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Infection Control Principles Flashcards

7 cards from real ADEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Infection Control Principles flashcards as text

  1. What is the purpose of using a rubber dam during restorative and scaling procedures from an infection control standpoint?

    Answer: It reduces aerosol and spatter contamination from the oral cavity

    Rubber dams significantly reduce oral microbial aerosols and spatter, decreasing contamination of surfaces, instruments, and the clinician's mucous membranes.

  2. According to the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, how often should biological indicator testing of sterilizers be performed at minimum?

    Answer: At least weekly

    CDC recommends using biological indicators at least weekly and with every load containing implantable devices to confirm sterilizer performance.

  3. A patient discloses active herpes labialis (cold sore) at the start of a scheduled scaling appointment. What is the BEST course of action?

    Answer: Defer elective treatment until the lesion resolves to prevent autoinoculation and clinician exposure

    Active herpetic lesions are contagious; elective dental treatment should be deferred to reduce risk of herpetic whitlow in the clinician and avoid disturbing the lesion.

  4. What is the recommended safe handling procedure for contaminated sharps in the dental operatory?

    Answer: Place sharps directly into a rigid puncture-resistant container without recapping when possible

    OSHA mandates that contaminated needles not be recapped by hand and be disposed of directly into puncture-resistant sharps containers to prevent needlestick injuries.

  5. Which type of glove is required when handling liquid chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde during instrument reprocessing?

    Answer: Heavy-duty utility gloves

    Heavy-duty utility (puncture-resistant) gloves are required for handling glutaraldehyde and other chemical sterilants; thin examination gloves provide inadequate chemical protection.

  6. Hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub is NOT appropriate in which of the following situations?

    Answer: When hands are visibly soiled with blood or body fluids

    Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against visible soiling; soap and water must be used when hands are visibly contaminated.

  7. The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires that the exposure control plan be reviewed and updated at minimum:

    Answer: Annually and whenever new tasks or procedures are added

    OSHA requires annual review of the exposure control plan and updates whenever tasks, procedures, or employee positions change that affect exposure.