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Qatar DHP Infection Prevention & Control Practice Questions

Infection control is tested in every Gulf nursing exam because it applies to every ward. Expect questions on hand hygiene, choosing the right precautions and PPE, and preventing device-related infections. Below are 5 free sample questions for the Qatar DHP (QCHP) nursing qualifying exam, each with the answer and a rationale.

What this topic covers

The full bank has 100 infection prevention & control questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.

Free Qatar DHP infection prevention & control questions

1. When should prophylactic antibiotics usually be given to reduce the risk of surgical site infection?

  1. A. On the day before surgery with the evening meal
  2. B. For 7 days after surgery to cover the healing period
  3. C. Within 60 minutes before the surgical incision
  4. D. Only after the wound has been closed
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. Within 60 minutes before the surgical incision
Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is given within 120 minutes, and usually within 60 minutes, before incision so that tissue levels are adequate when the skin is opened. Prolonged postoperative prophylaxis is not recommended.
Reference: WHO Global Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection

2. A patient is diagnosed with scabies. Which type of transmission-based precautions should the nurse implement?

  1. A. Contact precautions
  2. B. Standard precautions only, with no additional measures
  3. C. Airborne precautions
  4. D. Droplet precautions
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Contact precautions
Scabies mites spread by direct skin-to-skin contact and via contaminated linen and clothing, so contact precautions are required.
Reference: CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions – Appendix A

3. What is the minimum level of reprocessing required for a semi-critical item, such as a flexible endoscope that contacts mucous membranes?

  1. A. High-level disinfection
  2. B. Low-level disinfection
  3. C. Cleaning with detergent only
  4. D. Rinsing with tap water
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. High-level disinfection
Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require at least high-level disinfection, which kills all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores.
Reference: CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities

4. Which PPE is required, in addition to standard precautions, when caring for a patient on droplet precautions?

  1. A. A surgical mask worn on entering the room
  2. B. A powered air-purifying respirator
  3. C. A gown and gloves for all contact
  4. D. An N95 respirator worn at all times in the room
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. A surgical mask worn on entering the room
Droplet precautions require a surgical (medical) mask for close contact, typically put on when entering the room. Respirators are required for airborne precautions.
Reference: CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions – droplet precautions

5. A glass specimen tube containing blood breaks on the floor. What is the priority safety action when cleaning it up?

  1. A. Collect the glass pieces carefully by hand while wearing gloves
  2. B. Sweep the glass into the general waste bin first
  3. C. Pick up the broken glass with forceps or a scoop, not with the hands
  4. D. Pour disinfectant over the area and wait an hour before touching it
Show answer and rationale
Answer: C. Pick up the broken glass with forceps or a scoop, not with the hands
Broken glass contaminated with blood is a sharps hazard; it must never be picked up by hand, even when wearing gloves, but with mechanical means such as forceps or a scoop and placed in a sharps container.
Reference: CDC Standard Precautions – sharps safety

Study tip

Learn which diseases need which precautions (for example TB, measles and varicella are airborne). Questions often hinge on that single fact.

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These questions were written and checked by AI (Claude, made by Anthropic) and have not yet been reviewed by a licensed nurse. They are not official exam questions. Check answers against your official study materials.

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