DAANCE Infection Control and Sterilization in the Anesthesia Setting

Question 1

According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which item must be placed in a puncture-resistant container immediately after use in the anesthesia setting?

Accepted Answer

Used syringes with needles still attached

Answer

OSHA requires that sharps—including needles attached to syringes—be discarded immediately into an approved puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping by hand. Gauze, tubing, and gloves go into standard biohazard waste, not sharps containers.

Question 2

Which sterilization method is considered the gold standard for heat-stable dental anesthesia instruments such as metal laryngoscope blades?

Accepted Answer

Steam autoclave (moist heat) sterilization

Answer

Steam autoclave (moist heat) sterilization at 121–134°C is the CDC and OSAP gold standard for heat-stable instruments. It reliably destroys all microorganisms including spores. Cold chemical soaking and UV cabinets are lower-level disinfection methods, not sterilization.

Question 3

After removing gloves during post-anesthesia cleanup, the dental anesthesia assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub

Answer

CDC hand hygiene guidelines require hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub after glove removal, because gloves can have microscopic defects and hands become contaminated during removal. Hand sanitizer alone is appropriate only when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct sequence for reprocessing a reusable anesthesia mask?

Accepted Answer

Clean → disinfect or sterilize → inspect → store

Answer

Proper reprocessing always begins with cleaning (removing gross debris), followed by appropriate disinfection or sterilization, then inspection for defects, and finally storage in a clean/sterile package. Sterilizing a visibly soiled instrument first is ineffective because bioburden protects organisms from the sterilant.

Question 5

Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the dental anesthesia assistant during IV placement includes:

Accepted Answer

Gloves and a face shield or mask with protective eyewear

Answer

OSHA's standard precautions require gloves plus eye and face protection (mask and protective eyewear, or a face shield) during any procedure where splash or splatter of blood or body fluids is possible—including IV catheter placement. A full respirator is not required unless aerosol-generating procedures are performed.

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE - Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination Practice Test

DAANCE Infection Control and Sterilization in the Anesthesia Setting