Safety and Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFAS 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
Which of the following foot and ankle procedures is classified as 'clean-contaminated' (Class II)?
Answer: Total ankle arthroplasty through intact skin with no viscus entered
Clean-contaminated wounds involve controlled entry into a body cavity without unusual contamination, such as total ankle arthroplasty through intact non-infected skin.
A surgeon plans to use implants during an ankle fusion procedure. What is the recommended implant handling practice to minimize infection risk?
Answer: Open implant packaging only on the sterile field just before use and handle with sterile instruments
Implants should be opened directly onto the sterile field just before use to minimize contamination and preserve sterility.
Which environmental factor in the operating room most significantly reduces airborne contamination during foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Positive-pressure laminar airflow ventilation with HEPA filtration
Positive-pressure laminar airflow with HEPA filtration removes airborne particles and pathogens from the surgical field, significantly reducing infection risk.
For a patient with a documented latex allergy undergoing foot and ankle surgery, what is the safest course of action?
Answer: Schedule the case as the first of the day in a latex-free environment with latex-free gloves and supplies
First-case scheduling in a latex-free room minimizes residual latex particles and eliminates exposure risk for latex-allergic patients.
Which post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) timeframe is critical for HIV following a significant needlestick injury?
Answer: Initiated within 72 hours of exposure for maximum effectiveness
HIV PEP must begin within 72 hours of exposure to be effective, with earlier initiation (within 2 hours) being most beneficial.
What is the correct technique for removing a contaminated surgical gown to prevent self-contamination?
Answer: Roll the outside of the gown inward and away from the body before removing
Rolling the gown outward while removing it keeps contaminated surfaces contained and away from the wearer's skin and clothing.
In the context of foot and ankle surgery, which practice most effectively reduces the risk of retained surgical items (RSIs)?
Answer: Performing standardized instrument, sponge, and needle counts before, during, and after closure
Systematic counts of instruments, sponges, and needles at defined intervals are the standard of care for preventing retained surgical items.