CCBMA Infection Control and Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which items are considered personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling blood specimens?
- Lab coat only
- Gloves, gown, eye protection, and mask as appropriate (Correct answer)
- Gloves only
- Hand washing only
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, eye protection, and mask as appropriate
OSHA requires appropriate PPE including gloves, gown, eye protection, and mask depending on exposure risk.
Question 2: Which hand hygiene method is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores?
- Alcohol-based hand rub
- Soap and water handwashing (Correct answer)
- Antiseptic wipes
- Nitrile gloves alone
Correct answer: Soap and water handwashing
Alcohol-based products are ineffective against C. diff spores; soap and water physically remove them from hands.
Question 3: What is the first action a medical assistant should take immediately after a needlestick injury?
- Report the incident to the supervisor
- Wash the site with soap and water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply a tourniquet to stop blood flow
- Immediately seek antiviral treatment
Correct answer: Wash the site with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
Immediately washing with soap and water for at least 15 minutes helps reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.
Question 4: Which of the following is required in a healthcare facility's Exposure Control Plan per OSHA?
- A list of all employees by salary
- Identification of tasks that may expose employees to bloodborne pathogens (Correct answer)
- Annual employee vacation schedules
- Patient insurance information
Correct answer: Identification of tasks that may expose employees to bloodborne pathogens
OSHA's BBP standard requires employers to identify job tasks involving exposure risk in their written Exposure Control Plan.
Question 5: When using Standard Precautions, gloves must be worn when:
- Greeting patients at check-in
- Handling any body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes (Correct answer)
- Taking blood pressure readings
- Reviewing paper medical records
Correct answer: Handling any body fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes
Standard Precautions require gloves for contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
Question 6: Sharps containers should be replaced when they are filled to what capacity?
- 100%
- Three-quarters (75%) full (Correct answer)
- Half (50%) full
- One-quarter (25%) full
Correct answer: Three-quarters (75%) full
Sharps containers should be sealed and replaced when they reach the fill line, typically at three-quarters capacity.
CCBMA Infection Control and Safety 1
According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which items are considered personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling blood specimens?