CMP Sanitation & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which bloodborne pathogen is most commonly referenced in cosmetology infection control regulations?
- HIV
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- MRSA
Correct answer: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Hepatitis B is cited most frequently in salon regulations due to its high survivability on surfaces and ease of transmission through minute blood contact.
Question 2: What is the purpose of an autoclave in a nail salon setting?
- To disinfect implements using chemical solution
- To sterilize implements by killing all microbial life including spores (Correct answer)
- To sanitize tools using UV light
- To dry implements after liquid disinfection
Correct answer: To sterilize implements by killing all microbial life including spores
An autoclave uses pressurized steam to achieve sterilization, destroying all microorganisms including highly resistant bacterial spores.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct hierarchy of infection control from lowest to highest level?
- Sanitation → Disinfection → Sterilization (Correct answer)
- Disinfection → Sanitation → Sterilization
- Sterilization → Sanitation → Disinfection
- Sanitation → Sterilization → Disinfection
Correct answer: Sanitation → Disinfection → Sterilization
Sanitation reduces microbial count, disinfection kills most pathogens on non-living surfaces, and sterilization eliminates all microbial life.
Question 4: A technician accidentally nicks a client during a pedicure. What is the first step?
- Apply a topical antibiotic and continue service
- Stop service, put on gloves, apply pressure, and follow blood exposure protocol (Correct answer)
- Rinse the wound with water and resume immediately
- Ask the client if they want to continue before doing anything
Correct answer: Stop service, put on gloves, apply pressure, and follow blood exposure protocol
Any blood exposure requires immediate cessation of service, donning gloves, controlling the wound, and following the salon's exposure control plan.
Question 5: Which type of disinfectant is commonly recommended by state boards for pedicure foot baths due to its efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and viruses?
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Bleach diluted 1:100
- Hydrogen peroxide 3%
Correct answer: EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants are broad-spectrum and meet state board requirements for pedicure foot bath decontamination.
Question 6: What does 'MRSA' stand for, and why is it significant in nail salon infection control?
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus — it resists common antibiotics and can spread via skin contact (Correct answer)
- Multi-Resistant Salon Antigen — it contaminates pedicure tools specifically
- Microbial Resistant Surface Agent — it survives on non-porous surfaces indefinitely
- Mandatory Risk Sanitization Assessment — a required salon checklist
Correct answer: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus — it resists common antibiotics and can spread via skin contact
MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant bacterial strain that spreads through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces, posing a serious salon risk.
Question 7: How often must pedicure foot basin water be changed and the basin disinfected between clients?
- Every other client
- After every client service (Correct answer)
- Once at the beginning and end of the day
- Only when visibly dirty
Correct answer: After every client service
State regulations universally require that pedicure basins be drained, cleaned, and disinfected between every single client.
CMP Sanitation & Infection Control 3
Which bloodborne pathogen is most commonly referenced in cosmetology infection control regulations?