NBDHE NBDHE Infection Control and Sterilization 2

Question 1

How frequently does the CDC recommend biological (spore) monitoring of dental sterilizers?

Accepted Answer

Weekly

Answer

After every sterilization cycle

Answer

Monthly

Answer

Annually or only when problems are suspected

Question 2

In what order should personal protective equipment (PPE) be DONNED in the dental setting?

Accepted Answer

Gown, mask, protective eyewear, gloves

Answer

Gloves, mask, protective eyewear, gown

Answer

Mask, gown, gloves, protective eyewear

Answer

Protective eyewear, gown, gloves, mask

Question 3

Which sterilization method is MOST appropriate for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive dental instruments?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization

Answer

Steam autoclave at 132°C

Answer

Dry heat oven at 160°C

Answer

Chemical vapor (chemiclave)

Question 4

What is the PURPOSE of an external chemical indicator (Type 1 process indicator) placed on a sterilization package?

Accepted Answer

Confirms that the package was exposed to the sterilization process

Answer

Verifies that all microorganisms have been killed

Answer

Measures the exact temperature reached inside the package

Answer

Indicates when the sterile package will expire

Question 5

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is MOST notable for which environmental characteristic?

Accepted Answer

It can remain viable on dry environmental surfaces for at least 7 days

Answer

It survives on dry surfaces for only 2-3 hours

Answer

It cannot survive outside a living host

Answer

It survives only in moist blood-soaked materials

Question 6

Which type of sterilization monitoring provides the HIGHEST level of assurance that sterilization was achieved?

Accepted Answer

Biological indicators using resistant bacterial spores

Answer

Mechanical indicators such as gauges and printouts

Answer

Chemical indicators (Types 1-6)

Answer

Visual inspection of packaging integrity

Question 7

According to OSHA, contaminated sharps must be disposed of in:

Accepted Answer

Puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers labeled with the biohazard symbol

Answer

Double-bagged red biohazard trash bags

Answer

Sealed rigid plastic containers filled with bleach solution

Answer

Standard medical waste bags with a sharps-only label