially those with compromised immune systems.