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Infection Control & Sterilization Flashcards

7 cards from real NCMA 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 & Sterilization flashcards as text

  1. Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, employers must offer hepatitis B vaccination to employees at no cost within how many days of hire?

    Answer: 10 working days

    OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to offer hepatitis B vaccination at no cost within 10 working days of initial assignment to occupational exposure tasks.

  2. Which type of PPE must be worn when there is a risk of splashing blood or body fluids to the face?

    Answer: Eye protection and mask or face shield

    When splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids to the face is anticipated, both eye protection (goggles or face shield) and a mask or face shield must be worn to protect mucous membranes.

  3. A needle stick injury must be reported to which resource first in most facilities?

    Answer: The supervisor or occupational health department

    Needle stick injuries should be reported immediately to the supervisor and/or occupational health department for timely post-exposure prophylaxis evaluation and documentation.

  4. Which isolation precaution category is required for a patient with influenza?

    Answer: Droplet precautions

    Influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets (travel less than 3–6 feet) and requires droplet precautions including a surgical mask for healthcare workers within that distance.

  5. Which sterilization quality assurance method is considered the GOLD STANDARD for verifying sterilizer function?

    Answer: Biological indicator (spore test)

    Biological indicators using heat-resistant spores (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus for steam) are the gold standard because they directly test whether the sterilization process killed the most resistant organisms.

  6. Medical waste sharps containers must be replaced when they are filled to what level?

    Answer: 75% full

    Sharps containers should be sealed and replaced when they are three-quarters (75%) full to prevent overfilling, which increases the risk of needle stick injuries during disposal.

  7. Which practice breaks the chain of infection at the 'mode of transmission' link?

    Answer: Using PPE and implementing isolation precautions

    PPE and isolation precautions interrupt how a pathogen travels from a source to a susceptible host, directly breaking the mode of transmission link in the chain of infection.