Infection Control in Clinical Settings ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

Infection Control in Clinical Settings
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS

Question: What is the primary goal of infection control in hospitals?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ The main goal of infection control in hospitals is to prevent the
spread of infectious diseases among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. This is
achieved through strict adherence to hygiene practices, sterilization procedures, and the use
of personal protective equipment. Effective infection control maintains a safe healthcare
environment and improves patient outcomes.


Question: Explain the difference between standard precautions and transmission-based
precautions.

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Standard precautions are the minimum infection prevention
practices applied to all patient care, regardless of infection status, including hand hygiene and
safe handling of sharps. Transmission-based precautions, on the other hand, are additional
measures used for specific infections that spread by contact, droplets, or airborne routes.
Combining both ensures comprehensive infection prevention.


Question: Describe the proper hand hygiene technique in clinical settings.

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Proper hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and
water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. The hands should be scrubbed for at least 20
seconds, paying attention to the fingertips, palms, and between fingers. Hand hygiene must
be performed before and after patient contact. This simple act is one of the most effective
measures to prevent infection.


Question: How does personal protective equipment (PPE) prevent infection?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ PPE acts as a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious
agents. Equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields prevents exposure to
blood, secretions, and airborne pathogens. Proper use and disposal of PPE are crucial to its
effectiveness. Consistent PPE use protects both patients and staff from cross-contamination.


Question: What are the common types of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Common HAIs include urinary tract infections, surgical site
infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia. These infections often result from

, invasive procedures, poor hygiene, or antibiotic resistance. Implementing infection control
protocols reduces their occurrence. Continuous staff education and surveillance are essential
in minimizing HAIs.


Question: Describe the steps involved in the sterilization process.

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Sterilization involves cleaning, disinfecting, and exposing
instruments to high temperatures or chemicals to eliminate all microorganisms. Methods
include autoclaving, dry heat, or gas sterilization depending on the material. Sterilized
instruments must be stored properly to maintain sterility. Adhering to these steps ensures
patient safety and compliance with healthcare standards.


Question: Why is isolation used in infection control?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Isolation separates infected individuals from others to prevent
the spread of infectious diseases. It includes contact, airborne, and droplet isolation
depending on the infection type. Proper signage and PPE use are essential in isolation areas.
Isolation protects both patients and healthcare staff from exposure to pathogens.


Question: How can environmental cleaning support infection control?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Regular cleaning and disinfection of hospital surfaces reduce
the presence of harmful microorganisms. High-touch areas like doorknobs, bed rails, and
medical equipment must be disinfected frequently. Using approved disinfectants and proper
cleaning techniques ensures thorough decontamination. A clean environment minimizes
infection risk for all occupants.


Question: Explain the role of waste management in infection prevention.

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Proper waste segregation and disposal are critical to infection
control. Medical waste should be categorized as general, infectious, or sharps and placed in
color-coded containers. Disposal must follow hospital protocols and environmental
regulations. Effective waste management prevents environmental contamination and reduces
disease transmission.


Question: What are the responsibilities of infection control committees in hospitals?

CORRECT ANSWERS✅✅ Infection control committees develop, implement, and monitor
policies related to hygiene and safety. They conduct audits, provide staff training, and
investigate infection outbreaks. These committees ensure compliance with national and
international health standards. Their oversight is vital for maintaining safe hospital
environments.