Safety & Infection Control Flashcards
7 cards from real CME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety & Infection Control flashcards as text
What temperature must a gravity-displacement autoclave reach to achieve sterilization of unwrapped instruments?
Answer: 250°F (121°C) for 15–30 minutes
Gravity-displacement autoclaves typically sterilize at 121°C (250°F) for 15–30 minutes depending on load configuration.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a biological indicator (spore test) in autoclave monitoring?
Answer: It verifies that the sterilization process actually killed the most resistant bacterial spores
Biological indicators use heat-resistant spores (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus) to confirm that lethal conditions were actually achieved inside the load.
In an electrology setting, which surface would be classified as a clinical contact surface requiring disinfection between clients?
Answer: The treatment table and lamp handles touched during the procedure
Clinical contact surfaces are those touched during treatment (treatment table, lamp, equipment controls) and must be disinfected between each client.
A client presents with an active cold sore (herpes labialis) near the upper lip treatment area. What is the appropriate course of action?
Answer: Postpone treatment to that area until the lesion has fully healed
Active herpes lesions are highly contagious and electrology treatment over or near the site could spread the virus; the area must be avoided until fully healed.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered mandatory for electrologists during all hair removal procedures?
Answer: Gloves and eye protection
At minimum, gloves and eye protection are required during electrology procedures to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure from splatter.
How long can Hepatitis B virus remain infectious on a dry environmental surface?
Answer: Up to 7 days
HBV can survive on dry surfaces for at least 7 days at room temperature, underscoring the need for thorough environmental disinfection.
What is the primary purpose of using an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled 'tuberculocidal' in an electrology practice?
Answer: It is the minimum required level for clinical contact surfaces under standard precautions
Tuberculocidal disinfectants meet the minimum intermediate-level standard required for clinical contact surfaces and instruments that contact intact skin.