A-IPC EXAM Most Recent exam COMPLETE EXAM Questions and Answers
(Verified Answers) (Latest Update 2025-2026) UPDATE!!
Spaulding classification - critical - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct answer coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5
micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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) - correct 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 - correct answer administration of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an
infection before it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at high risk of developing an
infection due to surgery, immunosuppression, or exposure to a pathogen. For example, antibiotics given
before/after surgery to prevent SSI
empirical antimicrobial use - correct answer Initiated when a patient presents with symptoms of
infection, but the specific pathogen may has not yet been identified. In this case, broad-spectrum
antibiotics are often prescribed based on the most likely pathogens, local epidemiology, and clinical
presentation. Once lab results identify the causative organism, the treatment can be adjusted
therapeutic antimicrobial use - correct answer use of antimicrobials to treat an established infection
where the causative organism has been identified (or strongly suspected) and is known to be susceptible
to the prescribed agent. This use is targeted and specific, aiming to eradicate infection.
hand hygiene - correct answer perform before and after patient contact, before handling or eating food,
after using the restroom, and after handling any contaminated material. Use soap and water for at least
20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available
appropriate availability, selection, use, and disposal of PPE - correct answer ensure PPE is readily
available in appropriate locations, use PPE based on the type of exposure risk, dispose of properly after
use (gloves should be discarded immediately after patient contact)
donning of PPE - correct answer start with hand hygiene, then put on gown, mask, eye protection, and
gloves in that order.
doffing of PPE - correct answer remove gloves first (to avoid contamination), then gown, eye protection,
and mask. Perform hand hygiene after each step
patient placement, transfer, and discharge - correct answer placement: patients are in appropriate
isolation rooms based on their infection type
transfer: ensure proper PPE use and infection control measures during patient ______ to prevent
spreading of infections
discharge: ensure patient is properly decontaminated (if needed) and provide instructions for continued
infection prevention at home
respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette - correct answer cover your mouth/nose with tissue or your elbow
when coughing/sneezing, dispose of tissues properly and wash hands afterwards, encourage patients to
wear masks when symptomatic, especially in healthcare settings
use of patient care products and medical equipment - correct answer clean and disinfect medical
equipment between uses, use single-use items when appropriate and discard after use, regularly
maintain and sterilize reusable equipment according to guidelines
, principles of safe injection practices - correct answer always use a new, sterile syringe and needle for
each injection, never reuse syringes or needles even on the same patient, use single-dose vials
whenever possible. If using multi-dose vials, ensure proper techniques to avoid contamination, follow
proper procedures for storing and handling medication
Compounding medications - correct answer work in a clean, sterile environment to prevent
contamination, use sterile equipment and ingredients, follow guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting
compounding areas regularly, ensure that medications are prepared and stored correctly to prevent
bacterial growth
transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient is known or suspected to have an
infection that spreads through direct or indirect contact (via contaminated surfaces, equipment, person-
to-person, etc). PPE (gloves and gown) should be worn when in room and disposed of before leaving.
Patient placed in private room if possible. Regularly clean and disinfect room and equipment used.
Proper hand hygiene after removing gloves and other PPE
airborne transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient has an infection that can
be transmitted through tiny particles (aerosols) that can remain suspended in the air for a long time and
travel long distances. HCW should wear an N95 or higher when entering room. Patient should be in a
negative pressure room. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of room and equipment. Limit transport, but
wear a mask and in private vehicle if needed
droplet transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient is known or suspected to
have an infection that spreads through large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or
talking. These droplets can travel up to 6ft. HCW should wear a surgical mask, private room is ideal,
regular cleaning of surfaces in room, limit transport outside of room, but wear a mask if necessary
failure mode and effects analysis (general idea) - correct answer a structured and systematic method
used to identify and evaluate potential failure modes in a process, product, or system and assess the
consequences (effects) of those failures. It aims to prevent failures before they occur by identifying the
root causes of the risks and proposing mitigation strategies to eliminate them. Widely used to ensure
reliability, safety, and quality. In healthcare settings, it's applied to improve patient safety by identifying
potential risks in patient care processes and developing corrective actions
failure mode and effects analysis (steps) - correct answer 1. define the scope and team
2. list the process steps
3. Identify potential failures for each step
4. Determine the effects of each failure mode
5. Assign severity, occurrence, and detection ratings out of 10
6. calculate the risk priority number (RPN) (multiply all 3 scores from step 5 and a higher RPN = more
critical and needs attention first)
7. Prioritize and address the highest-risk failure modes
8. implement corrective actions
(Verified Answers) (Latest Update 2025-2026) UPDATE!!
