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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Diseases & Conditions

Infection Prevention and Control Quiz: Test Your Skills

Think you can ace this infection control test? Start now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration infection prevention control hygiene icons safety protocol symbols on sky blue background

Ready to prove your expertise? Our free infection prevention and control quiz invites healthcare professionals and students to test their mastery of hygiene best practices and safety protocols. This engaging infection prevention quiz covers everything from hand hygiene and PPE essentials to sterilization techniques and outbreak response. Spend just 10 minutes tackling realistic infection control questions to uncover knowledge gaps, benchmark your performance, and receive instant feedback. Whether you're a busy professional or a student seeking hands-on practice, the quiz on infection prevention and control is your fast, engaging infection control test. Dive deeper into asepsis and infection control insights - take the quiz now and elevate your skills!

What is the minimum recommended duration for effective handwashing?
15 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds
10 seconds
Guidelines from leading health authorities recommend washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to remove pathogens effectively. Shorter durations may not eliminate all resident and transient microorganisms. A proper handwashing technique also includes rinsing and drying. CDC Handwashing Science
Which of the following is considered a standard precaution in infection control?
Performing hand hygiene between patient contacts
Disinfecting surfaces only at the end of the day
Using N95 respirator for all patients
Administering prophylactic antibiotics
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used for all patient care to reduce transmission risks. Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact is the cornerstone of these practices. Other components include respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices, and use of PPE based on anticipated exposure. CDC Standard Precautions
The primary mode of transmission for seasonal influenza viruses is:
Droplet transmission
Vector-borne transmission
Contact with contaminated food
Airborne transmission
Influenza viruses are mainly spread via respiratory droplets produced when infected individuals cough or sneeze. These droplets typically travel short distances before settling on surfaces or entering mucous membranes. Airborne spread (smaller particles) is not the predominant route for seasonal strains. CDC Influenza Transmission
For contact precautions, which PPE items are essential?
Respirator and gown
Face shield and mask
Gown and gloves
Surgical mask and goggles
Contact precautions are designed to prevent the spread of pathogens transmitted by direct or indirect contact. A disposable gown and gloves must be worn upon room entry and removed before exiting. Masks or respirators are not required unless specified by additional precautions. CDC Contact Precautions
Which antiseptic agent is most effective for routine hand rubbing in healthcare settings?
Povidone-iodine
Isopropyl alcohol
Triclosan
Chloroxylenol
Alcohol-based hand rubs containing 60 - 95% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol are most effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. They require less time than soap and water and are less irritating to skin with proper use. They should not be used on visibly soiled hands. CDC Hand Hygiene
When cleaning a spill of blood on a countertop, what should be done first?
Don disposable gloves
Mop the area with water
Apply bleach directly to the spill
Spray general-purpose cleaner
Personal protective equipment must be donned before any cleaning to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens. After gloves are on, a proper disinfectant can be applied following the manufacturer's contact time. Only then should the spill be cleaned and disinfected. CDC Spill Cleaning
Sharps waste should always be disposed of in what type of container?
Recycling bin
Biohazard plastic bag
General waste bin
Sharps puncture-resistant container
Sharps containers are rigid, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof on sides and bottom to prevent needlestick injuries. They must be labeled or color-coded according to local regulations. Standard waste bags are not sufficient to contain needles and other sharps. CDC Waste Disposal
Clostridioides difficile spores are best inactivated by which disinfectant?
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
70% alcohol
Phenolic disinfectants
Quaternary ammonium compounds
C. difficile spores are highly resistant to many disinfectants but are inactivated by bleach solutions containing at least 1000 ppm available chlorine. Alcohol-based and quaternary ammonium formulations are not effective against spores. Proper contact time must be observed for sporicidal activity. CDC C. difficile Guidance
What is the correct sequence for donning personal protective equipment?
Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
Mask, gown, gloves, goggles
Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
The recommended donning order is gown first, followed by mask or respirator, then goggles or face shield, and gloves last. This sequence ensures that each item is placed without contaminating clean surfaces. Gloves cover gown cuffs and fit over wrist areas to maintain barrier integrity. CDC PPE Sequence
High-level disinfection differs from low-level disinfection because it kills which additional organism?
Mycobacteria
Prions
Bacterial toxins
Enveloped viruses
High-level disinfection eliminates all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores and is effective against mycobacteria. Low-level disinfectants do not reliably kill mycobacteria or non-enveloped viruses. Prions require more stringent decontamination than high-level disinfection. CDC Disinfection Levels
Which statement best describes sterilization?
Inhibits microbial growth without killing
Reduces microbial load to a safe level
Eliminates all forms of microbial life
Removes visible soil from instruments
Sterilization is a process that destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores. It goes beyond cleaning (removal of soil) and disinfection (elimination of many pathogens but not all spores). Methods include steam under pressure, ethylene oxide, and other approved techniques. CDC Sterilization Guidelines
Autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes sterilizes instruments by which mechanism?
Ultraviolet radiation
Chemical vapor
Dry heat conduction
Steam under pressure
