HomeFree NORCET Exams Preparation Series NORCET Exams Preparation Series - Day 1 ( Infection Control and Isolation ) September 13, 2026 0 NORCET Nursing Foundation – Infection Control & Isolation Test 01 50 MCQs • 50 Marks • 30 Minutes Concept-Based + Clinical Scenario-Based Questions Student Details Full Name Email Telegram ID (Optional) Start Test Test Progress 30:00 Q1. What is the most effective measure for preventing the transmission of microorganisms in healthcare settings? A. Routine antibiotic administration B. Hand hygiene C. Wearing two pairs of gloves at all times D. Daily environmental fumigation Answer: B. Hand hygiene Hand hygiene is one of the most important and effective measures for preventing healthcare-associated infections and interrupting transmission of microorganisms. Q2. A nurse enters a patient's room to perform a procedure. When should hand hygiene be performed? A. Only after leaving the room B. Only when the hands appear dirty C. Before and after appropriate patient contact according to the situation D. Once at the beginning of the shift only Answer: C. Before and after appropriate patient contact according to the situation Hand hygiene should be performed at appropriate moments before and after patient contact and before aseptic procedures, as well as after exposure to body fluids and after touching the patient environment when indicated. Q3. Which type of precaution is applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis? A. Airborne precautions B. Contact precautions C. Standard precautions D. Droplet precautions Answer: C. Standard precautions Standard precautions are the basic infection-prevention practices used for all patients, based on the principle that blood, body fluids, non-intact skin and mucous membranes may contain infectious agents. Q4. Which of the following is included in Standard Precautions? A. Hand hygiene B. Appropriate PPE based on anticipated exposure C. Safe injection practices D. All of the above Answer: D. All of the above Standard Precautions include hand hygiene, appropriate PPE, respiratory hygiene, safe injection practices, safe handling of equipment and other measures designed to prevent infection transmission. Q5. A nurse is about to perform a sterile procedure. Which action is most important immediately before the procedure? A. Perform appropriate hand hygiene B. Touch the sterile field to check it C. Remove all PPE D. Wash hands only after completing the procedure Answer: A. Perform appropriate hand hygiene Hand hygiene before an aseptic procedure is essential to reduce the risk of introducing microorganisms into a sterile site. Q6. Which PPE is primarily used to protect the nurse's hands from contact with potentially infectious material? A. Gloves B. Goggles C. Shoe covers D. Cap Answer: A. Gloves Gloves provide a barrier between the healthcare worker's hands and potentially infectious materials. Q7. A nurse is caring for a patient who may splash blood into the face during a procedure. Which PPE combination is most appropriate? A. Gloves only B. Eye/face protection with appropriate gloves and gown as indicated C. Cap only D. Shoe covers only Answer: B. Eye/face protection with appropriate gloves and gown as indicated PPE should be selected according to the anticipated exposure. Procedures with risk of blood or body-fluid splashes require protection of the eyes, nose and mouth, along with other appropriate PPE. Q8. Which transmission-based precaution is appropriate for pulmonary tuberculosis? A. Contact precautions B. Droplet precautions C. Airborne precautions D. Standard precautions only Answer: C. Airborne precautions Pulmonary tuberculosis can be transmitted through airborne particles. Airborne precautions are therefore required in addition to Standard Precautions. Q9. A patient with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis is placed in an airborne infection isolation room. What is an important feature of this room? A. Positive pressure relative to the corridor B. Negative pressure relative to surrounding areas C. No ventilation D. Shared room with immunocompromised patients Answer: B. Negative pressure relative to surrounding areas Airborne infection isolation rooms are designed to prevent contaminated air from escaping into adjacent areas. Q10. Which respiratory protection is generally required for healthcare personnel caring for a patient with suspected infectious pulmonary tuberculosis? A. Surgical cap B. Fit-tested respirator such as an N95 or equivalent according to policy C. Gloves only D. Shoe covers only Answer: B. Fit-tested respirator such as an N95 or equivalent according to policy Airborne precautions require an appropriate particulate respirator for healthcare personnel, such as a fit-tested N95 or equivalent, according to local policy. Q11. Which precaution is primarily used for infections spread by large respiratory droplets? A. Droplet precautions B. Airborne precautions only C. Contact precautions only D. Protective isolation Answer: A. Droplet precautions Droplet precautions are used for infections transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets generated during coughing, sneezing, talking or certain procedures. Q12. A patient with suspected meningococcal meningitis is admitted. Which transmission-based precaution is generally indicated? A. Droplet precautions B. Airborne precautions only C. Contact precautions only D. No precautions Answer: A. Droplet precautions Meningococcal disease is transmitted through respiratory and throat secretions, so Droplet Precautions are generally indicated in addition to Standard Precautions. Q13. Which infection commonly requires contact precautions? A. Certain multidrug-resistant