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
Which federal agency regulates the disposal of sharps waste generated in an electrology office?
Answer: EPA in coordination with state environmental agencies
Sharps waste disposal is regulated by the EPA in partnership with state environmental or health agencies, not OSHA, which regulates worker exposure.
Which of the following actions violates proper sharps safety protocol in an electrology setting?
Answer: Recapping a used needle using a two-handed technique before disposal
Recapping needles with two hands is a primary cause of needlestick injuries and is prohibited; one-handed or mechanical recapping is the only acceptable method if recapping is necessary.
An autoclave spore test result comes back positive (growth detected). What is the correct response?
Answer: Remove all items processed since the last negative spore test from use and reprocess or discard them
A positive spore test indicates sterilization failure; all items processed since the last successful test must be recalled, reprocessed or discarded, and the autoclave taken out of service.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a Chemical Vapor Sterilizer (Chemiclave) compared to a steam autoclave?
Answer: It uses a chemical vapor mixture and causes less instrument corrosion than steam
Chemiclaves use a formaldehyde-alcohol vapor at lower moisture levels, which reduces rust and corrosion on carbon steel instruments compared to steam autoclaves.
A client has a known latex allergy. What precaution should the electrologist take regarding PPE?
Answer: Switch to latex-free nitrile or vinyl gloves for the procedure
Clients with latex allergy require the use of non-latex gloves (nitrile or vinyl) to prevent allergic reactions, which can range from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis.
What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) require electrology employers to provide at no cost to employees?
Answer: Hepatitis B vaccination series
OSHA mandates that employers offer Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Which term describes the complete absence of all microbial life, including bacterial spores, on an instrument?
Answer: Sterility
Sterility is the complete destruction of all microorganisms including spores, achieved through sterilization processes like autoclaving.