DANB ICE Infection Prevention & Sterilization 2

Question 1

According to the Spaulding classification, which categories of dental instruments require sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical and critical items

Answer

Both critical items (penetrate tissue/bone) and semi-critical items (contact mucous membranes) require sterilization. Heat-sensitive semi-critical items need high-level disinfection at minimum.

Question 2

What is the correct order of the instrument reprocessing workflow?

Accepted Answer

Transport, Cleaning, Rinsing/Inspection, Packaging, Sterilization, Storage

Answer

The unidirectional flow prevents cross-contamination: transport from point of use through cleaning, inspection, packaging, sterilization, to sterile storage.

Question 3

What distinguishes high-level disinfection from sterilization?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection kills all organisms except high numbers of bacterial spores; sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores

Answer

Sterilization eliminates ALL microbial life including all bacterial spores. High-level disinfection eliminates most but not necessarily all spores in high numbers.

Question 4

Which chemical indicator class should be placed inside every sterilization package?

Accepted Answer

Class 4 (multi-variable) or Class 5 (integrating) internal indicator

Answer

Internal Class 4 or Class 5 indicators verify that the sterilant actually penetrated the packaging and reached the instruments inside.

Question 5

What is flash sterilization and when is it appropriate in a dental office?

Accepted Answer

An abbreviated cycle for unwrapped instruments needed urgently, not for routine use or implantable items

Answer

Immediate-use steam sterilization is a shortened cycle for emergencies when no sterile spare is available. Not for routine use, convenience, or implantable devices.

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB Infection Control Exam Practice Test

DANB ICE Infection Prevention & Sterilization 2