Infection Control and Safety Flashcards
6 cards from real Nail Technician practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Infection Control and Safety flashcards as text
During a manicure, a client accidentally gets a small cut on their finger and it starts to bleed. What is the IMMEDIATE first step the nail technician should take?
Answer: Stop the service and put on gloves.
The immediate priority in a blood exposure incident is to stop the service and put on gloves to prevent potential transmission of bloodborne pathogens and protect both the client and the technician. After gloving, the technician can then properly clean the wound, apply antiseptic, and cover it before disinfecting any contaminated surfaces or implements.
Which of the following items used in a nail service is considered single-use and must be discarded after one client?
Answer: Wooden orangewood stick
Wooden orangewood sticks are porous and cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected. Therefore, they are considered single-use items and must be discarded after use on a single client to prevent cross-contamination. Metal pushers, glass files, and electric file bits are non-porous and can be cleaned and disinfected for reuse.
The process of completely destroying all microbial life, including spores, on non-porous surfaces is known as:
Answer: Sterilization
Sterilization is the highest level of infection control and is the only process that kills all microbial life, including bacterial spores. Disinfection kills most bacteria, viruses, and fungi but not spores. Sanitation simply reduces the number of pathogens to a safe level. Cleaning is the physical removal of debris.
A nail technician is preparing to disinfect their metal implements. What is the correct procedure to follow BEFORE immersing the tools in an EPA-registered disinfectant?
Answer: Clean them thoroughly with soap and water.
All implements must be thoroughly cleaned of all visible debris and residue with soap and water before being placed in a disinfectant solution. Disinfectants are less effective if the surface is dirty, as debris can shield microorganisms from the chemical.
Which government agency regulates safety and health standards in the workplace, including requirements for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemical products used in nail salons?
Answer: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards, including the Hazard Communication Standard which requires chemical manufacturers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
A client arrives for a pedicure with a visible fungal infection on their toenails. What is the most professional and responsible course of action for the nail technician?
Answer: Politely refuse the service and recommend the client see a physician.
It is outside the scope of practice for a nail technician to diagnose or treat infections. Servicing a client with a visible infection risks spreading it to other clients or to the technician. The correct action is to refuse the service and advise the client to seek medical attention.