CNA Chapter 3 – Infection Prevention
Practice Questions with Verified Rationales
,Question 1
A CNA is caring for a resident with Clostridioides difficile infection. Which action is most
effective in preventing transmission of this organism?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after resident contact
B. Wearing gloves when providing perineal care
C. Washing hands with soap and water before leaving the room
D. Cleaning shared equipment with disinfectant wipes
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
C. difficile forms spores that are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Evidence
from CDC infection-control guidelines shows that handwashing with soap and water is the
only reliable method to mechanically remove spores. Gloves and surface cleaning are
important, but without soap-and-water hand hygiene, transmission risk remains high.
Question 2
A CNA removes soiled gloves after assisting with toileting. What is the next correct step?
A. Apply alcohol-based sanitizer
B. Put on clean gloves for the next task
C. Wash hands with soap and water
D. Disinfect the bedside table
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Glove removal does not eliminate contamination risk. Microorganisms frequently
contaminate the hands during glove removal. Standard Precautions require immediate
handwashing after glove removal before touching any other surface or resident.
Question 3
Which situation requires the CNA to perform hand hygiene even if gloves were worn?
A. After changing bed linens only
B. After removing gloves used for wound care
C. After pushing a wheelchair
D. After passing a meal tray
Correct Answer: B
Verified Explanation:
Wound care involves exposure to blood and body fluids. Research confirms that glove
,micro-tears and removal contamination place staff at high infection risk. Hand hygiene after
glove removal is mandatory following any contact with open skin, wounds, or body fluids.
Question 4
A resident is on Contact Precautions. Which PPE combination is required when entering the
room?
A. Gloves only
B. Gown only
C. Gloves and gown
D. Gloves, gown, mask, and face shield
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Contact Precautions require gloves and gown upon entry, regardless of task. Masks are only
required for Droplet or Airborne precautions. Over-PPE use increases cost and non-
compliance without improving outcomes.
Question 5
Which action by a CNA places residents at highest risk for cross-contamination?
A. Using alcohol sanitizer before meals
B. Wearing gloves while emptying a catheter bag
C. Touching the bed rail after removing gloves without washing hands
D. Disinfecting equipment after each use
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Hands become contaminated during glove removal. Touching environmental surfaces before
hand hygiene spreads pathogens across patient zones, a major contributor to healthcare-
associated infections.
Question 6
A CNA is caring for a resident with a urinary catheter. Which action best prevents catheter-
associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
A. Disconnecting the drainage bag daily to empty it
B. Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level at all times
C. Placing the drainage bag on the bed during transfers
D. Cleaning the catheter once per shift with alcohol
, Correct Answer: B
Verified Explanation:
The drainage bag must remain below bladder level to prevent backflow of urine, which
introduces bacteria into the urinary tract. Disconnecting tubing and improper placement
increase infection risk.
Question 7
Which task requires the CNA to perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure?
A. Making an empty bed
B. Assisting with ambulation
C. Performing perineal care
D. Transporting a resident in a wheelchair
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Perineal care involves exposure to body fluids and mucous membranes. Hand hygiene is
required before to protect the resident and after to protect the CNA and others.
Question 8
Which resident should the CNA care for last to reduce cross-contamination?
A. Resident recovering from hip surgery
B. Resident with pneumonia on droplet precautions
C. Resident with diabetes requiring blood glucose testing
D. Resident with C. difficile infection
Correct Answer: D
Verified Explanation:
Residents with C. difficile require special spore-control precautions. They should be cared for
after other residents to reduce environmental contamination.
Question 9
A CNA observes dried blood on reusable scissors. What is the correct action?
A. Wipe with a dry paper towel
B. Rinse under cold water
Practice Questions with Verified Rationales
,Question 1
A CNA is caring for a resident with Clostridioides difficile infection. Which action is most
effective in preventing transmission of this organism?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after resident contact
B. Wearing gloves when providing perineal care
C. Washing hands with soap and water before leaving the room
D. Cleaning shared equipment with disinfectant wipes
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
C. difficile forms spores that are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Evidence
from CDC infection-control guidelines shows that handwashing with soap and water is the
only reliable method to mechanically remove spores. Gloves and surface cleaning are
important, but without soap-and-water hand hygiene, transmission risk remains high.
Question 2
A CNA removes soiled gloves after assisting with toileting. What is the next correct step?
A. Apply alcohol-based sanitizer
B. Put on clean gloves for the next task
C. Wash hands with soap and water
D. Disinfect the bedside table
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Glove removal does not eliminate contamination risk. Microorganisms frequently
contaminate the hands during glove removal. Standard Precautions require immediate
handwashing after glove removal before touching any other surface or resident.
Question 3
Which situation requires the CNA to perform hand hygiene even if gloves were worn?
A. After changing bed linens only
B. After removing gloves used for wound care
C. After pushing a wheelchair
D. After passing a meal tray
Correct Answer: B
Verified Explanation:
Wound care involves exposure to blood and body fluids. Research confirms that glove
,micro-tears and removal contamination place staff at high infection risk. Hand hygiene after
glove removal is mandatory following any contact with open skin, wounds, or body fluids.
Question 4
A resident is on Contact Precautions. Which PPE combination is required when entering the
room?
A. Gloves only
B. Gown only
C. Gloves and gown
D. Gloves, gown, mask, and face shield
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Contact Precautions require gloves and gown upon entry, regardless of task. Masks are only
required for Droplet or Airborne precautions. Over-PPE use increases cost and non-
compliance without improving outcomes.
Question 5
Which action by a CNA places residents at highest risk for cross-contamination?
A. Using alcohol sanitizer before meals
B. Wearing gloves while emptying a catheter bag
C. Touching the bed rail after removing gloves without washing hands
D. Disinfecting equipment after each use
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Hands become contaminated during glove removal. Touching environmental surfaces before
hand hygiene spreads pathogens across patient zones, a major contributor to healthcare-
associated infections.
Question 6
A CNA is caring for a resident with a urinary catheter. Which action best prevents catheter-
associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
A. Disconnecting the drainage bag daily to empty it
B. Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level at all times
C. Placing the drainage bag on the bed during transfers
D. Cleaning the catheter once per shift with alcohol
, Correct Answer: B
Verified Explanation:
The drainage bag must remain below bladder level to prevent backflow of urine, which
introduces bacteria into the urinary tract. Disconnecting tubing and improper placement
increase infection risk.
Question 7
Which task requires the CNA to perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure?
A. Making an empty bed
B. Assisting with ambulation
C. Performing perineal care
D. Transporting a resident in a wheelchair
Correct Answer: C
Verified Explanation:
Perineal care involves exposure to body fluids and mucous membranes. Hand hygiene is
required before to protect the resident and after to protect the CNA and others.
Question 8
Which resident should the CNA care for last to reduce cross-contamination?
A. Resident recovering from hip surgery
B. Resident with pneumonia on droplet precautions
C. Resident with diabetes requiring blood glucose testing
D. Resident with C. difficile infection
Correct Answer: D
Verified Explanation:
Residents with C. difficile require special spore-control precautions. They should be cared for
after other residents to reduce environmental contamination.
Question 9
A CNA observes dried blood on reusable scissors. What is the correct action?
A. Wipe with a dry paper towel
B. Rinse under cold water
