ADEX Dental Hygiene Infection Control Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following methods provides the ultimate verification of sterilization success by directly challenging the sterilization process?

Accepted Answer

Using a biological indicator (spore test) on a weekly basis.

Answer

Observing the external chemical indicator tape for a color change.

Answer

Checking the sterilizer's physical readouts for correct time, temperature, and pressure.

Answer

Placing an internal chemical indicator strip in each package.

Question 2

A dental hygienist sustains a percutaneous injury with a contaminated scaler. After performing immediate first aid by washing the wound with soap and water, what is the required NEXT step according to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

Accepted Answer

Report the exposure incident to the employer or designated supervisor.

Answer

Go to an urgent care clinic for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Answer

Insist that the source patient undergo immediate blood testing.

Answer

Complete an incident report at the end of the workday.

Question 3

Which of the following actions during instrument reprocessing represents a critical error that could lead to sterilization failure?

Accepted Answer

Placing clean, but still damp, instruments into a sterilization pouch.

Answer

Using an ultrasonic cleaner with the lid in place.

Answer

Wearing puncture-resistant utility gloves while cleaning instruments.

Answer

Storing sterile packages in a closed, dry cabinet.

Question 4

According to CDC guidelines, a clinical contact surface (e.g., a light handle) that is visibly contaminated with blood must be cleaned and then treated with which type of disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

An intermediate-level disinfectant with a tuberculocidal claim.

Answer

A low-level hospital disinfectant.

Answer

A high-level disinfectant/sterilant like glutaraldehyde.

Answer

An antiseptic hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.

Question 5

A hygienist is preparing for a procedure that will generate significant aerosols. What is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Gown, Mask, Eye Protection, Gloves

Answer

Gloves, Gown, Mask, Eye Protection

Answer

Mask, Eye Protection, Gloves, Gown

Answer

Eye Protection, Gloves, Gown, Mask

Question 6

The foundational concept of Standard Precautions, as defined by the CDC, is based on which of the following principles?

Accepted Answer

Treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are known to be infectious for bloodborne pathogens.

Answer

Applying extra infection control measures only for patients with a documented infectious disease.

Answer

Using Transmission-Based Precautions for all patient encounters in a dental setting.

Answer

Requiring hand hygiene only when gloves are torn or hands are visibly soiled.