Infection Control in Nursing Fundamentals: Essential Knowledge for Patient Safety

Question 1

In a hospital, which PPE is primarily used to prevent the spread of germs through direct contact?

Accepted Answer

Gloves

Answer

Mask

Answer

Gown

Answer

Eye protection

Question 2

In the context of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which route of transmission is most prevalent?

Accepted Answer

Contact transmission

Answer

Airborne transmission

Answer

Droplet transmission

Answer

Vehicle transmission

Question 3

Which of the following is not recognized as an isolation precaution in infection control practices?

Accepted Answer

Protective isolation

Answer

Contact isolation

Answer

Droplet isolation

Answer

Airborne isolation

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection control?

Accepted Answer

To achieve both of the above objectives

Answer

To prevent the spread of infection from patient to healthcare worker

Answer

To prevent the spread of infection from healthcare worker to patient

Answer

Neither of the above objectives is achieved

Question 5

According to the CDC, which hand hygiene method is most effective in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand rub

Answer

Soap and water

Answer

Chlorhexidine-based hand wash

Answer

Antibacterial soap

Question 6

Isolation serves several crucial purposes. Which of the following is NOT a primary objective of isolation?

Accepted Answer

Educating patients and families about infection control practices

Answer

Preventing the spread of infection from infected patients to others

Answer

Providing a controlled environment for patients with highly contagious diseases

Answer

Protecting healthcare workers from exposure to infectious microorganisms

Question 7

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in infection prevention. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a component of PPE?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscopes

Answer

Gloves

Answer

Gowns

Answer

Masks

Question 8

Nurses play a multifaceted role in infection control practices. Which of the following responsibilities is NOT typically part of a nurse's role in infection control?

Accepted Answer

Performing surgery on infected patients

Answer

Assessing patients for signs and symptoms of infection

Answer

Implementing and monitoring infection control policies

Answer

Educating patients and families about infection control

Question 9

Recognizing signs of infection is essential for timely intervention. Which of the following is NOT a common sign of an infection?

Accepted Answer

Feeling of well-being

Answer

Elevated body temperature

Answer

Chills

Answer

Pus or drainage from a wound

Question 10

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be influenced by various factors. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a risk factor for developing a HAI?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Advanced age

Answer

Underlying health conditions

Answer

Indwelling medical devices

Question 11

When caring for a patient in contact isolation, which personal protective equipment (PPE) should you wear?

Accepted Answer

Gloves and gown

Answer

Mask only

Answer

Gloves only

Answer

Mask, gown, and eye protection

Question 12

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major concern in healthcare settings. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for developing an HAI?

Accepted Answer

Good hygiene practices

Answer

Prolonged hospital stays

Answer

Use of invasive medical devices

Answer

Immunosuppression

Question 13

Standard precautions are implemented to prevent the transmission of microorganisms from known or suspected sources of infection. Which of the following is NOT considered a standard precaution?

Accepted Answer

Isolation of infected patients

Answer

Hand hygiene

Answer

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Answer

Environmental cleaning and disinfection

Question 14

Which type of isolation is used for patients with infections that can be spread through the air?

Accepted Answer

Airborne precautions

Answer

Contact precautions

Answer

Droplet precautions

Answer

Reverse isolation

Question 15

Environmental cleaning plays a crucial role in infection prevention. What is the primary goal of environmental cleaning in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces

Answer

To remove visible dirt and debris

Answer

To disinfect all surfaces

Answer

To prevent the growth of mold and mildew

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a common transmission mode for healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Vector-borne transmission

Answer

Contact transmission

Answer

Droplet transmission

Answer

Airborne transmission

Question 17

Which of the following accurately describes the selection of disinfection and sterilization methods?

Accepted Answer

The selection of disinfection or sterilization method depends on the intended use of the item.

Answer

Disinfection methods eliminate all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

Answer

Sterilization methods are less effective than disinfection methods.

Answer

Chemical agents are always used in sterilization procedures.

