Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of a local infection?

Answer: A staph infection confined to a small area on the skin

A local infection is confined to a specific area of the body, such as a pimple or boil caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.

What should a cosmetologist do if they observe signs of a nail fungus on a client's nails?

Answer: Refer the client to a physician and decline the service

Cosmetologists are not licensed to diagnose or treat nail fungus; they must refer clients to a physician and cannot perform services on infected nails.

Which disinfection method is NOT considered effective for salon implements?

Answer: Soaking in alcohol alone

Alcohol alone is not an EPA-registered hospital-level disinfectant and does not meet the standard required for salon implement disinfection.

What is 'decontamination' in the context of salon infection control?

Answer: The process of removing or reducing pathogens to a safe level

Decontamination refers to the removal, inactivation, or destruction of harmful microorganisms to render objects or surfaces safe to handle.

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard require salon employees to do?

Answer: Receive training on exposure risks and proper safety procedures

OSHA requires employers to train employees on bloodborne pathogen risks, proper PPE use, exposure control plans, and post-exposure procedures.

Which of the following is a virus that can be transmitted in a salon through blood-to-blood contact?

Answer: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a bloodborne virus that can survive on surfaces for days and poses a significant risk in salon settings if proper infection control is not followed.

When preparing a disinfectant solution, what should always be added to water — and not the other way around?

Answer: Disinfectant should be added to water

Adding disinfectant to water (not water to disinfectant) prevents dangerous reactions and ensures accurate dilution ratios as specified on the label.