Spaulding classification - critical - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct answer coughs and sneezes can spread droplets of saliva and mucous. >5
micrometers diameter and less than 6 ft of travel.
Airborne transmission - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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 - correct 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) - correct 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 - correct answer administration of an antimicrobial agent to prevent an
infection before it occurs. Typically used in situations where a person is at high risk of developing an
infection due to surgery, immunosuppression, or exposure to a pathogen. For example, antibiotics given
before/after surgery to prevent SSI
empirical antimicrobial use - correct answer Initiated when a patient presents with symptoms of
infection, but the specific pathogen may has not yet been identified. In this case, broad-spectrum
antibiotics are often prescribed based on the most likely pathogens, local epidemiology, and clinical
presentation. Once lab results identify the causative organism, the treatment can be adjusted
therapeutic antimicrobial use - correct answer use of antimicrobials to treat an established infection
where the causative organism has been identified (or strongly suspected) and is known to be susceptible
to the prescribed agent. This use is targeted and specific, aiming to eradicate infection.
hand hygiene - correct answer perform before and after patient contact, before handling or eating food,
after using the restroom, and after handling any contaminated material. Use soap and water for at least
20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when soap and water aren't available
appropriate availability, selection, use, and disposal of PPE - correct answer ensure PPE is readily
available in appropriate locations, use PPE based on the type of exposure risk, dispose of properly after
use (gloves should be discarded immediately after patient contact)
donning of PPE - correct answer start with hand hygiene, then put on gown, mask, eye protection, and
gloves in that order.
doffing of PPE - correct answer remove gloves first (to avoid contamination), then gown, eye protection,
and mask. Perform hand hygiene after each step
patient placement, transfer, and discharge - correct answer placement: patients are in appropriate
isolation rooms based on their infection type
transfer: ensure proper PPE use and infection control measures during patient ______ to prevent
spreading of infections
discharge: ensure patient is properly decontaminated (if needed) and provide instructions for continued
infection prevention at home
respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette - correct answer cover your mouth/nose with tissue or your elbow
when coughing/sneezing, dispose of tissues properly and wash hands afterwards, encourage patients to
wear masks when symptomatic, especially in healthcare settings
use of patient care products and medical equipment - correct answer clean and disinfect medical
equipment between uses, use single-use items when appropriate and discard after use, regularly
maintain and sterilize reusable equipment according to guidelines
, principles of safe injection practices - correct answer always use a new, sterile syringe and needle for
each injection, never reuse syringes or needles even on the same patient, use single-dose vials
whenever possible. If using multi-dose vials, ensure proper techniques to avoid contamination, follow
proper procedures for storing and handling medication
Compounding medications - correct answer work in a clean, sterile environment to prevent
contamination, use sterile equipment and ingredients, follow guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting
compounding areas regularly, ensure that medications are prepared and stored correctly to prevent
bacterial growth
transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient is known or suspected to have an
infection that spreads through direct or indirect contact (via contaminated surfaces, equipment, person-
to-person, etc). PPE (gloves and gown) should be worn when in room and disposed of before leaving.
Patient placed in private room if possible. Regularly clean and disinfect room and equipment used.
Proper hand hygiene after removing gloves and other PPE
airborne transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient has an infection that can
be transmitted through tiny particles (aerosols) that can remain suspended in the air for a long time and
travel long distances. HCW should wear an N95 or higher when entering room. Patient should be in a
negative pressure room. Frequent cleaning and disinfection of room and equipment. Limit transport, but
wear a mask and in private vehicle if needed
droplet transmission based precautions - correct answer use when a patient is known or suspected to
have an infection that spreads through large respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, or
talking. These droplets can travel up to 6ft. HCW should wear a surgical mask, private room is ideal,
regular cleaning of surfaces in room, limit transport outside of room, but wear a mask if necessary
failure mode and effects analysis (general idea) - correct answer a structured and systematic method
used to identify and evaluate potential failure modes in a process, product, or system and assess the
consequences (effects) of those failures. It aims to prevent failures before they occur by identifying the
root causes of the risks and proposing mitigation strategies to eliminate them. Widely used to ensure
reliability, safety, and quality. In healthcare settings, it's applied to improve patient safety by identifying
potential risks in patient care processes and developing corrective actions
failure mode and effects analysis (steps) - correct answer 1. define the scope and team
2. list the process steps
3. Identify potential failures for each step
4. Determine the effects of each failure mode
5. Assign severity, occurrence, and detection ratings out of 10
6. calculate the risk priority number (RPN) (multiply all 3 scores from step 5 and a higher RPN = more
critical and needs attention first)
7. Prioritize and address the highest-risk failure modes
8. implement corrective actions