Question 18

Which method of transmission is NOT involved in healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle-borne transmission

Answer

Contact

Answer

Droplet

Answer

Airborne transmission

Question 19

What is the primary goal of hand hygiene in infection control?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the spread of pathogens from person to person

Answer

To remove visible dirt and debris from the hands

Answer

To maintain skin integrity

Answer

To comply with regulatory requirements

Question 20

What is the initial stage in the chain of infection?

Accepted Answer

Reservoir

Answer

Portal of exit

Answer

Mode of transmission

Answer

Susceptible host

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT considered a type of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Stethoscopes

Answer

Gloves

Answer

Gowns

Answer

Masks

Question 22

What is the primary objective of implementing sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Preventing microbial contamination of sterile areas

Answer

Removing visible soil and contaminants from surfaces

Answer

Protecting skin from damage

Answer

Fulfilling regulatory compliance

Question 23

Which of the following is not considered a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Accepted Answer

Pressure injury

Answer

Surgical site infection

Answer

Pneumonia acquired in a mechanical ventilation setting

Answer

Urinary tract infection related to indwelling catheter

Question 24

In nursing practice, what is the most crucial element of infection control?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining meticulous hand hygiene

Answer

Utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment

Answer

Recognizing early signs and symptoms of infection

Answer

Facilitating effective communication among healthcare professionals

Question 25

Which fundamental principle of isolation precautions involves separating infected patients from non-infected individuals?

Accepted Answer

Isolating infected patients from non-infected individuals

Answer

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients

Answer

Administering antibiotics to patients with suspected infections

Answer

Educating patients and staff about infection control measures

Question 26

which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Direct contact with animals

Answer

Airborne

Answer

Contact

Answer

Droplet

Question 27

What is the priority method to prevent the spread of HAIs via contact transmission?

Accepted Answer

Proper hand hygiene

Answer

Isolation

Answer

Proper waste disposal

Answer

Patient education

Question 28

Which of the following is a primary purpose of PPE in infection control?

Accepted Answer

To protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents

Answer

To prevent the spread of infection from patients to others

Answer

To create a sterile environment

Answer

To improve patient comfort

Question 29

What is the primary goal of isolation in infection control?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another

Answer

To provide comfort to the patient

Answer

To allow the patient to recover in peace

Answer

To punish the patient

Question 30

What is the most crucial step in effective hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

Scrubbing for at least 20 seconds

Answer

Using soap and water

Answer

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Answer

Drying your hands thoroughly

Question 31

In infection control, which of these is a primary responsibility of nurses?

Accepted Answer

Identifying patients at risk for infection

Answer

Administering medications

Answer

Performing complex medical procedures

Answer

Discharging patients from the hospital

Question 32

Identify the essential components of the chain of infection and describe their respective roles in the transmission of infectious diseases.

Accepted Answer

Reservoir, Portal of Exit, Mode of Transmission, Portal of Entry, Host

Answer

Pathogen, Vector, Environment, Host, Fomite

Answer

Disinfection, Sterilization, Hand Hygiene, Isolation, Personal Protective Equipment

Question 33

What is the primary purpose of implementing isolation precautions?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the transmission of infectious agents from an infected patient to others

Answer

To monitor the patient's condition for signs of infection

Answer

To safeguard healthcare workers from potential exposure to infection

Question 34

In the chain of infection, what element is considered the fundamental initiating factor?

Accepted Answer

A reservoir

Answer

A mode of transmission

Answer

A susceptible host

Answer

An exit portal

Question 35

Which of the following factors increases an individual's risk of developing healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression

Answer

Optimal nutritional status

Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Young age

Question 36

What is the primary responsibility of nurses in infection control?

