MLS Emergency Procedures & Response 3

Question 1

A mercury thermometer breaks inside a refrigerator storing patient specimens. What is the correct first step in mercury spill response?

Accepted Answer

Ventilate the area, don appropriate PPE, and use a mercury spill kit

Answer

Mercury vapor is toxic; proper PPE and a mercury-specific spill kit prevent inhalation exposure and environmental contamination.

Question 2

An MLS working alone notices smoke coming from an electrical outlet near the analyzer. Using the RACE acronym, what is the correct order of actions?

Accepted Answer

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish

Answer

RACE stands for Rescue (people in immediate danger), Alarm (pull fire alarm), Contain (close doors), Extinguish (if safe to do so).

Question 3

During a chemical emergency, MSDS/SDS documentation is critical. Where must SDS sheets be immediately accessible to laboratory workers?

Accepted Answer

In the work area where chemicals are used or stored

Answer

OSHA requires SDS to be readily accessible to employees in their work area during each work shift.

Question 4

A laboratory technician develops respiratory distress after exposure to formaldehyde fumes. What is the most immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Move the person to fresh air and assess airway, breathing, and circulation

Answer

Removing the person from the exposure source and assessing ABCs is the immediate priority before any further treatment.

Question 5

In a mass casualty event affecting the hospital, the laboratory receives a surge of STAT orders. What process helps the lab prioritize testing during a disaster?

Accepted Answer

Implementation of a crisis standards of care plan with tiered testing protocols

Answer

Crisis standards of care plans establish tiered testing priorities (life-saving vs. non-urgent) to allocate limited laboratory resources effectively during mass casualty events.

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

MLS Emergency Procedures & Response 3