MNT Infection Control & Sterilization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?
- Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms but not all spores; sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including spores (Correct answer)
- They are the same process
- Disinfection is stronger than sterilization
- Sterilization only kills bacteria
Correct answer: Disinfection kills most pathogenic organisms but not all spores; sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including spores
Disinfection reduces microbial contamination to a safe level but may not kill all spores or resistant organisms. Sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, including the most resistant bacterial spores.
Question 2: What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) should a medical nail technician wear during procedures?
- Gloves, eye protection, and a mask when there is risk of splashing or aerosol generation (Correct answer)
- No PPE is necessary for nail care
- Only gloves are needed
- Full surgical gowns for all procedures
Correct answer: Gloves, eye protection, and a mask when there is risk of splashing or aerosol generation
Gloves protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure. Masks and eye protection are needed when using nail drills or files that create dust and aerosols, which can contain fungal spores and keratin particles.
Question 3: How should single-use (disposable) nail care items be handled?
- Used once on a single client and then disposed of in appropriate waste containers, never reused (Correct answer)
- Disinfected and reused for the next client
- Sterilized and reused up to 5 times
- Shared between clients in the same appointment block
Correct answer: Used once on a single client and then disposed of in appropriate waste containers, never reused
Single-use items (nail files, orangewood sticks, cotton, toe separators) must be discarded after each client. Reusing them creates cross-contamination risks even if they appear clean.
Question 4: What is a bloodborne pathogen exposure plan?
- A written protocol outlining procedures to follow when a worker is exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials (Correct answer)
- A plan for donating blood
- A schedule for blood testing
- A list of bloodborne diseases
Correct answer: A written protocol outlining procedures to follow when a worker is exposed to blood or potentially infectious materials
An exposure plan details immediate response steps (wound care, reporting), medical evaluation procedures, post-exposure prophylaxis options, and follow-up testing protocols required when exposure occurs.
Question 5: What EPA-registered disinfectant level is appropriate for surfaces contaminated with blood?
- Intermediate-level (tuberculocidal) or hospital-grade disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Household cleaning spray
- Soap and water only
- Low-level disinfectant
Correct answer: Intermediate-level (tuberculocidal) or hospital-grade disinfectant
Blood spills require intermediate-level disinfectants that are EPA-registered as tuberculocidal, which effectively kill bloodborne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses.
Question 6: What is the proper method for disposing of sharps in a medical nail care setting?
- Place in a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container and dispose through regulated medical waste services (Correct answer)
- Throw in the regular trash bin
- Recap needles and dispose in any container
- Collect in a plastic bag
Correct answer: Place in a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container and dispose through regulated medical waste services
Sharps (blades, needles) must go directly into puncture-resistant, leak-proof, properly labeled sharps containers. These containers are disposed of through licensed medical waste haulers when 3/4 full.
MNT Infection Control & Sterilization 2
What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?