Safety and Infection Control Flashcards

A client presents with a diagnosed hormone-sensitive cancer. Which essential oil is most important to research for safety before use due to potential estrogenic activity?

Answer: Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) due to sclareol's weak estrogenic effects

Clary sage contains sclareol, which has weak estrogenic activity and warrants caution or avoidance in hormone-sensitive cancers.

Which essential oil requires strict dermal limits due to its high methyl eugenol content, a suspected carcinogen?

Answer: Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

Tarragon essential oil is high in methyl eugenol, classified as a genotoxic carcinogen, requiring strict limits or avoidance in clinical use.

When an aromatherapy client discloses they are currently taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which essential oil warrants caution due to potential serotonergic effects?

Answer: Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) at high doses due to myristicin

Myristicin in nutmeg at high doses may influence serotonin pathways, raising concern about additive effects in clients on SSRIs.

A practitioner is asked to work with a client receiving chemotherapy who has a compromised immune system. What is the primary infection control modification needed?

Answer: Apply stricter hand hygiene, use single-use supplies, and avoid any potentially immunosuppressive oils

Immunocompromised clients require enhanced hand hygiene, single-use supplies, and careful oil selection to prevent infection and avoid further immune suppression.

Which type of reaction involves the immune system and typically worsens with repeated essential oil exposure, rather than improving with tolerance?

Answer: Allergic contact sensitization

Allergic contact sensitization is an immune-mediated response that intensifies with repeated exposure rather than diminishing over time.

What should an aromatherapist do if a client accidentally ingests a significant quantity of essential oil during a session?

Answer: Call Poison Control immediately and follow their guidance, seeking emergency care if needed

Essential oil ingestion is a medical emergency; Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) should be contacted immediately for guidance.

A practitioner is reviewing safety data for a new essential oil. The GC/MS report shows elevated levels of pulegone. What clinical safety concern does this raise?

Answer: Hepatotoxicity risk, as pulegone is known to cause liver damage at elevated doses

Pulegone, found in pennyroyal and some mint oils, is hepatotoxic and can cause severe liver damage, requiring strict dose limits or avoidance.