Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A pregnant client in her first trimester requests an aromatherapy session. Which category of essential oils is most contraindicated?

Answer: Emmenagogue and abortifacient oils such as pennyroyal and tansy

Emmenagogue and abortifacient oils like pennyroyal, tansy, and savin can stimulate uterine contractions and are strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

What is the maximum recommended dermal use level for benzyl benzoate-containing essential oils according to IFRA guidelines?

Answer: Varies by product category, with leave-on limits around 1.5–2.5%

IFRA sets category-specific limits for benzyl benzoate, with leave-on skin products typically restricted to approximately 1.5–2.5% to prevent sensitization.

Which essential oil constituent is classified as a neurotoxin at high doses and must be kept at safe concentrations in blends for clinical use?

Answer: Thujone

Thujone, found in oils such as sage, wormwood, and tansy, is neurotoxic and convulsant at high doses and must be strictly limited in therapeutic blends.

A client with epilepsy is referred for aromatherapy. Which essential oil is most appropriate to avoid due to seizure-threshold-lowering risk?

Answer: Rosemary ct. camphor (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor)

Rosemary ct. camphor contains camphor, which lowers the seizure threshold and is contraindicated for clients with epilepsy.

An aromatherapist mislabels a blend, and a client uses it incorrectly, resulting in a skin burn. What is the practitioner's primary ethical and legal obligation?

Answer: Document the incident, assist the client in getting medical care, and report per professional standards

The practitioner must document the adverse event, support the client in obtaining medical treatment, and report per professional and regulatory standards.

What is the primary reason citrus essential oils such as bergamot and lime are phototoxic when applied to skin?

Answer: Furanocoumarins (e.g., bergapten) absorb UV radiation and cause photochemical reactions in skin cells

Furanocoumarins like bergapten in citrus oils absorb UV radiation and trigger photochemical reactions that cause pigmentation and burns in sun-exposed skin.

Which standard practice ensures proper infection control for reusable glass rollerball applicators in a clinical aromatherapy setting?

Answer: Disassembling, washing with hot soapy water, rinsing, and sterilizing or using single-use applicators per client

Proper decontamination of reusable applicators requires washing, rinsing, and sterilization, or using single-use items per client to prevent cross-contamination.