NDECC Infection Control and Sterilization 3

Question 1

What does OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard require dental employers to provide to employees at risk of occupational exposure?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B vaccination at no cost to the employee

Answer

Annual CPR training only

Answer

Mandatory HIV testing before employment

Answer

Personal protective equipment purchased by the employee

Question 2

Which type of glove is required when handling chemical disinfectants and sterilants in the dental reprocessing area?

Accepted Answer

Heavy-duty puncture-resistant utility gloves

Answer

Standard latex examination gloves

Answer

Nitrile examination gloves

Answer

Sterile surgical gloves

Question 3

The 'one-glove-change' rule in dental infection control refers to:

Accepted Answer

Removing gloves before touching unchained surfaces such as chart records or computer keyboards during treatment

Answer

Changing gloves after every 30 minutes of patient care

Answer

Using a single pair of gloves for the entire patient appointment

Answer

Changing gloves only after invasive procedures

Question 4

Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) can harbor biofilm that may contaminate treatment water. What is the recommended colony-forming unit (CFU) limit for water used in dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Less than 500 CFU/mL

Answer

Less than 200 CFU/mL

Answer

Less than 1,000 CFU/mL

Answer

Less than 100 CFU/mL

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'standard precautions' in dental infection control?

Accepted Answer

Treating all patient blood, body fluids, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Precautions used only for patients known to have infectious diseases

Answer

Using sterile gloves for all dental procedures

Answer

Restricting treatment to patients with confirmed communicable diseases

Question 6

Dry heat sterilization requires a longer cycle than steam autoclave sterilization primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Heat penetration without moisture is less efficient, requiring higher temperatures and longer times

Answer

Dry heat ovens are less reliable than autoclaves

Answer

Dry heat is only appropriate for low-risk instruments

Answer

Dry heat cannot kill bacterial spores

Question 7

After a failed biological indicator (spore test) result from the autoclave, the FIRST action the dental office should take is:

Accepted Answer

Remove the autoclave from service and recall all unimplanted items processed since the last passed spore test

Answer

Continue using the autoclave until a second failure is confirmed

Answer

Repeat the spore test immediately before taking any other action

Answer

Notify the state dental board within 24 hours