Practice Test Geeks(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test
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Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Safety and Infection Control flashcards as text

  1. Which anesthetic agent is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient with known malignant hyperthermia susceptibility?

    Answer: Sevoflurane

    All volatile halogenated anesthetics (including sevoflurane) and succinylcholine are MH triggers and must be avoided in susceptible patients.

  2. When a needlestick injury occurs in the OR, what is the FIRST immediate action the exposed healthcare worker should take?

    Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

    Immediate wound washing with soap and water is the first step; reporting and PEP evaluation follow promptly afterward.

  3. Which class of pathogens is MOST associated with prion disease transmission and requires specialized decontamination beyond standard sterilization?

    Answer: Prions (misfolded proteins)

    Prions are resistant to conventional sterilization; instruments used in high-risk neurological procedures require specific protocols (e.g., NaOH treatment or prolonged autoclaving).

  4. An anesthesiologist accidentally administers a medication intended for another patient due to look-alike/sound-alike vials. Which system-level intervention MOST effectively prevents this error?

    Answer: Standardized color-coded labeling and tall-man lettering on drug vials

    Standardized labeling with tall-man lettering and color coding is a proven human-factors strategy that reduces look-alike/sound-alike medication errors.

  5. Which antiseptic is PREFERRED for central venous catheter insertion site preparation due to its superior residual activity?

    Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% with 70% isopropyl alcohol

    Chlorhexidine-alcohol combination provides rapid kill and prolonged residual antimicrobial activity superior to povidone-iodine for CVC insertion.

  6. In the context of anesthesia machine safety, what does 'fail-safe' valve function ensure?

    Answer: It shuts off all gases if oxygen supply pressure falls below a threshold

    The fail-safe valve interrupts or reduces the flow of hypoxic gases (like N2O) proportionally if the oxygen supply pressure drops below a set threshold.

  7. Which measure is MOST effective in reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) risk in the ICU?

    Answer: Head-of-bed elevation to 30-45 degrees

    Semirecumbent positioning (30-45° HOB elevation) reduces aspiration of oropharyngeal and gastric secretions, a key mechanism of VAP.