CMP Sanitation & Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of pathogen is responsible for causing tinea pedis (athlete's foot)?
- Bacteria
- Fungus (Correct answer)
- Virus
- Parasite
Correct answer: Fungus
Tinea pedis is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments like shoes and pedicure tubs.
Question 2: What is the minimum contact time required for most EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants to be effective on non-porous surfaces?
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 5–10 minutes (Correct answer)
- 20 minutes
Correct answer: 5–10 minutes
Most EPA-registered disinfectants require 5–10 minutes of wet contact time to achieve the labeled kill claims.
Question 3: A client arrives with a small open blister on their heel. What is the correct course of action?
- Proceed after sanitizing the area with alcohol
- Refuse service on the affected foot until healed (Correct answer)
- Cover the blister with a bandage and continue
- Drain the blister and apply antiseptic before proceeding
Correct answer: Refuse service on the affected foot until healed
Open lesions present a risk of infection transmission; service should be refused until the area is fully healed.
Question 4: Which piece of pedicure equipment is considered non-porous and therefore disinfectable rather than disposable?
- Pumice stone
- Wooden cuticle pusher
- Metal nail nippers (Correct answer)
- Foam toe separators
Correct answer: Metal nail nippers
Metal implements are non-porous and can be properly cleaned, disinfected, and reused between clients.
Question 5: What does the term 'PPE' stand for in an infection control context?
- Professional Pedicure Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
- Pathogen Prevention Essentials
- Protective Procedure Enforcement
Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) includes gloves, masks, and eye protection used to protect both technician and client.
Question 6: How should soiled single-use items such as used nail files be disposed of after a pedicure service?
- Placed in a covered waste receptacle immediately after use (Correct answer)
- Soaked in disinfectant and stored for potential reuse
- Returned to the client to take home
- Rinsed under water and left at the station
Correct answer: Placed in a covered waste receptacle immediately after use
Single-use items must be discarded in a covered waste container immediately after use to prevent cross-contamination.
Question 7: When using a liquid disinfectant on implements, what step must occur BEFORE immersion?
- Sterilization in an autoclave
- Thorough cleaning to remove all debris and biofilm (Correct answer)
- Rinsing with warm water only
- Drying with a clean towel
Correct answer: Thorough cleaning to remove all debris and biofilm
Organic matter such as skin, blood, or product residue must be removed by cleaning before disinfection can be effective.
CMP Sanitation & Infection Control 2
Which type of pathogen is responsible for causing tinea pedis (athlete's foot)?