PPE and Infection Control Practice Questions

40 multiple-choice questions on PPE and infection control for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 2 (Workforce Safety and Wellness). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

40 practice questions

1. Standard precautions are based on the principle that:

   1. A. Only known infected patients pose risk
   2. B. Gloves alone protect against most exposures
   3. C. PPE is needed mainly for trauma calls
   4. D. All blood and body fluids may be infectious
   Show answer

   Answer: D. All blood and body fluids may be infectious

   You often will not know what a patient carries.

2. You finish a call, take off your gloves, and see no visible soiling on your hands. Before touching the radio and steering wheel, you should:

   1. A. Do nothing, since the gloves protected your hands
   2. B. Rinse your hands with water only
   3. C. Put on a fresh pair of gloves instead
   4. D. Clean your hands with alcohol rub until dry
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Clean your hands with alcohol rub until dry

   Gloves can have tiny defects, and hands get contaminated while you take them off, so hand hygiene is required after glove removal. Alcohol rub is fine for hands that are not visibly soiled; use soap and water when they are, or after C. difficile. Water alone does not kill organisms. A new pair of gloves over contaminated hands just moves the contamination to the radio and steering wheel.

3. After caring for which patient must you wash your hands with soap and water instead of using alcohol hand rub?

   1. A. A patient with seasonal influenza
   2. B. A patient with an MRSA skin abscess
   3. C. A patient with C. difficile diarrhea
   4. D. A patient with RSV bronchiolitis
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A patient with C. difficile diarrhea

   C. difficile forms spores that alcohol does not kill. Soap, water, and friction physically remove them. Alcohol rub works well against influenza, RSV, and MRSA when hands are not visibly soiled.

4. Gloves should be changed:

   1. A. Only when visibly soiled or torn
   2. B. Between patients, and dirty to clean
   3. C. Only after invasive procedures such as IVs
   4. D. Once per shift unless torn
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Between patients, and dirty to clean

   Wash your hands after removing them, since gloves can have unseen defects. Change them when moving from a dirty task to a clean one.

5. Eye protection is indicated when:

   1. A. On every patient transport
   2. B. When splashes or sprays are possible
   3. C. Only when the patient is coughing
   4. D. Only during trauma calls
   Show answer

   Answer: B. When splashes or sprays are possible

   Regular eyeglasses are not adequate eye protection. Examples include suctioning, childbirth, and airway procedures.

6. When removing contaminated PPE, the provider should:

   1. A. Keep dirty surfaces off your skin
   2. B. Remove the gloves as the final step
   3. C. Remove the mask before anything else
   4. D. Reuse the gown if not visibly soiled
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Keep dirty surfaces off your skin

   Careless removal is a common route of self-contamination. Keep contaminated surfaces away from skin and clothing, and clean your hands afterward.

7. N95 respirators require fit testing because:

   1. A. Fit testing checks the filter's rating
   2. B. They are designed to be reusable
   3. C. A poor seal lets air leak around it
   4. D. The respirators expire every year
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A poor seal lets air leak around it

   Facial hair at the seal also defeats the respirator. Unfiltered air bypasses a poorly sealed respirator. The filter rating is set by certification; fit testing checks the seal on your face.

8. Contaminated needles should be:

   1. A. Recapped and then discarded
   2. B. Bent before disposal to prevent reuse
   3. C. Placed unrecapped in a sharps container
   4. D. Placed in a red biohazard bag
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Placed unrecapped in a sharps container

   Most needlesticks in EMS happen during recapping or transfer. Dispose of them immediately in a rigid, puncture-resistant container.

9. Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing differ in that sterilization:

   1. A. Kills most organisms but not spores
   2. B. Uses soap and water with friction
   3. C. Removes visible debris only
   4. D. Kills all microbes and spores
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Kills all microbes and spores

   Cleaning removes debris, disinfection kills most organisms on surfaces.

10. Equipment that touches intact skin, such as a blood pressure cuff, requires:

    1. A. High-level chemical disinfection
    2. B. Cleaning and low-level disinfection
    3. C. Steam or gas sterilization
    4. D. A dry wipe between patients
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Cleaning and low-level disinfection

    Items that enter the body require higher levels of processing. Intermediate-level disinfection is also acceptable.

11. Contaminated linens and disposable supplies should be:

    1. A. Left at the hospital without notice
    2. B. Bagged as biohazard waste per policy
    3. C. Placed in the regular trash
    4. D. Taken home and washed separately
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Bagged as biohazard waste per policy

    Follow your exposure control plan for waste handling. State rules also apply.

