COKO Safety and Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the context of infection control, what distinguishes 'cleaning' from 'disinfecting'?
- Cleaning kills pathogens; disinfecting removes visible debris
- Cleaning removes physical debris; disinfecting reduces or eliminates pathogens on a surface (Correct answer)
- They are interchangeable terms in healthcare settings
- Cleaning uses chemicals; disinfecting uses heat
Correct answer: Cleaning removes physical debris; disinfecting reduces or eliminates pathogens on a surface
Cleaning removes physical dirt and organic material, while disinfecting uses chemical agents to reduce or destroy pathogens on non-living surfaces.
Question 2: Which of the following is a 'droplet precaution' strategy appropriate for a kinesiologist working with a client who has active influenza?
- Wearing only gloves during the session
- Maintaining at least 2 metres of distance and wearing a surgical mask (Correct answer)
- Using a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Conducting the session in a negative-pressure room
Correct answer: Maintaining at least 2 metres of distance and wearing a surgical mask
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask and maintaining a distance of at least 2 metres since influenza is transmitted via large respiratory droplets.
Question 3: A kinesiologist accidentally spills a client's blood on a treatment table. What is the correct decontamination sequence?
- Disinfect first, then clean with soap and water
- Clean organic material first, then apply disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Apply bleach directly and leave to dry
- Notify public health before touching the spill
Correct answer: Clean organic material first, then apply disinfectant
Organic material must be removed before disinfection because blood proteins inactivate many disinfectants, reducing their effectiveness.
Question 4: Which of the following clients would be considered most immunocompromised and therefore at highest risk for opportunistic infections during kinesiology sessions?
- A healthy 25-year-old athlete
- A client receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma (Correct answer)
- A client with mild seasonal allergies
- A client who recently recovered from a common cold
Correct answer: A client receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma
Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system significantly, leaving clients highly vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens that would not affect healthy individuals.
Question 5: What does WHMIS 2015 require kinesiologists to do when handling hazardous cleaning products in the workplace?
- Only read labels when unsure about a product
- Store all products together regardless of compatibility
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow hazard communication requirements (Correct answer)
- Use products only after verbal instructions from a supervisor
Correct answer: Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow hazard communication requirements
WHMIS 2015 mandates that workers consult Safety Data Sheets and comply with hazard communication standards for all controlled products.
Question 6: A kinesiologist develops a latex allergy. Which of the following is the most appropriate accommodation?
- Avoid all client contact
- Switch to nitrile or vinyl gloves and inform the facility to use latex-free equipment (Correct answer)
- Wear double latex gloves for added protection
- Take antihistamines before each session
Correct answer: Switch to nitrile or vinyl gloves and inform the facility to use latex-free equipment
Switching to latex-free alternatives such as nitrile or vinyl gloves is the evidence-based approach to managing latex allergy in clinical settings.
Question 7: Under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, who holds the primary responsibility for ensuring a safe workplace?
- The Ministry of Labour inspector
- The front-line worker
- The employer (Correct answer)
- The union representative
Correct answer: The employer
The OHSA places primary responsibility on the employer to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for worker protection.
COKO Safety and Infection Control 3
In the context of infection control, what distinguishes 'cleaning' from 'disinfecting'?