Accepted Answer

Implementing and monitoring measures to prevent the spread of infection

Answer

Diagnosing and treating infectious diseases

Answer

Educating patients about infection prevention

Question 37

How does disinfection differ from sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Disinfection eliminates most, but not all microorganisms, while sterilization eliminates all microorganisms

Answer

Sterilization eliminates most, but not all microorganisms, while disinfection eliminates all microorganisms

Answer

They have equivalent effectiveness in eliminating microorganisms

Question 38

What is the primary purpose of using personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

To shield healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents

Answer

To provide comfort and privacy for the patient

Answer

To prevent the spread of infection from the patient to others

Question 39

Which of the following is the most critical factor in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Hand hygiene

Answer

Strict adherence to isolation precautions

Answer

Consistent use of personal protective equipment

Answer

Routine environmental cleaning

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a mode of transmission for airborne infections?

Accepted Answer

Touching contaminated surfaces

Answer

Inhalation of aerosolized respiratory droplets

Answer

Coughing or sneezing

Answer

Singing or talking

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for infection control?

Accepted Answer

To provide comprehensive recommendations for preventing and controlling infections in healthcare settings.

Answer

To establish legal requirements for infection control practices.

Question 42

When caring for a patient with a suspected bloodborne pathogen infection, the nurse should take which of the following precautions?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves, gown, and mask when handling blood or body fluids.

Answer

Physically restrain the patient to prevent self-injury.

Answer

Isolate the patient in a negative pressure room.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for acquiring healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Young age

Answer

Use of invasive medical devices

Answer

Prolonged hospitalization

Answer

Immunodeficiency

Question 44

What is the key difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Disinfection eliminates most, but not all microorganisms, while sterilization eliminates all microorganisms.

Answer

Disinfection uses heat, while sterilization uses chemicals.

Answer

Disinfection is a faster process than sterilization.

Question 45

What is the primary role of the infection control nurse?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and prevent the spread of infections within a healthcare facility.

Answer

To provide direct patient care to infected patients.

Answer

To develop and implement new infection control policies.

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of healthcare-associated infections?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged hospital stays

Answer

Reduced healthcare costs

Answer

Enhanced nurse-patient relationships

Answer

Improved patient satisfaction

Question 47

When caring for a patient with suspected Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which action is essential to prioritize to minimize the risk of transmitting the infection?

Accepted Answer

Implement contact precautions, such as wearing gloves and a gown during patient care.

Answer

Administer antibiotics as prescribed to treat the infection.

Answer

Place the patient in a private room with negative air pressure.

Question 48

A patient with a postsurgical incision exhibits redness, swelling, and pain at the wound site. What is the nurse's immediate responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Notify the healthcare provider promptly about potential signs of wound infection.

Answer

Apply a warm compress to the affected area.

Answer

Administer antibiotics as directed.

Question 49

For a patient on contact precautions, which action by the nurse demonstrates correct adherence to infection control guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Using gloves and a gown when providing direct patient care.

Answer

Wearing a respirator upon entry into the patient's room.

Answer

Wearing a surgical mask upon entry into the patient's room.

Question 50

Which measure is most effective in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene frequently and meticulously.

Answer

Vaccinating patients against common infections.

Answer

Maintaining a clean and disinfected environment.

Answer

Administering antibiotics to treat infections.

Question 51

When caring for a patient with influenza, which personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriate for the nurse to wear?

Accepted Answer

A surgical mask.

Answer

A respirator.

Answer

Gloves and a gown only.

Question 52

What is the primary objective of establishing a sterile field?

Accepted Answer

To designate an area as free from microorganisms, minimizing the risk of infection during procedures.

Answer

To prevent the spread of airborne pathogens in the surrounding environment.

Question 53

For a patient with a weakened immune system, which action is crucial to minimize their risk of acquiring infections?

Accepted Answer

Enforce meticulous hand hygiene practices and limit exposure to potential pathogens.

Answer

Administer prophylactic antibiotics to the patient.

Answer

Isolate the patient in a private room with negative air pressure.

Question 54

When educating new nurses about infection control, which statement should be emphasized?

Accepted Answer

Infection control is a collective responsibility, and adhering to best practices is essential for protecting patients and healthcare providers.

Answer

Infection control measures are only necessary in specific scenarios, such as when dealing with patients with known infections.