ADEX Infection Control and Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Latex hypersensitivity in dental patients is best managed by:
- Using low-allergen powdered latex gloves
- Scheduling the patient as the last appointment of the day
- Using latex-free gloves and latex-free equipment throughout treatment (Correct answer)
- Pre-medicating the patient with antihistamines only
Correct answer: Using latex-free gloves and latex-free equipment throughout treatment
Latex-allergic patients require a completely latex-free environment, including gloves, dams, and any other latex-containing materials.
Question 2: Which sterilization method is appropriate for heat-sensitive items that cannot withstand autoclaving?
- Dry heat oven at 160°C
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization (Correct answer)
- Boiling water for 20 minutes
- Immersion in isopropyl alcohol
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is effective for heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments, though it requires long aeration times and has special handling requirements.
Question 3: Regulated medical waste in a dental office includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- Blood-saturated gauze
- Extracted teeth
- Used saliva ejectors (Correct answer)
- Sharps (needles, scalpel blades)
Correct answer: Used saliva ejectors
Used saliva ejectors are generally not classified as regulated medical waste unless saturated with blood; they are typically disposed of as regular trash.
Question 4: The term 'standard precautions' replaced 'universal precautions' primarily to emphasize that:
- Only visibly bloody fluids require precautions
- All blood and most body fluids from all patients should be treated as potentially infectious (Correct answer)
- PPE is only required for known infectious patients
- Handwashing alone is sufficient for most dental procedures
Correct answer: All blood and most body fluids from all patients should be treated as potentially infectious
Standard precautions expanded universal precautions to cover all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes regardless of a patient's known infection status.
Question 5: When performing dental radiography, infection control requires that:
- Gloves may be removed before handling the X-ray unit controls if hands appear clean
- The X-ray unit head, controls, and chair must be covered with barriers or disinfected between patients (Correct answer)
- Patients remove their own films to avoid contamination
- Film packets do not require disinfection because radiation sterilizes them
Correct answer: The X-ray unit head, controls, and chair must be covered with barriers or disinfected between patients
All surfaces touched during radiography — including tube head, control panel, and positioning devices — must be barrier-protected or disinfected between patients.
Question 6: Instruments packaged before sterilization should be stored in a manner that:
- Maximizes air circulation by leaving packages loosely stacked
- Protects packages from moisture, dust, and puncture until point of use (Correct answer)
- Allows packages to be opened and inspected daily for sterility
- Keeps packages refrigerated to extend sterility
Correct answer: Protects packages from moisture, dust, and puncture until point of use
Sterile packages must be stored in a clean, dry, protected environment to maintain package integrity and the event-related sterility concept.
Question 7: A dental hygienist develops a rash on her hands after extended glove use. The most appropriate next step is:
- Switch to double-gloving with the same glove type
- Apply hand lotion inside the gloves before each patient
- Consult a physician and consider allergy testing for latex or glove materials (Correct answer)
- Use thicker latex gloves to reduce chemical contact
Correct answer: Consult a physician and consider allergy testing for latex or glove materials
A rash after glove use may indicate latex allergy or irritant/allergic contact dermatitis and requires medical evaluation and potential allergy testing.
ADEX Infection Control and Safety 5
Latex hypersensitivity in dental patients is best managed by: