A10 Short Answer Questions

Question 1

What is the purpose of infection prevention and control?

Answer 1

To minimise the spread of infections and protect patients, staff, and visitors in healthcare environments.

Question 2

What are the three main types of transmission-based precautions?

Answer 2

Airborne, droplet, and contact precautions.

Question 3

What is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare?

Answer 3

Proper hand hygiene.

Question 4

What does PPE stand for, and why is it used?

Answer 4

Personal Protective Equipment; it is used to protect healthcare workers and patients from infectious agents.

Question 5

Name two common healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

Answer 5

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) and Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff).

Question 6

What does the term “aseptic technique” mean?

Answer 6

A set of practices to prevent contamination by pathogens during medical procedures.

Question 7

Why is it important to follow waste disposal protocols in healthcare?

Answer 7

To prevent environmental contamination and reduce infection risks.

Question 8

What is the chain of infection?

Answer 8

A series of steps for an infection to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Question 9

When should healthcare workers use alcohol-based hand rub instead of soap and water?

Answer 9

When hands are not visibly dirty or contaminated with bodily fluids.

Question 10

What is the role of a risk assessment in infection prevention?

Answer 10

To identify potential infection risks and implement measures to mitigate them.

Question 11

What is cross-contamination?

Answer 11

The transfer of harmful microorganisms from one person, object, or surface to another potentially leading to an infection.

Question 12

Why is it important to clean and disinfect medical equipment?

Answer 12

To prevent the spread of infections by killing or removing microorganisms.

Question 13

What is the purpose of isolating a patient in a healthcare setting?

Answer 13

To prevent the spread of infections of highly contagious or resistant infections to others.

Question 14

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilising?

Answer 14

Cleaning removes dirt and debris; disinfecting kills most microorganisms; sterilising eliminates all microorganisms, including spores.

Question 15

What should be done if a healthcare worker experiences a needle stick injury?

Answer 15

Immediately wash the area, report the incident, and follow up with occupational health for post-exposure management.

Question 16

What are “standard precautions” in infection control?

Answer 16

Basic infection prevention measures applied to all patients, such as hand hygiene, glove use, and respiratory hygiene.

Question 17

Why is it important to monitor patients for signs of infection?

Answer 17

Early detection allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of spreading infections.

Question 18

What does the term “healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) mean?

Answer 18

An infection acquired in a healthcare setting during the course of treatment.

Question 19

What is high-risk environment for infection transmission in healthcare?

Answer 19

Areas like intensive care units (ICUs) or operating theatres due to the vulnerable nature of patients an invasive procedures.

Question 20

What should be done with sharp objects (e.g., needles) after use?

Answer 20

Dispose of them immediately in a designated sharps container to prevent injuries and infection risks.