Autoclaving uses saturated steam under pressure to achieve temperatures that denature proteins and kill all microorganisms. The standard cycle at 121°C and 15 psi for 15 minutes is validated for routine sterilization. Dry heat and UV do not penetrate like steam and require different parameters. CDC Sterilization Methods
Negative pressure isolation rooms are primarily used to prevent the spread of which type of infections?
Contact-transmitted infections
Droplet-transmitted infections
Vector-borne infections
Airborne-transmitted infections
Negative pressure rooms keep contaminated air from escaping into adjacent areas by airflow control. They are used for airborne-transmitted pathogens like tuberculosis and measles. The ventilation system filters or exhausts contaminated air safely. CDC Isolation Guidelines
Which biological indicator is commonly used to monitor steam sterilization cycles?
Escherichia coli spores
Bacillus anthracis spores
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores
Staphylococcus aureus spores
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to moist heat and are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization. They provide a reliable measure of the autoclave's ability to kill resistant organisms. Other spores are less heat-resistant and not recommended for monitoring. CDC Sterilization Monitoring
What is the recommended alcohol concentration range in hand sanitizers for optimal effectiveness?
60 - 95%
40 - 50%
30 - 40%
100%
Optimal alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain 60 - 95% ethanol or isopropanol to effectively kill bacteria and viruses. Concentrations below 60% are less effective, and 100% alcohol evaporates too quickly to ensure microbial kill. Proper contact time is also critical. CDC Hand Hygiene
Which component is NOT part of the chain of infection?
Reservoir
Mode of transmission
Vaccination status
Susceptible host
The chain of infection comprises the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and a susceptible host. Vaccination status is not a link; rather, it is a strategy to break the chain by reducing host susceptibility. Breaking any link can prevent disease spread. CDC Chain of Infection
Which type of mask is required during aerosol-generating procedures on patients with suspected tuberculosis?
Cloth mask
N95 respirator
Surgical mask
Face shield
An N95 respirator is designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles and is required during aerosol-generating procedures to protect against tuberculosis transmission. Surgical masks do not provide adequate protection against small airborne particles. Fit testing and seal checks are mandatory. CDC TB Respiratory Protection
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive endoscopes?
Ethylene oxide gas
Ultraviolet radiation
Steam autoclave
Incineration
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization operates at low temperatures and is suitable for heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices like endoscopes. Steam autoclaving would damage the instruments, and UV cannot penetrate internal channels. Proper aeration time is needed to remove residues. CDC Medical Device Processing
Bacteriostatic agents differ from bactericidal agents in that they:
Destroy bacterial spores
Inhibit bacterial growth
Kill bacteria outright
Neutralize bacterial toxins
Bacteriostatic agents inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria, relying on the host's immune system for clearance. Bactericidal agents kill bacteria directly. Differentiating between the two is critical when selecting antimicrobial strategies for immunocompromised patients. CDC Antimicrobial Definitions
What is the first step in reprocessing a flexible endoscope after use?
Sterilization
Drying and storage
High-level disinfection
Manual cleaning
Manual pre-cleaning removes organic material and channel debris, which is essential before any high-level disinfection or sterilization. Without thorough cleaning, disinfectants cannot contact and kill microorganisms effectively. Following cleaning, channels are flushed and disinfected per manufacturer instructions. CDC Endoscope Reprocessing
Legionella pneumophila in hospital water systems is primarily controlled by maintaining water temperatures above:
60 °C
25 °C
100 °C
75 °C
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water systems between 20 °C and 45 °C. Keeping potable hot water above 60 °C inhibits bacterial growth. Temperature control, along with regular system maintenance, reduces the risk of Legionnaires' disease. CDC Water Management
Which antiseptic is preferred for preoperative skin preparation to reduce surgical site infections?
4% chlorhexidine gluconate
0.5% hydrogen peroxide
10% povidone-iodine
70% isopropyl alcohol
Chlorhexidine gluconate solutions (2 - 4%) are more effective than povidone-iodine at reducing skin flora and surgical site infections. They have residual activity that continues to kill bacteria after application. Alcohol is often combined with chlorhexidine for rapid effect. CDC Surgical Prep
Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs primarily helps reduce the incidence of which healthcare-associated infection?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Clostridioides difficile infection
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
Antimicrobial stewardship programs optimize antibiotic use, which reduces unnecessary exposure and limits selection pressure for resistant organisms. Improved prescribing practices have been shown to significantly decrease C. difficile infection rates. Other HAIs may benefit, but C. difficile is most directly linked to antibiotic overuse. CDC Stewardship
Which bacterial spore indicator is most heat-resistant and used to validate steam sterilization efficacy?
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores
Clostridioides difficile spores
Bacillus atrophaeus spores
Bacillus subtilis spores
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the gold standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance. They provide a strict test of autoclave performance. Other spores are used for different sterilization modalities. CDC Sterility Monitoring
HEPA filters in biosafety cabinets must capture particles down to what size with at least 99.97% efficiency?
0.3 micron
1.0 micron
0.1 micron
5 microns
HEPA filters are certified to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter, which is the most penetrating particle size. This efficiency extends to both smaller and larger particles due to diffusion and interception mechanisms. Proper installation and testing ensure biosafety cabinet performance. CDC HEPA Standards
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fundamental IPC Concepts -