12. An exposure control plan is:

    1. A. A state law on infection reporting
    2. B. An employer plan for exposures
    3. C. An insurance policy for exposures
    4. D. A protocol for patient treatment
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An employer plan for exposures

    OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard requires it. It describes how exposure risks are reduced and how exposures are handled.

13. Standard precautions apply to:

    1. A. Every patient you treat
    2. B. Only patients with known infections
    3. C. Only trauma patients who are bleeding
    4. D. Only patients with visible blood
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Every patient you treat

    You will not always know what a patient carries.

14. The level of PPE selected should be based on:

    1. A. The dispatch determinant
    2. B. The anticipated exposure
    3. C. The patient's request
    4. D. Agency policy alone
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The anticipated exposure

    Anticipate rather than react. Consider blood, body fluids, and respiratory secretions.

15. Hand hygiene should be performed:

    1. A. Only after removing gloves
    2. B. Once per call, at the end
    3. C. Before and after every patient contact
    4. D. Only at the receiving hospital on arrival
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Before and after every patient contact

    Gloves do not replace it. Also after glove removal and after touching contaminated surfaces.

16. When hands are visibly soiled, the provider must use:

    1. A. Two rounds of sanitizer
    2. B. Soap and water
    3. C. Alcohol-based sanitizer
    4. D. A disinfectant wipe
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Soap and water

    Alcohol does not remove organic material.

17. Alcohol-based hand rub should be applied:

    1. A. All hand surfaces until dry
    2. B. Briefly to the palms only
    3. C. With a little water added
    4. D. Only to the fingertips and nails
    Show answer

    Answer: A. All hand surfaces until dry

    Drying time is part of the process. This usually takes about 20 seconds.

18. Gloves should be selected based on:

    1. A. Thickness alone
    2. B. Unit cost and availability
    3. C. Sterility for routine exams
    4. D. Size and material
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Size and material

    Nitrile avoids latex allergy problems. Consider latex sensitivity. Routine exams use clean, nonsterile gloves.

19. Double gloving is most useful when:

    1. A. Only on trauma calls
    2. B. With heavy or prolonged contamination
    3. C. On every patient contact
    4. D. Never, since it reduces fine dexterity
    Show answer

    Answer: B. With heavy or prolonged contamination

    Changing the outer pair keeps hands clean between tasks. It also allows a quick outer change.

20. A gown is indicated when:

    1. A. Never, since uniforms suffice
    2. B. Splashing or soiling is likely
    3. C. Any patient contact occurs
    4. D. Only for isolation patients
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Splashing or soiling is likely

    Uniforms are not a barrier. Childbirth and major trauma are examples.

21. Eye protection should:

    1. A. Be optional if wearing a mask
    2. B. Include side protection
    3. C. Be regular prescription eyeglasses
    4. D. Be worn only during surgery
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Include side protection

    Splashes come from unexpected angles. Goggles or a face shield qualify.

22. An N95 respirator requires:

    1. A. Only correct sizing from a chart
    2. B. Nothing beyond proper storage
    3. C. Wearing two masks for a better seal
    4. D. Fit testing and a seal check
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Fit testing and a seal check

    A beard defeats the seal. No facial hair may cross the seal.

23. A seal check is performed by:

    1. A. Having a partner inspect the edges
    2. B. Covering it and breathing to find leaks
    3. C. Tightening the straps until snug
    4. D. Checking the expiration date on it
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Covering it and breathing to find leaks

    Do it each time you don it.

24. A powered air-purifying respirator may be used when:

    1. A. Fit issues prevent an N95 seal
    2. B. Whenever an N95 is available
    3. C. Never in prehospital care
    4. D. Only inside hospital isolation units
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Fit issues prevent an N95 seal

    Training and maintenance are required. Facial hair is a common reason; the agency must provide and train on it.

25. When donning PPE, the usual order is:

    1. A. Gloves, gown, then mask
    2. B. Eyewear, gloves, mask, then gown
    3. C. Mask, gloves, then gown
    4. D. Gown, mask, eyewear, then gloves
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Gown, mask, eyewear, then gloves

    Gloves go on last and cover the gown cuffs.

26. When doffing PPE, the provider should:

    1. A. Reuse gloves if not torn
    2. B. Remove everything at once
    3. C. Most contaminated items first
    4. D. Remove the gloves last
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Most contaminated items first

    Careless doffing is a common route of self-contamination. Avoid skin contact and perform hand hygiene afterward.

