Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a standard precaution for infection control?

1. Wearing gloves only during surgery

2. Disinfecting the examination table after each patient

3. Using shared equipment without cleaning

4. Skipping hand hygiene between patients

The correct answer is: Disinfecting the examination table after each patient

The correct answer highlights an essential component of infection control practices, which is the importance of disinfecting surfaces and equipment to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Disinfecting the examination table after each patient is a key standard precaution because it minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between patients. This practice helps to ensure that any pathogens that may have been present on the surface are eliminated, thereby protecting both patients and healthcare providers. Infection control guidelines emphasize regular cleaning and disinfection of commonly used surfaces and equipment as a critical measure to maintain a safe healthcare environment. Implementing this standard precaution is crucial in various healthcare settings, as it contributes significantly to reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. The other options do not align with standard precautions for infection control. Wearing gloves only during surgery may not provide adequate protection in other patient interactions. Using shared equipment without cleaning poses a risk of spreading infections, and skipping hand hygiene between patients undermines a fundamental practice essential for preventing pathogen transmission.