ADAP Infection Control 3

Question 1

Which disinfectant level is required for semi-critical dental items that cannot be heat-sterilized?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes but cannot be sterilized must receive high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator (spore test) in sterilization monitoring?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the sterilization process killed resistant bacterial spores

Answer

Biological indicators use highly resistant bacterial spores to confirm that sterilization conditions were sufficient to destroy the most resistant microorganisms.

Question 3

Which bloodborne pathogen is considered most infectious in dentistry due to its survival on surfaces for up to 7 days?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Answer

Hepatitis B virus is the most infectious bloodborne pathogen in dental settings and can survive on environmental surfaces for up to 7 days.

Question 4

A chemical indicator strip changes color after an autoclave cycle. What does this confirm?

Accepted Answer

The parameters needed for sterilization were likely met during the cycle

Answer

Chemical indicators confirm exposure to sterilization parameters (heat, steam) but do not verify that sterilization was actually achieved—only biological indicators confirm that.

Question 5

Which of the following describes the correct sequence for processing contaminated instruments?

Accepted Answer

Clean → rinse → inspect → package → sterilize

Answer

Instruments must be cleaned, rinsed, inspected for debris and function, packaged, and then sterilized in the correct order.

(ADAP) Alternative Dental Assisting Program Practice Test

(ADAP) Alternative Dental Assisting Program Practice Test

ADAP Infection Control 3