Infection Control & Prevention Flashcards
7 cards from real CDC 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 & Prevention flashcards as text
A dental office uses chemical indicators (Class 1 process indicators) on sterilization pouches. What is the LIMITATION of these indicators?
Answer: They only confirm exposure to heat or chemical agent, not that sterilization conditions were met
Class 1 process indicators change color when exposed to a sterilization agent but do not verify that time, temperature, and pressure parameters were adequate for sterilization.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'work practice controls' in dental infection control?
Answer: Behavioral changes in the manner tasks are performed to reduce exposure
Work practice controls are behavioral modifications — such as never recapping needles two-handed — that reduce the likelihood of exposure by changing how tasks are performed.
The dental consultant is reviewing a clinic's sterilization records. How often should biological indicator (spore) testing be performed at minimum for routine steam sterilizers?
Answer: Weekly
CDC recommends using biological indicators at least weekly for each sterilizer in routine use, along with every load containing implantable devices.
Which respiratory protection is required when treating a patient on airborne precautions in a dental setting?
Answer: NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirator
Airborne precautions require a NIOSH-approved N95 or higher respirator, not a standard surgical mask, because surgical masks do not filter airborne particles adequately.
In dentistry, which waterborne pathogen associated with dental unit waterlines poses the greatest documented risk to immunocompromised patients?
Answer: Legionella pneumophila
Legionella pneumophila thrives in dental unit waterlines and can cause Legionnaires' disease, posing serious risk especially to immunocompromised patients.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of the OSHA Exposure Control Plan in a dental practice?
Answer: To outline the employer's program for eliminating or minimizing occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens
The Exposure Control Plan is a written document required by OSHA detailing how the practice will identify, minimize, and manage occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
A dental assistant recaps a used needle using a one-handed scoop technique. Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, this is considered:
Answer: Acceptable as a work practice control when a resheathing device is unavailable
OSHA prohibits two-handed recapping but permits the one-handed scoop technique as an acceptable work practice control when a mechanical resheathing device is unavailable.