a-IPC Exam Actual Questions and Answers
2024/2025 with complete solution
Spaulding classification - critical - ANSWER-Enters sterile
system or the vascular system and therefore heightens
the risk of infection if contaminated with
microorganisms, including bacterial spores. To process,
sterilize according to MIFU and kept in their intact sterile
packaging before use. If single use, disposed of
immediately after use.
Spaulding classification - semi-critical - ANSWER-comes
into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
To process, sterilize according to MIFU. Heat sensitive
items are processed through high level disinfection
between patient use according to MIFU or used as a
single-use item. Sterilization is preferred.
,Spaulding classification - noncritical - ANSWER-comes
into contact with intact skin, but not mucous
membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with
barrier according to MIFU
Spaulding classification - single-use - ANSWER-Critical
and semi-critical devices and instruments that are
labelled by the manufacturer to be used only once, as
they cannot be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized reliably
OR devices that are purchased with a MIFU that does not
contain reprocessing instructions. These items are not
reprocessed.
Droplet transmission - ANSWER-coughs and sneezes can
spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5 micrometers
diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - ANSWER-tiny particles, possibly
produced by talking, as suspended in the air for longer
and travel further. <5 micrometers diameter and greater
than 6ft of travel
,appropriate practices for specimen collection - ANSWER-
wear proper PPE, use aseptic technique to minimize
contamination, proper identification (label immediately),
use of sterile containers, avoid cross-contamination
appropriate practices for specimen transport - ANSWER-
proper containment (usually with biohazard bags), cold-
chain maintenance (if required), timely delivery,
documentation (keep records of transport), ensure
transport vehicles are clean
appropriate practices for specimen handling - ANSWER-
minimum handling, use of biohazard bags, work area is
clean, centrifugation (if needed, ensure in proper BSL),
proper sharps handling
appropriate practices for specimen storage - ANSWER-
store at proper temperature, labelled properly, proper
separation and organization of specimens, strict access
to specimens, monitor conditions to ensure no changes,
and clearly define expiration dates and dispose of when
expired
, colonization - ANSWER-microorganisms live on body
surface, but do not cause disease. No symptoms, no
immune response, harmless. No treatment needed, but
the person can still be a source of transmission.
infection - ANSWER-microorganisms invade the body,
multiple, and cause tissue damage and immune
response. Symptoms present and immune system
activated. Treatment needed and can lead to
complications if not treated
pseudo-infection (contamination) - ANSWER-
microorganisms are introduced during specimen
collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease
symptoms, false-positive lab results due to external
contamination. No treatment needed, but misdiagnosis
can occur, leading to unnecessary interventions
prophylactic antimicrobial use - ANSWER-administration
of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an infection before
it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at
2024/2025 with complete solution
Spaulding classification - critical - ANSWER-Enters sterile
system or the vascular system and therefore heightens
the risk of infection if contaminated with
microorganisms, including bacterial spores. To process,
sterilize according to MIFU and kept in their intact sterile
packaging before use. If single use, disposed of
immediately after use.
Spaulding classification - semi-critical - ANSWER-comes
into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
To process, sterilize according to MIFU. Heat sensitive
items are processed through high level disinfection
between patient use according to MIFU or used as a
single-use item. Sterilization is preferred.
,Spaulding classification - noncritical - ANSWER-comes
into contact with intact skin, but not mucous
membranes. To process, disinfected or protected with
barrier according to MIFU
Spaulding classification - single-use - ANSWER-Critical
and semi-critical devices and instruments that are
labelled by the manufacturer to be used only once, as
they cannot be cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized reliably
OR devices that are purchased with a MIFU that does not
contain reprocessing instructions. These items are not
reprocessed.
Droplet transmission - ANSWER-coughs and sneezes can
spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5 micrometers
diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - ANSWER-tiny particles, possibly
produced by talking, as suspended in the air for longer
and travel further. <5 micrometers diameter and greater
than 6ft of travel
,appropriate practices for specimen collection - ANSWER-
wear proper PPE, use aseptic technique to minimize
contamination, proper identification (label immediately),
use of sterile containers, avoid cross-contamination
appropriate practices for specimen transport - ANSWER-
proper containment (usually with biohazard bags), cold-
chain maintenance (if required), timely delivery,
documentation (keep records of transport), ensure
transport vehicles are clean
appropriate practices for specimen handling - ANSWER-
minimum handling, use of biohazard bags, work area is
clean, centrifugation (if needed, ensure in proper BSL),
proper sharps handling
appropriate practices for specimen storage - ANSWER-
store at proper temperature, labelled properly, proper
separation and organization of specimens, strict access
to specimens, monitor conditions to ensure no changes,
and clearly define expiration dates and dispose of when
expired
, colonization - ANSWER-microorganisms live on body
surface, but do not cause disease. No symptoms, no
immune response, harmless. No treatment needed, but
the person can still be a source of transmission.
infection - ANSWER-microorganisms invade the body,
multiple, and cause tissue damage and immune
response. Symptoms present and immune system
activated. Treatment needed and can lead to
complications if not treated
pseudo-infection (contamination) - ANSWER-
microorganisms are introduced during specimen
collection or processing, not causing disease. No disease
symptoms, false-positive lab results due to external
contamination. No treatment needed, but misdiagnosis
can occur, leading to unnecessary interventions
prophylactic antimicrobial use - ANSWER-administration
of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an infection before
it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at
