ACT Infection Control & Prevention 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A group therapy room should be cleaned between sessions using a disinfectant with an EPA registration number that specifies activity against:
- Gram-positive bacteria only
- Broad-spectrum pathogens including viruses (Correct answer)
- Acid-fast bacilli only
- Fungi only
Correct answer: Broad-spectrum pathogens including viruses
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants with broad-spectrum claims ensure elimination of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on shared surfaces.
Question 2: A client receiving ACT-based therapy discloses they are HIV-positive and undetectable. The therapist should:
- Require all sessions be conducted in an isolation room
- Continue normal precautions — undetectable means untransmittable (Correct answer)
- Wear an N95 mask during all future sessions
- Discontinue group therapy participation
Correct answer: Continue normal precautions — undetectable means untransmittable
An undetectable viral load means the client cannot sexually transmit HIV, and standard precautions are fully adequate for clinical interactions.
Question 3: Which element is REQUIRED under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) for behavioral health facilities?
- Annual TB skin test for all employees
- A written Exposure Control Plan updated annually (Correct answer)
- Mandatory hepatitis C vaccination for all staff
- Quarterly environmental cultures of therapy rooms
Correct answer: A written Exposure Control Plan updated annually
OSHA mandates a written Exposure Control Plan that is reviewed and updated at least annually and after any procedural changes.
Question 4: Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette in a behavioral health waiting area BEST includes:
- Posting no-visitor policies year-round
- Providing masks, tissues, and hand sanitizer with disposal bins (Correct answer)
- Scheduling all symptomatic clients after hours
- Requiring PCR testing before entry
Correct answer: Providing masks, tissues, and hand sanitizer with disposal bins
CDC's respiratory hygiene etiquette package — masks, tissues, hand hygiene supplies, and waste bins — reduces droplet transmission in communal areas.
Question 5: A staff member develops chickenpox (varicella). They should be excluded from patient contact until:
- Fever resolves
- All lesions have crusted over (Correct answer)
- 48 hours after antiviral therapy begins
- A negative PCR test is obtained
Correct answer: All lesions have crusted over
Varicella is considered no longer infectious once all lesions have fully crusted, typically 5–7 days after rash onset.
Question 6: In the hierarchy of infection control, administrative controls include:
- N95 respirators and face shields
- HEPA filtration and UV germicidal irradiation
- Policies limiting exposure such as sick-leave and cohorting policies (Correct answer)
- Gloves, gowns, and eye protection
Correct answer: Policies limiting exposure such as sick-leave and cohorting policies
Administrative controls are organizational policies and work practices — such as sick-leave policies, scheduling, and cohorting — that reduce exposure risk.
Question 7: Which infection control practice SPECIFICALLY reduces catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in residential behavioral health settings?
- Daily bladder irrigation with antiseptic solution
- Inserting catheters only when clinically necessary and removing promptly (Correct answer)
- Changing catheters every 48 hours routinely
- Using open drainage systems to monitor output
Correct answer: Inserting catheters only when clinically necessary and removing promptly
Limiting catheter use to clinical necessity and removing catheters as soon as possible are the highest-impact CAUTI prevention strategies.
ACT Infection Control & Prevention 3
A group therapy room should be cleaned between sessions using a disinfectant with an EPA registration number that specifies activity against: