Caregiver Infection Control Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum time recommended for effective handwashing?
- 5 seconds
- 10 seconds
- 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- 60 seconds
Correct answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Proper technique: wet hands, apply soap, lather all surfaces including between fingers and under nails for 20+ seconds, rinse under clean water, dry with clean towel. Alcohol-based sanitizer (60%+) is acceptable when hands are not visibly soiled.
Question 2: Which PPE should be put on first?
- Gloves
- Mask or respirator
- Gown (Correct answer)
- Eye protection
Correct answer: Gown
Correct order: gown first, then mask, then eye protection, then gloves last.
Donning: gown, mask, eye protection, gloves. Doffing is reversed: gloves first (most contaminated), eye protection, gown, mask last. Hand hygiene between steps is critical.
Question 3: What is the chain of infection?
- List of diseases by severity
- Agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission mode, portal of entry, susceptible host (Correct answer)
- Order for giving antibiotics
- Chain of command for reporting
Correct answer: Agent, reservoir, portal of exit, transmission mode, portal of entry, susceptible host
Six links required for infection: breaking any link prevents spread.
Infection control targets each link: hand hygiene breaks transmission, PPE blocks entry portals, vaccination reduces susceptibility, and cleaning eliminates reservoirs.
Question 4: A client is on contact precautions. What is required?
- Mask when within 6 feet
- Gown and gloves for all contact with the client and environment (Correct answer)
- No special precautions
- Negative-pressure room
Correct answer: Gown and gloves for all contact with the client and environment
Contact precautions require gown and gloves when entering the room and for any contact with client or environment.
Used for MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, and scabies. Dedicate equipment to that client. Enhanced environmental cleaning. Educate the client about the reason for precautions. Maintain dignity despite isolation.
Question 5: How should contaminated linen be handled?
- Shake it out to remove debris first
- Place directly into a labeled bag at the point of use without shaking (Correct answer)
- Carry it to the laundry room before bagging
- Sort by color in the client's room
Correct answer: Place directly into a labeled bag at the point of use without shaking
Place directly into a designated bag without shaking, sorting, or carrying through common areas.
Never shake soiled linen as this aerosolizes pathogens. Bag at point of use, do not overfill, hold away from your body, wear appropriate PPE. Double-bag blood-contaminated items per facility policy.
Question 6: What is the difference between sterilization and disinfection?
- They are the same
- Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms including spores; disinfection reduces them to safe levels (Correct answer)
- Disinfection is more thorough
- Sterilization uses chemicals; disinfection uses heat
Correct answer: Sterilization eliminates all microorganisms including spores; disinfection reduces them to safe levels
Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores. Disinfection reduces microorganisms to a safe level.
Sterilization is for surgical instruments (autoclaving, gas). Disinfection levels: high (most organisms except some spores), intermediate (most bacteria, viruses, fungi), and low (non-critical surfaces). Caregivers typically perform low to intermediate.
