APC Safety and Infection Control 3

Question 1

When preparing cytotoxic medications, which type of biological safety cabinet (BSC) must be used?

Accepted Answer

Class II Type B2 or Class III BSC

Answer

Class II Type B2 or Class III cabinets provide 100% exhaust to the outside, preventing cytotoxic vapour recirculation into the room.

Question 2

A pharmacy staff member sustains a needlestick injury from a needle used on an HIV-positive patient. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should ideally be commenced within:

Accepted Answer

72 hours

Answer

PEP is most effective when started within 72 hours of exposure, though earlier initiation yields better outcomes.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of an engineering control in pharmacy infection prevention?

Accepted Answer

Installation of sharps containers at point of use

Answer

Engineering controls are physical modifications to the environment such as sharps containers that reduce the risk of injury without relying on individual behaviour.

Question 4

Which hand hygiene moment, according to the WHO '5 Moments' framework, is most critical BEFORE a pharmacy compounding procedure?

Accepted Answer

Before an aseptic procedure

Answer

Moment 3 — before an aseptic procedure — is the most critical in compounding to prevent contamination of sterile products.

Question 5

A pharmacist is counselling staff on proper respiratory hygiene. Which measure is most effective at preventing droplet transmission of influenza in the pharmacy?

Accepted Answer

Surgical mask offered to coughing patients at the counter

Answer

Offering a surgical mask to symptomatic patients at point of entry (source control) is the single most effective measure to reduce droplet spread.

(APC) Australian Pharmacy Council Practice Test

(APC) Australian Pharmacy Council Practice Test

APC Safety and Infection Control 3