organism infections B. Pulmonary tuberculosis C. Measles D. Varicella only Answer: A. Certain multidrug-resistant organism infections Contact precautions are commonly used for infections or colonization involving organisms that spread through direct or indirect contact, including many multidrug-resistant organisms. Q14. A patient has infectious diarrhea caused by C. difficile. Which hand hygiene principle is particularly important? A. Hand hygiene can always be replaced by gloves B. Soap-and-water handwashing is especially important after caring for the patient C. Hand hygiene is unnecessary if a gown is worn D. Only the patient needs hand hygiene Answer: B. Soap-and-water handwashing is especially important after caring for the patient C. difficile forms spores that are not reliably removed by alcohol-based hand rubs. Soap and water is particularly important after patient care, according to infection-control guidance. Q15. Which item is considered contaminated immediately after use if it has been exposed to blood? A. Used dressing B. Sealed unused syringe C. Clean unopened glove D. Sealed sterile gauze Answer: A. Used dressing A used dressing exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material must be handled and discarded according to the facility's biomedical waste policy. Q16. A nurse accidentally sustains a needlestick injury from a used needle. What should the nurse do first? A. Hide the incident B. Wash the affected area promptly with soap and water C. Squeeze the wound aggressively D. Apply bleach to the wound Answer: B. Wash the affected area promptly with soap and water After a needlestick injury, immediately wash the site with soap and water and promptly report the exposure for medical evaluation and appropriate post-exposure management. Do not use caustic chemicals or aggressively squeeze the wound. Q17. Which practice best prevents needlestick injuries? A. Recapping needles using both hands B. Immediately disposing of used sharps into an appropriate puncture-resistant container C. Leaving needles on the bedside table D. Passing uncovered needles between staff Answer: B. Immediately disposing of used sharps into an appropriate puncture-resistant container Used sharps should be discarded immediately at the point of use in an appropriate sharps container. Routine recapping should be avoided. Q18. Which method is considered the most reliable for sterilizing heat-stable surgical instruments? A. Autoclaving with steam under pressure B. Washing with plain water C. Dusting with antiseptic powder D. Air drying Answer: A. Autoclaving with steam under pressure Steam sterilization under pressure is a widely used and highly effective method for sterilizing heat- and moisture-stable medical instruments. Q19. What is the primary purpose of sterilization? A. To reduce visible dirt only B. To destroy or eliminate all forms of viable microorganisms, including spores C. To improve the color of equipment D. To remove only viruses Answer: B. To destroy or eliminate all forms of viable microorganisms, including spores Sterilization is a validated process intended to render an item free of viable microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Q20. Which statement best describes disinfection? A. It always destroys bacterial spores B. It eliminates all forms of microbial life without exception C. It eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, but may not reliably destroy spores D. It is identical to hand hygiene Answer: C. It eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects, but may not reliably destroy spores Disinfection is used on inanimate surfaces and equipment and differs from sterilization because it may not reliably eliminate bacterial spores. Q21. Which process should occur before disinfection or sterilization of reusable equipment? A. Cleaning B. Painting C. Packaging only D. Storage Answer: A. Cleaning Cleaning removes organic material and debris and is essential before effective disinfection or sterilization. Q22. A nurse notices that a sterile package is wet before opening it. What should the nurse do? A. Use it immediately B. Consider it contaminated and obtain a new sterile package C. Dry it with a towel D. Place it under sunlight Answer: B. Consider it contaminated and obtain a new sterile package Moisture can allow microorganisms to migrate through packaging. A wet sterile package should not be considered sterile. Q23. Which item is considered critical according to the Spaulding classification? A. Equipment contacting intact skin B. Equipment entering sterile tissue or the vascular system C. Bedside furniture D. Blood pressure cuff Answer: B. Equipment entering sterile tissue or the vascular system Critical items enter sterile tissue or the vascular system and must be sterile because contamination poses a high risk of infection. Q24. Which item is generally classified as non-critical? A. Surgical implant B. Intravenous catheter C. Blood pressure cuff D. Surgical forceps entering tissue Answer: C. Blood pressure cuff A blood pressure cuff generally contacts intact skin and is therefore classified as a non-critical item. Q25. A nurse is caring for a patient under contact precautions. Which PPE is generally required when entering the patient's care environment based on anticipated contact? A. Gloves and gown as indicated B. N95 respirator for every contact precaution case C. Shoe covers only D. No PPE Answer: A. Gloves and gown as indicated Contact precautions generally involve gloves and gown when contact with the patient or contaminated environment is anticipated. Q26. Which action is appropriate when removing PPE? A. Remove contaminated PPE carefully to avoid