You just finished preparing IV medications for a patient with the nursing staff, and you thoroughly washed your hands before doing so. As you enter the patient's room with the medication, describe the first thing you do to prevent patient infection.
While hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical treatment, patients are at significant risk of picking up an infection as a consequence of the care they are receiving. Although infection prevention measures in the healthcare industry have greatly improved over the years, the risk still exists and healthcare professionals must be vigilant in order to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. In asking this question, your interviewers are looking to know that you understand the importance of handwashing upon entering a patient's room and/or before administering any sort of medication.
"The first thing I would do to prevent the patient from getting an infection is to wash my hands. There are other actions I would need to take in preventing infection, but handwashing is primary. During my medical school program, I was trained in the CDC's 'Project Firstline' program on infection control in the healthcare setting. This training has prepared me for taking all control measures and, in a situation like this, I would ensure that I was using PPE if needed as well. At times as a resident, I understand I will be working with patients that require me to gown up in their room and I wouldn't hesitate to do so when necessary."
Although it may seem obvious, the simple task of handwashing is the first step in infection prevention. To effectively answer this question, you should explain that the first step you would take to prevent infection would be to wash your hands thoroughly. As you answer, talk about any formal infection prevention training you received during medical school and reiterate that you would always take the necessary measures to keep patients safe. As well, be sure to point out the importance of using PPE and safely managing all care equipment.
