COM Infection Control & Prevention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which level of disinfection is required for semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes in an orofacial myology setting?
- Low-level disinfection
- High-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- Sterilization only
Correct answer: High-level disinfection
Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes require high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores.
Question 2: According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, an Exposure Control Plan must be reviewed and updated at minimum how often?
- Every 6 months
- Every 2 years
- Annually (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Annually
OSHA requires the Exposure Control Plan to be reviewed and updated at least annually and whenever new procedures or tasks are added.
Question 3: Which hepatitis virus is most commonly transmitted via contact with contaminated saliva and mucous membranes in clinical settings?
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis D
Correct answer: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has the highest risk of transmission through bloodborne and mucosal exposure in clinical environments.
Question 4: When performing myofunctional therapy exercises involving intraoral manipulation, which PPE combination is minimally required under Standard Precautions?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and mask
- Gloves, mask, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Gown and gloves only
Correct answer: Gloves, mask, and eye protection
Standard Precautions require gloves, mask, and eye protection when there is potential for splatter or spray of oral fluids.
Question 5: Which term describes the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial endospores?
- Sanitization
- Disinfection
- Sterilization (Correct answer)
- Decontamination
Correct answer: Sterilization
Sterilization destroys all microbial life including the most resistant bacterial endospores, unlike disinfection which may not eliminate spores.
Question 6: A clinician receives a needlestick injury during a procedure. What is the FIRST recommended action?
- Report to supervisor immediately
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Apply antiseptic and cover with a bandage
- Complete an incident report form
Correct answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
The first action after a needlestick or sharps injury is to immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of biological indicators (spore tests) in instrument sterilization?
- To verify that chemical disinfectants are properly diluted
- To confirm that the sterilization cycle achieved conditions lethal to the most resistant organisms (Correct answer)
- To test that instruments are visually clean before processing
- To measure the temperature inside the sterilization chamber
Correct answer: To confirm that the sterilization cycle achieved conditions lethal to the most resistant organisms
Biological indicators use highly resistant bacterial spores to verify that sterilization conditions were sufficient to kill even the most resistant microorganisms.
COM Infection Control & Prevention 2
Which level of disinfection is required for semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes in an orofacial myology setting?