self-contamination B. Touch the face immediately after removing gloves C. Throw PPE anywhere D. Reuse disposable PPE routinely Answer: A. Remove contaminated PPE carefully to avoid self-contamination PPE removal is a high-risk moment for contamination. PPE should be removed carefully using the facility's recommended sequence and hand hygiene performed as indicated. Q27. Which area of the hand is commonly missed during hand hygiene? A. Between the fingers B. Only the palm center C. Only the wrist D. None Answer: A. Between the fingers The interdigital spaces, thumbs, fingertips and areas around nails can be missed if hand hygiene is performed inadequately. Q28. When are alcohol-based hand rubs generally preferred? A. When hands are visibly soiled B. When hands are not visibly soiled and an appropriate alcohol-based product is available C. Only after surgery D. Never Answer: B. When hands are not visibly soiled and an appropriate alcohol-based product is available Alcohol-based hand rubs are generally preferred in most routine clinical situations when hands are not visibly dirty, because they are effective and convenient. Q29. A nurse has visibly contaminated hands after caring for a patient with diarrhea. What should the nurse do? A. Use hand lotion only B. Wash hands with soap and water C. Put another pair of gloves over them D. Wipe them on the uniform Answer: B. Wash hands with soap and water When hands are visibly soiled, washing with soap and water is required. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Q30. A patient with suspected measles is admitted. Which transmission-based precaution is required? A. Contact B. Droplet only C. Airborne D. Standard precautions only Answer: C. Airborne Measles is transmitted through airborne particles and requires Airborne Precautions in addition to Standard Precautions. Q31. A patient with varicella requires which transmission-based precautions? A. Airborne and contact precautions B. Droplet only C. Contact only D. No additional precautions Answer: A. Airborne and contact precautions Varicella can spread through airborne transmission and direct contact with lesions, so both Airborne and Contact Precautions are used. Q32. Which patient should ideally be placed in a single room when isolation is required? A. A patient requiring airborne isolation B. A patient with a simple headache C. A patient with a healed wound D. A patient without infection risk Answer: A. A patient requiring airborne isolation Airborne isolation is ideally provided in an appropriate airborne infection isolation room to reduce transmission to other patients and staff. Q33. A patient on droplet precautions must leave the isolation room for an essential diagnostic procedure. What is appropriate? A. Allow the patient to leave without precautions B. Place an appropriate mask on the patient and limit movement as much as possible C. Remove all precautions D. Ask the patient to walk through crowded areas Answer: B. Place an appropriate mask on the patient and limit movement as much as possible When a patient on droplet precautions must leave the room, respiratory hygiene and source control measures should be used and movement minimized. Q34. What is the main purpose of isolation precautions? A. To punish the patient B. To prevent transmission of infectious microorganisms C. To prevent all visitors from entering hospitals D. To shorten every hospital stay Answer: B. To prevent transmission of infectious microorganisms Isolation precautions are designed to interrupt the chain of infection and protect patients, healthcare workers and visitors. Q35. Which link in the chain of infection is interrupted by wearing a mask correctly? A. Mode of transmission B. Reservoir only C. Infectious agent itself D. Host's age Answer: A. Mode of transmission Masks and respirators act as barriers that reduce transmission of infectious particles through the respiratory route. Q36. Which action breaks the chain of infection at the portal of entry? A. Wearing appropriate PPE B. Increasing room temperature C. Removing all visitors D. Changing the patient's diet Answer: A. Wearing appropriate PPE PPE can provide a barrier that prevents microorganisms from entering susceptible portals such as mucous membranes, broken skin or the respiratory tract. Q37. A nurse cleans a contaminated bedside surface. Which principle is correct? A. Cleaning should be performed according to the facility's approved product and procedure B. Any chemical can be mixed together C. Visible dirt should always be left in place D. Disinfectants never require contact time Answer: A. Cleaning should be performed according to the facility's approved product and procedure Environmental cleaning should follow approved disinfectants, dilution, contact time and safety instructions. Chemicals should never be mixed unless specifically approved. Q38. Why is contact time important when using a disinfectant? A. The disinfectant needs sufficient time on the surface to work effectively B. It changes the color of the surface C. It makes the surface wet permanently D. It is only needed for cleaning floors Answer: A. The disinfectant needs sufficient time on the surface to work effectively Disinfectants require a specified wet contact time to achieve their claimed antimicrobial effect. Q39. A nurse is preparing an injection. Which practice is safest? A. Use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection B. Reuse the syringe if the needle is changed C. Use the same syringe for multiple patients D. Store used syringes for later use Answer: A. Use a new sterile needle and syringe for each injection Safe injection practices require a new sterile needle and syringe for each patient and each