CDC Infection Control & Prevention 5

Question 1

According to the CDC, which category of patients is most likely to require special dental infection control considerations related to prion diseases (e.g., Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)?

Accepted Answer

Patients who received dura mater or pituitary-derived growth hormone grafts before 1987

Answer

Recipients of dura mater grafts or cadaveric pituitary-derived hormones before 1987 are considered at elevated risk for iatrogenic CJD and warrant special instrument handling protocols.

Question 2

Which statement BEST describes the rationale for using surface barriers (plastic wrap/covers) in dental operatories?

Accepted Answer

Barriers prevent contamination of surfaces difficult to clean and disinfect between patients

Answer

Surface barriers protect surfaces that are difficult to clean — such as light handles and chair controls — from contamination and are changed between each patient.

Question 3

Under the CDC's Spaulding classification, a dental mirror used only to examine intact oral mucosa (no contact with blood) is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical

Answer

Instruments that contact mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue are semi-critical and require at minimum high-level disinfection, though sterilization is preferred.

Question 4

A dental practice wants to verify that its sterilizer is functioning properly after a mechanical failure was repaired. Which test should be performed BEFORE returning the sterilizer to routine use?

Accepted Answer

Three consecutive biological indicator test cycles with negative results

Answer

After sterilizer malfunction or repair, CDC recommends running three consecutive biological indicator cycles without any processed load before returning the sterilizer to service.

Question 5

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of latex gloves in dental infection control?

Accepted Answer

Gloves should be donned before and removed after patient contact without touching contaminated outer surfaces

Answer

Proper glove removal technique — peeling from wrist without touching the outer contaminated surface — prevents hand contamination and is required regardless of glove material.

(CDC) Certified Dental Coder Practice Test

(CDC) Certified Dental Coder Practice Test

CDC Infection Control & Prevention 5