CME Safety & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What temperature must a gravity-displacement autoclave reach to achieve sterilization of unwrapped instruments?
- 212°F (100°C) for 30 minutes
- 250°F (121°C) for 15–30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 270°F (132°C) for 4 minutes
- 300°F (149°C) for 2 minutes
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a biological indicator (spore test) in autoclave monitoring?
- It confirms the correct sterilization temperature was reached on the display
- It verifies that the sterilization process actually killed the most resistant bacterial spores (Correct answer)
- It measures the exposure time of the sterilization cycle
- It detects if chemical disinfectants are present in the chamber
Correct 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.
Question 3: In an electrology setting, which surface would be classified as a clinical contact surface requiring disinfection between clients?
- The waiting room chairs
- The treatment table and lamp handles touched during the procedure (Correct answer)
- The receptionist's keyboard
- The bathroom door handle
Correct 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.
Question 4: A client presents with an active cold sore (herpes labialis) near the upper lip treatment area. What is the appropriate course of action?
- Proceed with treatment using gloves and a mask
- Treat the surrounding area but avoid the lesion site
- Postpone treatment to that area until the lesion has fully healed (Correct answer)
- Apply antiseptic to the lesion and proceed normally
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered mandatory for electrologists during all hair removal procedures?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Gloves, mask, and eye protection
- Gloves, gown, and face shield
Correct answer: Gloves and eye protection
At minimum, gloves and eye protection are required during electrology procedures to protect against bloodborne pathogen exposure from splatter.
Question 6: How long can Hepatitis B virus remain infectious on a dry environmental surface?
- Less than 1 hour
- Up to 24 hours
- Up to 7 days (Correct answer)
- Up to 30 days
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of using an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled 'tuberculocidal' in an electrology practice?
- It is the minimum required level for clinical contact surfaces under standard precautions (Correct answer)
- It eliminates only bacteria and not viruses
- It is required only when treating immunocompromised clients
- It replaces the need for autoclave sterilization
Correct 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.
CME Safety & Infection Control 3
What temperature must a gravity-displacement autoclave reach to achieve sterilization of unwrapped instruments?