Infection Control & Sanitation Flashcards

Which type of infection control process eliminates ALL microbial life, including bacterial spores?

Answer: Sterilization

Sterilization is the only process that destroys all forms of microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) used as disinfectants are effective against which of the following?

Answer: Most bacteria, fungi, and some viruses

Quats are intermediate-level disinfectants effective against many bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, but not spores or all viruses.

After a blood exposure incident during a nail service, the technician should first:

Answer: Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water

The first response to any blood exposure is thorough washing with soap and water to reduce the pathogen load at the exposure site.

Which of the following correctly describes a 'one-time use' or 'single-use' item?

Answer: An item that must be discarded after use on one client

Single-use or disposable items such as nail files and buffers must be discarded after use on one client and cannot be decontaminated for reuse.

To prevent cross-contamination when removing product from a container, a nail technician should:

Answer: Use a clean spatula or decant into a separate dish

Using a clean spatula or decanting into a single-use dish prevents introducing contaminants back into the product container.

What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves during a nail service?

Answer: To protect the technician from chemical sensitization and pathogen exposure

Gloves create a barrier that protects the technician from both chemical exposure (sensitization) and potential bloodborne pathogens.

Contaminated implements that have been used on a client should first undergo which step before disinfection?

Answer: Thorough cleaning to remove debris and bioburden

Organic matter (skin, blood, product residue) must be physically removed first because it can shield microorganisms from the disinfectant.