Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is an NA responsibility related to infection prevention?

1. Deciding which residents need Transmission-Based Precautions

2. Telling all visitors which patients have bloodborne diseases

3. Following Standard Precautions in caring for all residents

4. Capping needles and other sharps before disposing of them in the trash

The correct answer is: Following Standard Precautions in caring for all residents

Following Standard Precautions in caring for all residents is a fundamental responsibility for a Nursing Assistant regarding infection prevention. Standard Precautions are designed to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings by treating all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious. This includes practices such as hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, and safe handling of sharps. By consistently adhering to these protocols, Nursing Assistants help protect both themselves and the residents they care for from the risk of infection. Other options may involve important aspects of infection control but do not align with the typical responsibilities of a Nursing Assistant. For instance, determining which residents require Transmission-Based Precautions typically falls under the responsibilities of nursing staff or physicians rather than support staff. Informing visitors about specific patients’ bloodborne diseases would breach patient confidentiality and privacy regulations. Lastly, while proper disposal of sharps is crucial, it should align with strict guidelines for safe disposal, and capping needles before disposal in regular trash is not compliant with standard practices.