Infection Control Basics

Infection control is one of the most critical topics on your CNA state exam. You can expect approximately 8-10% of your exam questions to focus on infection control principles. Let’s break down the key concepts you need to master:

Chain of Infection

The exam frequently tests your understanding of the six links in the chain of infection:

1. Infectious Agent (pathogen)
2. Reservoir (where pathogens live)
3. Portal of Exit (how pathogens leave the reservoir)
4. Mode of Transmission (how pathogens move)
5. Portal of Entry (how pathogens enter a new host)
6. Susceptible Host (person at risk of infection)

Standard Precautions

You must know that standard precautions apply to ALL patients, regardless of their diagnosis:

• Hand hygiene
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Proper handling of contaminated items
• Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
• Safe injection practices

Hand Hygiene

The exam heavily emphasizes proper hand hygiene:

• When to use soap and water (20 seconds)
• When to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Key moments for hand hygiene:
  • Before and after patient contact
  • After removing gloves
  • Before handling food
  • After contact with body fluids

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Know the correct order for:

• Putting on (donning): Gown → Mask → Goggles → Gloves
• Taking off (doffing): Gloves → Goggles → Gown → Mask

Transmission-Based Precautions

Understand the three types:

• Contact Precautions
• Droplet Precautions
• Airborne Precautions

Medical Asepsis

Know the difference between:

• Clean technique
• Sterile technique
• Clean vs. contaminated items

Bloodborne Pathogens

Understand basic principles about:

• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Universal precautions

Key Exam Focus Areas:

• Proper handwashing technique
• Correct use of PPE
• Understanding isolation precautions
• Preventing cross-contamination
• Proper handling of contaminated materials
• OSHA guidelines for workplace safety

Remember: The exam will test both your knowledge of these principles and your ability to apply them in practical situations. Focus on understanding not just the “what” but also the “why” behind infection control procedures.

Now that you understand the basics, let’s explore common mistakes to avoid! Mark this topic complete and Click ‘Next Topic’ to continue your learning journey.