NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control 2

Question 1

According to the Spaulding classification system used in Canadian dental infection control, how are dental handpieces classified and what level of processing do they require?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical items requiring heat sterilization because they contact mucous membranes and are contaminated with blood

Answer

Non-critical items requiring low-level disinfection

Answer

Semi-critical items requiring high-level disinfection only

Answer

Critical items requiring heat sterilization

Question 2

What is the correct order for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE) before a dental procedure?

Accepted Answer

Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves

Answer

Gloves, mask, eyewear, gown

Answer

Eyewear, gloves, mask, gown

Answer

Mask, gloves, gown, eyewear

Question 3

During instrument processing, what is the purpose of running biological indicators (spore tests) in the sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the sterilizer is actually killing microorganisms, including the most resistant bacterial spores

Answer

To test if instruments are clean before sterilization

Answer

To check if the sterilizer door seals properly

Answer

To measure the temperature of the water in the sterilizer

Question 4

What is the minimum exposure time for a gravity displacement steam autoclave operating at 121°C (250°F) for wrapped instrument packs?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

5 minutes

Answer

15 minutes

Answer

60 minutes

Question 5

A dental assistant sustains a needlestick injury from a contaminated anaesthetic needle during instrument cleanup. What is the immediate first step?

Accepted Answer

Immediately wash the wound with soap and water, allow bleeding, then report the exposure following the office's post-exposure protocol

Answer

Apply a bandage and continue working

Answer

Squeeze the wound to extract contaminated blood, then apply iodine

Answer

Wait until the end of the day to report the incident

Question 6

What concentration of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution is recommended for cleaning blood spills on environmental surfaces in a dental operatory?

Accepted Answer

1:10 dilution (0.5%) or approximately 5,000 ppm available chlorine

Answer

1:1000 dilution (0.005%)

Answer

Undiluted household bleach (5.25%)

Answer

1:100 dilution (0.05%)