KAPS Safety and Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of disinfectant is most appropriate for sterilizing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical equipment?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Ethylene oxide gas (Correct answer)
- Glutaraldehyde 2%
- Sodium hypochlorite 10%
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide gas
Ethylene oxide gas is used for sterilizing heat-sensitive items because it penetrates packaging at low temperatures without thermal damage.
Question 2: A pharmacy technician accidentally splashes a chemotherapy agent onto their skin. The FIRST action should be:
- Apply a neutralizing agent immediately
- Flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Cover with a sterile dressing and report
- Notify the pharmacist before taking any action
Correct answer: Flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes
Immediate flushing with copious water for at least 15 minutes dilutes and removes the hazardous substance to minimize tissue damage.
Question 3: According to USP <797>, the beyond-use date (BUD) for a low-risk CSP stored at room temperature is:
- 12 hours
- 48 hours (Correct answer)
- 14 days
- 30 days
Correct answer: 48 hours
USP <797> specifies a BUD of 48 hours at controlled room temperature for Category 1 (formerly low-risk) CSPs.
Question 4: Which infection control measure is specifically designed to prevent transmission of organisms that travel on large droplets?
- Contact precautions
- Airborne precautions
- Droplet precautions (Correct answer)
- Standard precautions
Correct answer: Droplet precautions
Droplet precautions prevent transmission of pathogens spread via large respiratory droplets that travel short distances (typically <3 feet).
Question 5: A negative pressure isolation room is required for patients with which of the following conditions?
- MRSA wound infection
- Influenza
- Active pulmonary tuberculosis (Correct answer)
- Clostridium difficile colitis
Correct answer: Active pulmonary tuberculosis
Active pulmonary TB requires airborne precautions including a negative pressure room to prevent spread of small aerosolized particles.
Question 6: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when preparing hazardous drug injections in a biological safety cabinet?
- Surgical mask, single gloves, lab coat
- N95 respirator, double chemotherapy gloves, gown (Correct answer)
- Face shield, single gloves, apron
- Standard surgical mask, gown, single gloves
Correct answer: N95 respirator, double chemotherapy gloves, gown
Hazardous drug compounding requires double chemotherapy-rated gloves, a closed-front gown, and appropriate respiratory protection per NIOSH guidelines.
Question 7: The SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Section 8 provides information on:
- Physical and chemical properties
- First aid measures
- Exposure controls and personal protection (Correct answer)
- Accidental release measures
Correct answer: Exposure controls and personal protection
SDS Section 8 covers exposure controls and personal protective equipment requirements for safe handling of hazardous substances.
KAPS Safety and Infection Control 2
Which class of disinfectant is most appropriate for sterilizing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical equipment?