NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Canadian dental standards, what is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator (spore test) in a sterilizer?
- To verify that the sterilizer is reaching the correct temperature.
- To confirm that the sterilization process is effectively killing highly resistant microorganisms. (Correct answer)
- To monitor the mechanical functions of the sterilizer, such as time and pressure.
- To provide a visual confirmation that a package has been processed.
Correct answer: To confirm that the sterilization process is effectively killing highly resistant microorganisms.
Biological indicators (BIs), which contain highly resistant bacterial spores, are the most accepted method for monitoring the effectiveness of the sterilization process. A negative result from a BI confirms that the sterilizer is capable of killing microbial life, which is the ultimate goal of sterilization.
Question 2: A dental assistant is reprocessing instruments after a procedure. Which of the following is the correct first step in the instrument reprocessing cycle?
- Placing the instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Wrapping the instruments in sterilization pouches.
- Performing a biological indicator test on the load.
- Careful cleaning of the instruments to remove bioburden. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Careful cleaning of the instruments to remove bioburden.
Thorough cleaning of instruments to remove all visible debris and bioburden must be completed before any disinfection or sterilization process. If debris is present, it can shield microorganisms from the sterilant, compromising the effectiveness of the entire process.
Question 3: During a restorative procedure involving a high-speed handpiece, a patient coughs, creating aerosols. According to Routine Practices in Canada, what minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should the dental assistant be wearing?
- Gloves and a clinical gown.
- A procedure mask and safety glasses.
- Gloves, a procedure mask, and a clinical gown.
- Gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, a procedure mask with a visor or safety glasses. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, a procedure mask with a visor or safety glasses.
Procedures that generate aerosols require the use of full PPE to protect the dental healthcare provider. This includes gloves to prevent contact with infectious materials, a fluid-resistant gown to protect clothing and skin, and a mask and eye protection (visor or glasses) to shield the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from splatter and aerosols.
Question 4: Which of the following items is classified as semi-critical in a dental setting and requires, at minimum, high-level disinfection, but preferably heat sterilization?
- A surgical scalpel.
- The dental light handle.
- A reusable impression tray. (Correct answer)
- A blood pressure cuff.
Correct answer: A reusable impression tray.
Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue. A reusable impression tray fits this description. Surgical scalpels are critical items, the light handle is a non-critical surface (often protected by a barrier), and a blood pressure cuff is a non-critical item that contacts intact skin.
Question 5: The concept of 'Routine Practices' in Canadian infection control is based on which fundamental principle?
- Only patients with a known infectious disease require special precautions.
- All patients are considered potentially infectious, regardless of their medical history. (Correct answer)
- Airborne precautions are necessary for all dental procedures.
- Handwashing is only required after removing gloves.
Correct answer: All patients are considered potentially infectious, regardless of their medical history.
Routine Practices (equivalent to Standard Precautions) are based on the principle that all patients are potentially infectious, as it is not always possible to know a patient's infection status. This approach ensures that a consistent level of infection control is applied to all patients at all times, minimizing the risk of transmission.
Question 6: A dental office's steam autoclave fails a weekly biological indicator test. What is the immediate and most appropriate next step?
- Continue using the sterilizer but increase the cycle time.
- Record the failure in the logbook and re-test on the following day.
- Remove the sterilizer from service and review all sterilization procedures. (Correct answer)
- Send the biological indicator to the manufacturer for analysis.
Correct answer: Remove the sterilizer from service and review all sterilization procedures.
A failed biological indicator test indicates a potential sterilization failure. The sterilizer must be immediately removed from service to prevent the use of non-sterile instruments on patients. An investigation into the cause, including reviewing procedures and equipment function, is required before the sterilizer can be put back into use after passing subsequent tests.
NDAEB Infection Prevention and Control Questions and Answers 1
According to Canadian dental standards, what is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator (spore test) in a sterilizer?