NDHCE Infection Control and Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the CDC and OSHA, which category of instruments requires sterilization before use on another patient?
- Non-critical instruments
- Semi-critical instruments
- Critical instruments (Correct answer)
- Utility instruments
Correct answer: Critical instruments
Critical instruments penetrate soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized (not just disinfected) between patient uses to eliminate all microorganisms including spores.
Question 2: What is the minimum internal temperature required for a steam autoclave to achieve sterilization at standard pressure?
- 100°C (212°F)
- 121°C (250°F) (Correct answer)
- 134°C (273°F)
- 160°C (320°F)
Correct answer: 121°C (250°F)
Standard steam autoclaves operate at 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for a minimum of 15–30 minutes to achieve sterilization.
Question 3: Which bloodborne pathogen poses the highest risk of transmission following a needlestick injury in a dental setting?
- HIV
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Hepatitis B (HBV) (Correct answer)
- Hepatitis A (HAV)
Correct answer: Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a transmission rate of 6–30% after a needlestick injury compared to approximately 1.8% for HCV and 0.3% for HIV.
Question 4: Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is required during aerosol-generating dental procedures?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and surgical mask only
- Gloves, mask, eye protection, and gown (Correct answer)
- Eye protection only
Correct answer: Gloves, mask, eye protection, and gown
Aerosol-generating procedures require full PPE including gloves, mask, eye protection (goggles/face shield), and a protective gown to prevent exposure to splatter and aerosols.
Question 5: What does the term 'biological indicator' refer to in sterilization monitoring?
- A chemical strip that changes color if temperature is reached
- A spore test that confirms sterilization has been achieved (Correct answer)
- A log book of sterilization cycles
- An indicator tape used to seal sterilization pouches
Correct answer: A spore test that confirms sterilization has been achieved
A biological indicator contains bacterial spores (typically Geobacillus stearothermophilus) and is the most reliable method to confirm that sterilization conditions have been met.
Question 6: How should a contaminated dental bur be disposed of after use on a patient?
- Placed in a regular trash bin
- Placed in a sharps container (puncture-resistant) (Correct answer)
- Rinsed under running water and discarded
- Returned to the manufacturer for recycling
Correct answer: Placed in a sharps container (puncture-resistant)
Contaminated sharps, including burs, must be disposed of in a puncture-resistant sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries and comply with OSHA regulations.
NDHCE Infection Control and Safety 1
According to the CDC and OSHA, which category of instruments requires sterilization before use on another patient?