NCLEX Infection Control & Isolation Precautions Guide

Infection control is one of the most heavily tested concepts on the NCLEX. As a nurse, preventing the spread of infection is a critical patient‑safety responsibility. The exam evaluates your knowledge of isolation precautions, PPE order, and how to protect both patients and healthcare workers. This guide breaks down the most important **NCLEX infection control** principles to help you answer safety questions confidently.

Why Infection Control Is High Priority on NCLEX

Infectious diseases can quickly become life‑threatening, especially in hospitals. NCLEX tests infection control to ensure nurses can:

• Identify the correct isolation category
• Apply PPE correctly
• Prevent cross‑contamination
• Protect immunocompromised patients
• Recognize early signs of infection

Understanding these principles is essential for safe practice.

Types of Isolation Precautions (Must‑Know for NCLEX)

• 1. Standard Precautions (Used for All Patients)
  Includes hand hygiene, gloves when touching bodily fluids, and safe injection practices.
• 2. Contact Precautions
  Used for: MRSA, C. diff, RSV, scabies.
  Requirements:
  • Gloves
  • Gown
  • Private room preferred
  Important: Alcohol gel does NOT kill C. diff—wash with soap and water.
• 3. Droplet Precautions
  Used for: Influenza, meningitis, pertussis.
  Requirements:
  • Surgical mask within 3–6 feet
  • Gloves
  • Private room recommended
• 4. Airborne Precautions
  Used for: TB, measles, chickenpox.
  Requirements:
  • N95 respirator
  • Negative‑pressure room
  • Door must remain closed
• 5. Protective (Reverse) Isolation
  Used for neutropenic or immunocompromised patients.
  Goal: protect the patient, not the staff.
  No fresh flowers, raw foods, or sick visitors.

Correct Order of PPE Application (Donning)

• 1. Gown
• 2. Mask or respirator
• 3. Goggles/face shield
• 4. Gloves

Order of PPE Removal (Doffing)

• 1. Gloves
• 2. Goggles/face shield
• 3. Gown
• 4. Mask

Common NCLEX Infection Control Scenarios

• 1. A patient with suspected TB arrives at ER. What is priority?
  ✔ Place in airborne isolation with an N95 mask.
• 2. A nurse cares for a C. diff patient and uses alcohol sanitizer after removal of gloves. What is the correct action?
  ✔ Wash hands with soap and water.
• 3. A neutropenic patient receives a visitor with a mild cold. Nurse should:
  ✔ Stop the visit—risk of infection.

High‑Yield Infection Control Tips

• Never recap used needles.
• Use dedicated equipment for isolation rooms.
• Clean stethoscopes and BP cuffs between patients.
• Maintain aseptic technique during procedures.
• Use soap and water for visible soil or after C. diff care.

Final Thoughts

Mastering **isolation precautions** and infection control concepts is essential for NCLEX success. These questions are high priority because they directly impact patient safety. By understanding PPE order, transmission‑based precautions, and common scenarios, you’ll be well‑prepared to answer even the toughest **PPE NCLEX** questions with confidence.