ADEX Infection Control and Safety 5

Question 1

Latex hypersensitivity in dental patients is best managed by:

Accepted Answer

Using latex-free gloves and latex-free equipment throughout treatment

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Used saliva ejectors

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

All blood and most body fluids from all patients should be treated as potentially infectious

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

The X-ray unit head, controls, and chair must be covered with barriers or disinfected between patients

Answer

All surfaces touched during radiography — including tube head, control panel, and positioning devices — must be barrier-protected or disinfected between patients.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Infection Control and Safety 5