    By completing the infection prevention and control quiz, you will grasp the core principles of hygiene best practices and safety protocols that form the foundation of infection prevention and control.

  2. Identify Common Transmission Routes -

    You will learn to recognize how pathogens spread in healthcare and community settings, improving your ability to anticipate and interrupt infection pathways.

  3. Apply Effective Hand Hygiene Techniques -

    The quiz will reinforce proper handwashing and sanitizing methods, ensuring you can implement evidence-based practices to reduce microbial transmission.

  4. Select Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment -

    Through realistic infection control questions, you will determine correct PPE choices for various clinical and non-clinical scenarios to maintain safety.

  5. Analyze Risk Factors and Mitigation Strategies -

    By tackling targeted infection control test items, you'll sharpen your ability to assess risk factors and apply control measures to minimize infection rates.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Chain of Infection -

    The chain of infection comprises six links: pathogen, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host. Use the mnemonic "P-R-E-T-E-S" (Pathogen, Reservoir, Exit, Transmission, Entry, Susceptible) to recall each step. Disrupting any link - like sterilizing surfaces to eliminate reservoirs - breaks the cycle and stops infection spread (CDC, WHO).

  2. Hand Hygiene and the WHO's 5 Moments -

    Proper hand hygiene remains the single most effective intervention in infection prevention and control, reducing healthcare-associated infections by up to 50% (WHO). Remember the "5 Moments" mnemonic: before patient contact, before aseptic task, after body fluid exposure risk, after patient contact, and after contact with patient surroundings. Aim for at least 20 seconds of soap lather or 15 seconds of alcohol-based rub for full decontamination.

  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocols -

    Choosing and donning PPE correctly - gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection - shields you from infectious agents and prepares you for infection control quiz scenarios. Follow the sequence "gown, mask, goggles, gloves" when donning and reverse for doffing to avoid self-contamination (CDC). Practicing this order builds muscle memory and confidence for real-world infection control questions.

  4. Transmission-Based Precautions -

    Beyond standard precautions, apply contact, droplet, and airborne precautions based on the pathogen's transmission mode - use "ADC" (Airborne, Droplet, Contact) to recall the hierarchy. For example, tuberculosis requires an N95 respirator under airborne precautions, while influenza mandates a surgical mask for droplets. Aligning precautions with pathogen behavior prevents cross-transmission and boosts quiz performance on infection control tests.

  5. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection -

    High-touch surfaces like doorknobs and bed rails harbor pathogens - use EPA-registered disinfectants with recommended contact times (e.g., bleach 1:100 dilution for 5 minutes) to achieve a 99.9% kill rate (NIH). Implement checklists and logs to ensure consistent cleaning and to prepare for infection prevention quizzes with real-world scenarios. Remember the formula "Concentration × Time = Efficacy" when selecting and using disinfectants correctly.

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