Safety & Infection Control Flashcards

A psychologist conducting neuropsychological testing must clean reusable test materials between clients. The most appropriate method for cleaning non-porous test booklet covers is:

Answer: Wiping with an EPA-registered low-level disinfectant compatible with the material

Non-porous non-critical surfaces are appropriately cleaned with EPA-registered low-level disinfectants that will not damage materials.

In the context of telehealth during an infectious disease outbreak, the primary infection control advantage of video-based therapy over in-person sessions is:

Answer: Elimination of physical contact transmission risk between clinician and client

Telehealth eliminates fomite, droplet, and contact transmission routes between clinician and client by removing physical co-location.

A psychologist is reviewing fire safety procedures as part of the clinic's annual safety training. The correct sequence for responding to a fire is:

Answer: Rescue, Activate alarm, Contain, Extinguish (RACE)

The RACE acronym (Rescue, Activate, Contain, Extinguish) is the standard fire response sequence taught in healthcare settings.

A psychologist notices that a colleague is not changing gloves between clients. The most appropriate action is to:

Answer: Address the concern directly with the colleague and report to the infection control officer if the behavior continues

Professional ethics require addressing safety concerns directly with the colleague first, then escalating to appropriate administrative channels if the behavior continues.

A psychologist conducting group therapy must arrange seating to support infection control. According to evidence-based distancing guidelines, the minimum recommended separation between individuals during respiratory illness outbreaks is:

Answer: 6 feet

CDC guidelines recommend at least 6 feet (2 meters) of physical separation between individuals to reduce droplet transmission risk during respiratory illness outbreaks.

Which element is required in a written Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan for a psychology practice under OSHA's standard?

Answer: An exposure determination listing job classifications at risk

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard requires the Exposure Control Plan to include an exposure determination identifying which job classifications involve occupational exposure risk.

A health service psychologist is asked to consult on a hospital unit where staff report high rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The most evidence-based single intervention to reduce HAI rates is:

Answer: Improving hand hygiene compliance among all staff

Improving hand hygiene compliance is consistently identified as the single most effective intervention for reducing healthcare-associated infections across all settings.