injection, as appropriate. Q40. Which action is unsafe during medication preparation? A. Preparing medication in a clean area B. Using a syringe that has already been used on another patient C. Performing hand hygiene D. Using sterile equipment as required Answer: B. Using a syringe that has already been used on another patient Reusing syringes between patients can transmit bloodborne pathogens and is unsafe even if the needle is changed. Q41. A patient is placed on contact precautions. Which item should preferably be dedicated to the patient when possible? A. Frequently used equipment such as a blood pressure cuff B. Hospital electricity supply C. Ceiling lights D. Window glass outside the room Answer: A. Frequently used equipment such as a blood pressure cuff Dedicated patient-care equipment can reduce the risk of transmitting microorganisms between patients. Q42. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infectious respiratory illness. Which practice helps reduce respiratory transmission? A. Covering coughs and sneezes and practicing respiratory hygiene B. Encouraging coughing toward other patients C. Sharing tissues D. Avoiding hand hygiene Answer: A. Covering coughs and sneezes and practicing respiratory hygiene Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette reduce the spread of respiratory secretions in healthcare environments. Q43. Which patient has the greatest risk of acquiring a healthcare-associated infection? A. A patient with no invasive devices and a short stay B. A critically ill patient with multiple invasive devices C. A healthy visitor D. A patient attending a routine outpatient appointment Answer: B. A critically ill patient with multiple invasive devices Critical illness, prolonged hospitalization and invasive devices such as urinary catheters and central lines increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Q44. A patient with a central venous catheter develops fever and chills. What should the nurse consider? A. Possible catheter-related infection and need for prompt assessment B. This can never be related to the catheter C. Remove the catheter independently without assessment or order D. Ignore the symptoms Answer: A. Possible catheter-related infection and need for prompt assessment Fever and chills in a patient with an intravascular catheter can indicate bloodstream infection. Prompt assessment, cultures and management according to protocol may be required. Q45. Which intervention is most important for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection? A. Insert urinary catheters only when indicated and remove them as soon as possible B. Keep every catheter indefinitely C. Disconnect the drainage system frequently D. Place the drainage bag above bladder level Answer: A. Insert urinary catheters only when indicated and remove them as soon as possible Avoiding unnecessary catheterization and minimizing duration are key measures for reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Q46. Which practice helps prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection in a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter? A. Maintain a closed drainage system B. Disconnect the tubing routinely C. Keep the drainage bag above the bladder D. Allow the tubing to become kinked Answer: A. Maintain a closed drainage system Maintaining a closed drainage system and keeping the urine drainage unobstructed are important infection-prevention measures. Q47. A nurse sees a colleague recapping a used needle with both hands. What is the best response? A. Ignore the practice B. Stop the unsafe practice when possible and reinforce safe sharps disposal according to policy C. Encourage the practice D. Place the needle on the floor Answer: B. Stop the unsafe practice when possible and reinforce safe sharps disposal according to policy Recapping used needles with both hands increases needlestick risk. Used sharps should be disposed of immediately in an appropriate sharps container. Q48. A patient on airborne precautions asks why the door should remain closed. What is the best explanation? A. It helps prevent airborne particles from spreading to other areas B. It prevents the patient from receiving oxygen C. It is done only for privacy D. It is required only at night Answer: A. It helps prevent airborne particles from spreading to other areas Keeping the door closed helps maintain the airflow requirements of airborne isolation and reduces the spread of infectious particles. Q49. A nurse removes gloves after caring for a patient under contact precautions. What should the nurse do next? A. Perform hand hygiene B. Touch the face C. Put the same gloves back on D. Skip hand hygiene if the gloves looked clean Answer: A. Perform hand hygiene Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Hands should be cleaned after glove removal because contamination can occur during glove use and removal. Q50. A patient has suspected airborne infection, severe cough and increasing respiratory distress. What is the nurse's priority? A. Focus only on completing isolation paperwork B. Maintain appropriate isolation while immediately assessing airway, breathing and overall clinical condition C. Leave the patient alone for several hours D. Remove all PPE before assessment Answer: B. Maintain appropriate isolation while immediately assessing airway, breathing and overall clinical condition Infection-control precautions must be maintained, but an acutely deteriorating patient's airway and breathing take immediate priority. Appropriate PPE should be used while urgent assessment and escalation are performed. Submit Test Test Result Retry Test Tags: Free NORCET Exams Preparation Series Facebook Twitter