NCLEX RN Infection Control Questions: A Study Guide

Infection control is one of the most critical areas tested on the NCLEX-RN exam. It evaluates how well a future registered nurse can prevent and manage the spread of infection in various healthcare settings. To help you feel confident on test day, this study guide will break down everything you need to know about NCLEX RN infection control questions.

We’ll go over the types of questions you may see, the core concepts you need to understand, and the best preparation tips. Whether you’re just starting to review or doing your final prep, this guide has you covered.

Why Infection Control Matters on the NCLEX

Infection control is a Client Safety subcategory under the NCLEX framework. It tests your ability to:

• Follow proper hygiene practices

• Apply Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

• Identify signs of infection

• Educate patients and staff

• Handle infectious materials safely

NCLEX RN infection control questions are designed to assess if you can protect yourself, your patients, and your coworkers from potential harm.

What Types of Infection Control Questions Appear on the NCLEX?

You may see various formats, such as:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Select All That Apply (SATA)

• Hot spot questions (selecting body parts on diagrams)

• Drag and Drop sequencing of procedures

Here are some examples of infection control NCLEX RN question topics:

You might also get NCLEX PN nursing process questions focused on infection control, especially if you’re taking the practical nurse version of the exam.

Core Concepts You Must Know

To do well on nclex rn infection control questions, you need a solid understanding of infection transmission and prevention. Let’s explore key areas:

1. Chain of Infection

Understanding the chain of infection helps you recognize how infections are spread and where you can intervene to stop it.

Six Links of the Chain:

• Infectious Agent (e.g., bacteria, viruses)

• Reservoir (e.g., human, equipment)

• Portal of Exit (e.g., respiratory droplets)

• Mode of Transmission (e.g., contact, airborne)

• Portal of Entry (e.g., mucous membranes)

• Susceptible Host (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised)

Breaking any link prevents transmission.

2. Standard Precautions

These apply to all patients, regardless of infection status.

Examples:

• Hand hygiene before/after every patient contact

• Use of gloves, gowns, and masks as needed

• Safe injection practices

• Proper disposal of sharps

3. Transmission-Based Precautions

Used in addition to standard precautions for patients with known or suspected infections.

TIP: Know the diseases associated with each precaution. It’s a common theme in nclex practice questions nursing process.

Infection Control and the Nursing Process on the NCLEX

The nursing process is often embedded into infection control questions. It’s your roadmap for delivering safe, effective care.

Practicing nclex nursing process scenarios tied to infection control is one of the best ways to prepare.

Sample Infection Control NCLEX Questions

Here are a few sample questions that reflect what you might see:

Q1: A nurse is caring for a patient with active TB. Which precautions should the nurse implement?

• A) Gloves and gown only

• B) Surgical mask and gown

• C) N95 respirator and negative pressure room

• D) No special precautions

Answer: C
Explanation: TB is airborne; and requires N95 and negative pressure.

Q2 (SATA): Which of the following are signs of infection?

• A) Increased WBC count

• B) Decreased temperature

• C) Redness at the wound site

• D) Purulent drainage

• E) Bradycardia

Answer: A, C, D
Explanation: Common infection signs include elevated WBC, local inflammation, and drainage.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Avoid these errors when answering nclex rn infection control questions:

• Forgetting to perform hand hygiene in simulations or scenario-based questions

• Misapplying precautions (e.g., using contact precautions for an airborne illness)

• Ignoring the nursing process in care planning

• Guessing on PPE usage — always follow evidence-based guidelines

How to Study for Infection Control on the NCLEX

Use Focused Practice

Work specifically on nclex practice questions nursing process and infection control to build confidence.

Create Flashcards

Flashcards help memorize:

• Precaution types

• PPE sequences (donning and doffing)

• Infection symptoms

Watch Visual Resources

Visual learners benefit from demonstration videos on:

• Hand hygiene

• PPE techniques

• Isolation room setup

Focus on High-Yield Topics

Some topics are more likely to appear, such as:

• MRSA/C. difficile (contact precautions)

• COVID-19 (airborne and droplet)

• Central line and Foley catheter care

• Immunocompromised patient protection

Key Infection Control Stats for NCLEX

Tips for Answering Infection Control Questions

• Always think “What will keep the patient safest?”

• Read carefully — don’t rush SATA questions

• Use nursing process logic: assess before act

• Don’t forget about equipment sanitation

• PPE sequence is often tested — memorize it

PPE Donning Order:

1. Gown

2. Mask

3. Goggles

4. Gloves

PPE Doffing Order:

1. Gloves

2. Goggles

3. Gown

4. Mask

Final Thoughts

Preparing for NCLEX RN infection control questions doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Focus on understanding transmission, memorizing PPE guidelines, and applying the nursing process to all patient care decisions.

This content, paired with plenty of practice using the nclex nursing process and NCLEX PN nursing process questions, will get you closer to passing the exam with confidence. Infection control may be just one section of the NCLEX, but your mastery of it can make a major difference in your overall success.