Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

A therapist notices a student has head lice during a session. What is the most appropriate immediate response?

Answer: Stop the session, notify the school nurse or parent, and follow school exclusion policy

Suspected head lice should be reported immediately to appropriate school personnel and the parent, following the school's established exclusion protocol.

Which type of cleaning agent is most appropriate for disinfecting hard, non-porous therapy surfaces such as desks?

Answer: EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant

EPA-registered disinfectants are validated for efficacy against pathogens and are the appropriate choice for hard non-porous surfaces in educational/clinical settings.

A student discloses during a session that they are being physically harmed at home. The CDT is a mandated reporter. What is the required action?

Answer: Report the disclosure to child protective services as required by law

Mandated reporters are legally required to report suspected abuse to child protective services immediately, without prior consultation with parents or waiting for additional incidents.

Which of the following is the safest way to dispose of a broken pencil with a sharp tip in a therapy room?

Answer: Wrap the sharp end in tape or paper and place it in a puncture-resistant container

Sharp objects should be wrapped or placed in puncture-resistant containers to prevent injury to the therapist, students, or custodial staff.

In the context of a dyslexia therapy session, when is it appropriate to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead of soap and water?

Answer: When hands are not visibly soiled and soap and water are not readily available

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is appropriate when hands are not visibly soiled; soap and water must be used when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with body fluids.

A shared set of magnetic letter tiles is used across multiple students. What is the best infection control practice for these manipulatives?

Answer: Wipe tiles with a disinfecting wipe between student uses and allow them to air dry

Disinfecting shared manipulatives between each student use and allowing adequate drying time reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.

A CDT who is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection should:

Answer: Follow workplace illness policy, which may include staying home or consulting a supervisor

Therapists should follow their institution's illness policy, which typically requires staying home when symptomatic to protect vulnerable students.