Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions Practice Questions
20 free Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Standard precautions are based on the assumption that:
- A Only symptomatic patients can transmit infections
- B All patients may be potentially infectious
- C Transmission only occurs through blood
- D PPE is optional unless a patient is high-risk
Correct answer: All patients may be potentially infectious
Standard precautions assume every patient may carry infectious agents. This ensures consistent and safe infection control practices.
Which of the following is a core component of standard precautions?
- A Negative-pressure isolation rooms
- B Hand hygiene before and after patient contact
- C Maintaining a 6-foot distance from all patients
- D Using airborne isolation for every patient
Correct answer: Hand hygiene before and after patient contact
Hand hygiene is essential for preventing pathogen transmission. It is required regardless of perceived infection risk.
Transmission-based precautions are used when:
- A Standard precautions have proven inadequate
- B A specific infectious agent is known or suspected
- C Patients request extra protection
- D Staff are unavailable to provide care
Correct answer: A specific infectious agent is known or suspected
Transmission-based precautions supplement standard precautions. They address known or suspected infections that require additional protection.
Which type of precaution is required for patients with tuberculosis?
- A Contact precautions
- B Droplet precautions
- C Airborne precautions
- D Standard precautions only
Correct answer: Airborne precautions
TB is transmitted through airborne particles. Airborne precautions, including respirator use, are necessary.
Which PPE is required when providing care to a patient under droplet precautions?
- A N95 respirator
- B Surgical mask
- C Gloves only
- D Gown only
Correct answer: Surgical mask
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask to protect mucous membranes. Droplets generally travel short distances.
Contact precautions are necessary when treating a patient with:
- A Influenza
- B HIV infection
- C MRSA skin infection
- D Tuberculosis
Correct answer: MRSA skin infection
MRSA can survive on surfaces and spread through direct contact. Gowns and gloves help prevent transmission.
Which is an example of an airborne pathogen?
- A Norovirus
- B Staphylococcus aureus
- C Measles virus
- D Group A streptococcus
Correct answer: Measles virus
Measles spreads through airborne particles. Airborne precautions are required due to its high transmissibility.
A surgical mask should be replaced when:
- A It becomes damp or soiled
- B It is worn for less than one hour
- C It is worn under a face shield
- D It feels uncomfortable
Correct answer: It becomes damp or soiled
A damp mask loses filtration efficiency. Replacing it ensures adequate protection.
Which statement best describes the difference between standard and transmission-based precautions?
- A Standard precautions are optional; transmission-based are mandatory
- B Standard applies to all patients; transmission-based to specific known risks
- C Transmission-based precautions replace standard precautions
- D Standard precautions are used only during active outbreaks
Correct answer: Standard applies to all patients; transmission-based to specific known risks
Standard precautions are universal. Transmission-based precautions add layers of protection depending on the infectious agent.
When treating a patient under contact precautions, which action is required before leaving the room?
- A Removing gloves and gown
- B Switching to sterile gloves
- C Performing airborne isolation steps
- D Opening all windows
Correct answer: Removing gloves and gown
Removing contaminated PPE prevents pathogen spread to other areas. Hand hygiene follows immediately afterward.
Which infection control step is shared by both standard and droplet precautions?
- A Use of gloves for any patient interaction
- B Use of a surgical mask
- C Use of an N95 respirator
- D Use of negative-pressure ventilation
Correct answer: Use of a surgical mask
Both require masks when exposure to droplets or respiratory secretions is possible. Masks protect mucous membranes.
Which situation requires airborne precautions in a dental office?
- A A patient with a draining MRSA wound
- B A patient infected with influenza
- C A suspected case of measles
- D A patient with mild cold symptoms
Correct answer: A suspected case of measles
Measles is highly contagious via airborne spread. Airborne precautions, including N95 use, are necessary.
Transmission-based precautions must always be used:
- A In addition to standard precautions
- B Instead of standard precautions
- C Only when PPE is not available
- D Only with non-infectious patients
Correct answer: In addition to standard precautions
Transmission-based precautions supplement but never replace standard precautions. Both are required for safety.
Which is the correct sequence for removing PPE to minimize contamination?
- A Gown → gloves → mask → hand hygiene
- B Gloves → gown → mask → hand hygiene
- C Mask → gloves → gown → hand hygiene
- D Gown → mask → gloves → hand hygiene
Correct answer: Gloves → gown → mask → hand hygiene
Removing gloves first prevents contamination of other PPE. Hand hygiene completes the process.
A patient with suspected norovirus infection should be placed on which precautions?
- A Airborne
- B Droplet
- C Contact
- D Standard only
Correct answer: Contact
Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated surfaces. Contact precautions minimize its transmission.
Which precaution helps prevent transmission of pathogens spread through large respiratory droplets?
- A Negative-pressure rooms
- B Use of surgical masks
- C Use of N95 respirators
- D Double-gloving
Correct answer: Use of surgical masks
Droplet precautions require surgical masks. They protect against particles that travel short distances.
Standard precautions include which of the following?
- A Using sterile gloves for all procedures
- B Using PPE based on anticipated exposure
- C Separating all patients into isolation rooms
- D Wearing an N95 respirator for every patient
Correct answer: Using PPE based on anticipated exposure
Standard precautions rely on risk assessment. PPE selection depends on expected exposure to blood or body fluids.
Which practice reduces the risk of pathogen transmission during dental aerosol-generating procedures?
- A Avoiding the use of any PPE
- B High-volume evacuation with standard precautions
- C Standing farther from the patient only
- D Double gloving for all procedures
Correct answer: High-volume evacuation with standard precautions
High-volume evacuation reduces aerosol spread. Combined with PPE, it supports safe patient care.
When are transmission-based precautions discontinued?
- A As soon as the first symptoms appear
- B Once labs confirm the patient is no longer infectious
- C Whenever staffing levels are low
- D When the patient requests removal
Correct answer: Once labs confirm the patient is no longer infectious
Precautions are maintained until lab evidence confirms safety. This prevents premature removal and potential outbreaks.
Which precaution is essential when caring for a patient with COVID-19?
- A Contact and droplet precautions, plus airborne for aerosols
- B Standard precautions only, with no mask
- C No mask needed if the patient is asymptomatic
- D A gown only, without a mask
Correct answer: Contact and droplet precautions, plus airborne for aerosols
COVID-19 spreads via droplets and aerosols. Appropriate PPE and precautions minimize transmission risk.