Infection Prevention and Control

What is the chain of infection?

• ANot important to know
• BPathogen → reservoir → mode of transmission → portal of entry → host—breaking it prevents spread✓
• COnly theoretical
• DOnly applies to serious diseases

Answer: Understanding the chain helps you prevent infections through practical measures.

What is the most important infection control measure in a care setting?

• AWearing masks all the time
• BHand hygiene—washing hands at key times✓
• CIsolation of all service users
• DUsing excessive antibiotics

Answer: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infections.

When should you wash your hands in a care setting?

• AOnly at the end of the day
• BBefore and after service user contact, after bathroom use, and before eating✓
• COnly when visibly dirty
• DNever—hand sanitizer is enough

Answer: Regular hand washing at key times prevents transmission of pathogens.

What is the correct way to wash your hands?

• AQuickly with cold water
• BWith soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces✓
• COnly palms
• DOnce a day is enough

Answer: Thorough technique removes pathogens from all hand surfaces.

What is personal protective equipment (PPE) and when should it be used?

• ANever necessary
• BGloves, aprons, masks—used when contact with body fluids or infection risk is likely✓
• COnly for very serious illnesses
• DAll day long

Answer: Appropriate PPE protects both you and service users from infection.

A service user vomits on the floor. What should you do?

• ALeave it
• BPut on PPE, clean with disinfectant, dispose of materials safely, and wash hands✓
• CUse paper towels only
• DAsk someone else to do it

Answer: Proper cleanup with disinfection prevents infection spread.

How should medical waste be disposed of in a care setting?

• ARegular trash
• BIn designated clinical waste containers, incinerated according to regulations✓
• CRecycled
• DLeft for cleaners

Answer: Proper waste disposal prevents infection and environmental contamination.

What should you do if a service user has a notifiable infection?

• AKeep quiet
• BReport it to your supervisor and public health authorities as required by law✓
• COnly tell family
• DWait to see if it spreads

Answer: Reporting notifiable diseases protects public health and allows disease tracking.

What is the importance of immunisation for care workers?

• ANot necessary
• BProtecting yourself and vulnerable service users from preventable diseases✓
• COnly if outbreaks occur
• DNot effective in care settings

Answer: Immunisation protects both workers and service users from serious diseases.

A colleague with cold symptoms is scheduled to work. What should you suggest?

• AThey should work anyway
• BThey should stay home if possible or use extra PPE and hand hygiene to reduce transmission✓
• CSymptoms don't matter
• DLet management decide

Answer: Staying home when ill prevents spread to vulnerable service users.