CNA / PCT Infection Control Exam Study Guide 2026 PDF for Nursing
Assistants and Patient Care Technicians | Hand Hygiene, Standard and
Transmission-Based Precautions, PPE, Sterilization, Disinfection, Patient
Safety, and Clinical Protocols | Comprehensive Infection Control Exam
Preparation to Strengthen Workplace Safety, Compliance, and Test
Performance
, Question 1:
Which of the following is the most effective method of preventing the spread of
infection in a healthcare setting?
A) Hand washing
B) Wearing gloves
C) Using hand sanitizer
D) Disinfecting surfaces
Correct Option: A) Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing is the most effective method for reducing the transmission of
pathogens. It removes dirt and microbes effectively, whereas gloves may not fully
protect against contamination, and surfaces can still harbor bacteria despite
disinfection.
Question 2:
What is the purpose of standard precautions?
A) To prevent needle-stick injuries
B) To protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens
C) To ensure that all patients receive the same level of care
D) To prevent the transmission of infections regardless of the patient's diagnosis
Correct Option: D) To prevent the transmission of infections regardless of the
patient's diagnosis
Rationale: Standard precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and
patients from the transmission of infectious agents. They apply to all patients,
regardless of their risk status, ensuring a uniform approach to infection prevention.
Question 3:
When should a healthcare worker wear personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A) Only when handling blood
B) Only during surgical procedures
C) When there is a likelihood of exposure to blood or body fluids
D) When working with patients diagnosed with infectious diseases only
Correct Option: C) When there is a likelihood of exposure to blood or body fluids
Rationale: PPE is essential whenever there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids,
regardless of whether the patient has a diagnosed infection. This practice protects both
the healthcare worker and the patient.
Assistants and Patient Care Technicians | Hand Hygiene, Standard and
Transmission-Based Precautions, PPE, Sterilization, Disinfection, Patient
Safety, and Clinical Protocols | Comprehensive Infection Control Exam
Preparation to Strengthen Workplace Safety, Compliance, and Test
Performance
, Question 1:
Which of the following is the most effective method of preventing the spread of
infection in a healthcare setting?
A) Hand washing
B) Wearing gloves
C) Using hand sanitizer
D) Disinfecting surfaces
Correct Option: A) Hand washing
Rationale: Hand washing is the most effective method for reducing the transmission of
pathogens. It removes dirt and microbes effectively, whereas gloves may not fully
protect against contamination, and surfaces can still harbor bacteria despite
disinfection.
Question 2:
What is the purpose of standard precautions?
A) To prevent needle-stick injuries
B) To protect healthcare workers from bloodborne pathogens
C) To ensure that all patients receive the same level of care
D) To prevent the transmission of infections regardless of the patient's diagnosis
Correct Option: D) To prevent the transmission of infections regardless of the
patient's diagnosis
Rationale: Standard precautions are designed to protect healthcare workers and
patients from the transmission of infectious agents. They apply to all patients,
regardless of their risk status, ensuring a uniform approach to infection prevention.
Question 3:
When should a healthcare worker wear personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A) Only when handling blood
B) Only during surgical procedures
C) When there is a likelihood of exposure to blood or body fluids
D) When working with patients diagnosed with infectious diseases only
Correct Option: C) When there is a likelihood of exposure to blood or body fluids
Rationale: PPE is essential whenever there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids,
regardless of whether the patient has a diagnosed infection. This practice protects both
the healthcare worker and the patient.