27. Contaminated gloves should never be used to:

    1. A. Control bleeding
    2. B. Touch radios or door handles
    3. C. Handle soiled dressings
    4. D. Assess the patient
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Touch radios or door handles

    Cross-contamination spreads through the ambulance.

28. Routine cleaning of the patient compartment should occur:

    1. A. After every patient
    2. B. Only after infectious patients
    3. C. Once a week
    4. D. At the end of each shift
    Show answer

    Answer: A. After every patient

    High-touch surfaces matter most. Deeper cleaning should be scheduled regularly.

29. Disinfectants must be used according to:

    1. A. Manufacturer's instructions
    2. B. The strongest dilution you can make
    3. C. The fastest wipe-and-dry method
    4. D. Whatever product the hospital uses
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Manufacturer's instructions

    Wiping a surface dry immediately defeats the product. Required contact time is part of the instructions. A stronger mix can damage equipment without working better, and each product has its own dilution and contact time.

30. Which item would need high-level disinfection or sterilization before reuse, rather than routine low-level disinfection?

    1. A. A blood pressure cuff
    2. B. A pulse oximeter finger probe
    3. C. A reusable laryngoscope blade
    4. D. A stethoscope diaphragm
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A reusable laryngoscope blade

    Under the Spaulding classification, a laryngoscope blade touches mucous membranes, so it is semicritical and needs at least high-level disinfection. BP cuffs, finger probes, and stethoscopes touch only intact skin. They are noncritical and need cleaning plus low-level disinfection.

31. Reusable equipment that contacts mucous membranes requires:

    1. A. Soap and water washing
    2. B. Low-level disinfection
    3. C. Intermediate-level disinfection
    4. D. High-level disinfection
    Show answer

    Answer: D. High-level disinfection

    Laryngoscope blades are a common example. Sterilization is also acceptable per policy.

32. Disposable equipment should be:

    1. A. Sterilized and restocked
    2. B. Reused after disinfection
    3. C. Cleaned and reused
    4. D. Discarded after single use
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Discarded after single use

    Reuse violates manufacturer labeling.

33. A sharps container should be:

    1. A. Made of a heavy plastic bag
    2. B. Emptied and reused after cleaning
    3. C. Filled completely before replacement
    4. D. Rigid and replaced before it is full
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rigid and replaced before it is full

    Overfilled containers cause injuries. It must also be puncture resistant and closable.

34. Contaminated linen should be:

    1. A. Rinsed in the sink before bagging
    2. B. Washed at home in hot water
    3. C. Shaken out to remove debris
    4. D. Handled minimally and bagged
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Handled minimally and bagged

    Home laundering of contaminated uniforms is discouraged. Process it according to policy. Rinsing spreads contamination and splashes.

35. Uniforms visibly soiled with blood should be:

    1. A. Worn until the end of the shift
    2. B. Changed and laundered per policy
    3. C. Covered with a gown until shift end
    4. D. Rinsed with water on scene
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Changed and laundered per policy

    Employers must provide for decontamination. Change them as soon as possible.

36. Which practice reduces contamination of the ambulance?

    1. A. Separating clean and dirty areas
    2. B. Removing gloves only at the hospital
    3. C. Storing used items in the cab
    4. D. Leaving equipment bags open
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Separating clean and dirty areas

    Workflow design matters. Limit what is carried in and clean after each patient.

37. After a call involving an airborne disease, the ambulance should be:

    1. A. Wiped down with doors kept closed
    2. B. Ventilated and disinfected first
    3. C. Returned to service immediately
    4. D. Cleaned at the end of the shift
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Ventilated and disinfected first

    Air exchange takes time. Closed doors trap airborne particles; air exchange has to happen before the next patient.

38. A provider with an active skin infection or weeping lesion should:

    1. A. Work normally without changes
    2. B. Cover it and tell no one
    3. C. Report it and follow policy
    4. D. Wear two pairs of gloves
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Report it and follow policy

    This protects patients as well. Policy may include work restriction.

39. Which is an accurate statement about masks for patients?

    1. A. Masks are only for providers
    2. B. A patient mask replaces provider PPE
    3. C. Masks worsen hypoxia in nearly all patients
    4. D. A mask on a coughing patient cuts droplets
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A mask on a coughing patient cuts droplets

    Use a nonrebreather when oxygen is needed.

40. Hand hygiene compliance is improved by:

    1. A. Posted reminders alone
    2. B. Annual hand hygiene training only
    3. C. Stocked product and role modeling
    4. D. Signage in the station
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stocked product and role modeling

    Availability drives behavior. Accessible products, leadership example, and measuring compliance all help.