CDT Safety, Ethics & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which PPE item is considered the FIRST line of defense against contact transmission in a dermatology setting?
- N95 respirator
- Gloves (Correct answer)
- Face shield
- Gown
Correct answer: Gloves
Gloves are the primary barrier against contact transmission and must be worn when touching patients or potentially contaminated surfaces.
Question 2: A patient discloses they are HIV-positive before a procedure. The dermatology tech should:
- Refuse the procedure citing safety concerns
- Apply standard precautions as with all patients (Correct answer)
- Use enhanced isolation precautions beyond standard
- Notify other staff members of the patient's status
Correct answer: Apply standard precautions as with all patients
Standard precautions apply universally regardless of known infection status, and HIV disclosure does not require additional isolation measures.
Question 3: The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) is enforced by which federal agency?
- CDC
- FDA
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- EPA
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which mandates exposure control plans and protective measures for healthcare workers.
Question 4: After accidental needlestick exposure, the FIRST action a dermatology tech should take is:
- Complete an incident report
- Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Notify the supervisor
- Seek post-exposure prophylaxis immediately
Correct answer: Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
Immediate thorough washing with soap and water is the first priority to physically reduce pathogen load at the exposure site.
Question 5: Which disinfectant level is required to process non-critical dermatology instruments that contact only intact skin?
- Sterilization
- High-level disinfection
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- Low-level disinfection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Low-level disinfection
Non-critical items contacting only intact skin require only low-level disinfection because intact skin is an effective barrier against infection.
Question 6: A patient asks the tech to skip the consent form because they've 'had this done before.' The appropriate response is:
- Proceed since prior consent implies ongoing consent
- Obtain verbal consent and document it in the chart
- Insist on signed informed consent regardless of history (Correct answer)
- Ask the provider to handle the situation
Correct answer: Insist on signed informed consent regardless of history
Informed consent must be obtained for each separate procedure or visit; prior consent does not carry forward to new encounters.
Question 7: Which practice BEST prevents cross-contamination when handling multi-dose vials in dermatology?
- Reusing needles between patients to conserve supplies
- Using a new sterile needle and syringe each time a vial is accessed (Correct answer)
- Wiping the vial stopper with water before each use
- Storing open vials at room temperature indefinitely
Correct answer: Using a new sterile needle and syringe each time a vial is accessed
A new sterile needle and syringe must be used each time a multi-dose vial is accessed to prevent contamination of the vial and cross-infection between patients.
CDT Safety, Ethics & Infection Control 2
Which PPE item is considered the FIRST line of defense against contact transmission in a dermatology setting?