Infection Control Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real ADEX practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Infection Control Principles flashcards as text
Which CDC transmission-based precaution category is used for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis?
Answer: Airborne precautions
Pulmonary TB requires airborne precautions because M. tuberculosis spreads via small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in air.
What is the minimum contact time required for a hospital-grade intermediate-level surface disinfectant to be effective?
Answer: The manufacturer's stated wet-contact time
The EPA-registered disinfectant must remain visibly wet on the surface for the full manufacturer-specified contact time to achieve the labeled kill claim.
A dental hygienist sustains a needlestick from a patient with unknown HIV status. What is the FIRST action to take?
Answer: Flush the wound with soap and water for several minutes
Immediate decontamination by washing with soap and water is the first step before any reporting or prophylaxis decisions.
Which item classification requires sterilization before reuse on another patient?
Answer: Critical items that penetrate soft tissue or bone
Spaulding's classification defines critical items as those that penetrate tissue or bone, requiring sterilization to eliminate all microbial life including spores.
The biological indicator used to verify autoclave sterilization effectiveness contains spores of which organism?
Answer: Bacillus atrophaeus or Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus (steam) and Bacillus atrophaeus (dry heat) spores are the most heat-resistant test organisms used in biological indicators.
When donning PPE before a dental procedure, what is the correct order?
Answer: Gown → mask → eyewear → gloves
OSHA and CDC recommend gown first, then mask, then protective eyewear, then gloves to prevent cross-contamination during donning.
Which waterborne pathogen is most commonly associated with dental unit waterline contamination?
Answer: Both Legionella and heterotrophic bacteria within biofilm
Dental waterlines harbor polymicrobial biofilms containing heterotrophic bacteria and potentially Legionella, posing risk especially to immunocompromised patients.