ADEX Infection Control Principles 5

Question 1

Which method of sterilization is recommended for heat-sensitive dental instruments that cannot withstand autoclave temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide gas or low-temperature hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization

Answer

Heat-sensitive items require low-temperature sterilization technologies such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide plasma, as boiling and chemical disinfection do not achieve sterilization.

Question 2

What is the significance of the term 'standard precautions' replacing 'universal precautions' in infection control terminology?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions expand protection to all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat, regardless of visible blood

Answer

Standard precautions broadened universal precautions to include all moist body substances except sweat, recognizing that non-bloody body fluids can also transmit pathogens.

Question 3

A dental hygienist with a latex allergy should request which alternative glove material that provides similar barrier protection?

Accepted Answer

Nitrile gloves, which provide comparable barrier protection without latex allergens

Answer

Nitrile gloves offer excellent barrier protection, durability, and chemical resistance without natural rubber latex proteins that trigger Type I hypersensitivity reactions.

Question 4

During aerosol-generating dental procedures, which respiratory protection provides the highest level of protection for the dental hygienist?

Accepted Answer

N95 filtering facepiece respirator fitted and fit-tested

Answer

An N95 respirator, when properly fit-tested, filters at least 95% of airborne particles and provides significantly more protection than a surgical mask during aerosol generation.

Question 5

Instrument packaging that shows wet or torn pouches after sterilization should be:

Accepted Answer

Re-sterilized in new packaging after re-cleaning

Answer

Wet or compromised packaging indicates a breach in sterility; instruments must be reprocessed from the cleaning step in new intact packaging before use.

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX - Dental Hygiene Exam Practice Test

ADEX Infection Control Principles 5