6 Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Free Online FlashCards

To whom do Standard Precautions apply?

Standard Precautions apply to every patient, regardless of known infection status.

What guides PPE selection under Standard Precautions?

Choose PPE according to the anticipated exposure to blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious material—not only known infection status.

What should you do immediately after removing gloves?

Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing gloves; gloves do not replace hand hygiene.

What precautions are appropriate when C. difficile is suspected in a patient with new diarrhea?

Use Contact Precautions while the cause is assessed, including gown and gloves; dedicate patient-care equipment when possible.

Which handwashing method is preferred after C. difficile care?

Soap-and-water handwashing is preferred after care of a patient with C. difficile; follow the facility’s current protocol.

Where should a patient with suspected infectious pulmonary tuberculosis be placed?

Promptly use Airborne Precautions and place the patient in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR), when available.

What helps reduce influenza transmission risk during necessary transport?

If possible, have the patient wear a facemask and notify receiving personnel about the precautions.

How should shared patient-care equipment be handled between patients?

Use dedicated equipment when possible. If equipment is shared, clean and disinfect it before using it for another patient.

When should an unnecessary urinary catheter be removed?

Remove an invasive device as soon as it is no longer clinically necessary, following the care team’s protocol.

What should a clinician do with contaminated PPE when exiting a Contact Precautions room?

Remove and discard contaminated PPE as directed before leaving, then perform hand hygiene.

When should soap and water be used instead of alcohol-based hand rub?

Alcohol-based hand rub is appropriate in most clinical situations. Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.

What respiratory protection should staff wear when entering a room for suspected infectious pulmonary TB?

Personnel entering should wear at least a fit-tested N95 respirator under the facility’s respiratory-protection program.