Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An Orthopaedic Technologist is removing a K-wire from a patient's finger in the clinic. After the wire is removed, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action for disposing of the contaminated wire?
- Wipe it with an alcohol pad and place it on the instrument tray.
- Hand it back to the physician to examine.
- Place it directly into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps container. (Correct answer)
- Wrap it in gauze and place it in the regular trash can.
Correct answer: Place it directly into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps container.
Contaminated K-wires, needles, and scalpel blades are considered sharps and pose a risk for percutaneous injury. They must be disposed of immediately in a designated, puncture-resistant, appropriately labeled sharps container to prevent injury and transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Question 2: Which of the following methods is required to achieve surgical sterilization of instruments, such as pin cutters, that will be used in an invasive procedure?
- Soaking in a high-level disinfectant solution.
- Wiping thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Washing with antiseptic soap and hot water.
- Processing in an autoclave using steam under pressure. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Processing in an autoclave using steam under pressure.
Sterilization is the process of eliminating all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. An autoclave, which uses steam under high pressure and temperature, is the standard and most reliable method for sterilizing surgical instruments. High-level disinfection kills most microorganisms but not necessarily all bacterial spores, making it insufficient for invasive surgical instruments.
Question 3: An Orthopaedic Technologist is checking a patient's external fixator. Which of the following signs at a pin site is the MOST definitive indicator of a localized infection requiring medical attention?
- Purulent drainage (pus) from the site. (Correct answer)
- Minor redness immediately around the pin entry point.
- Clear, serous drainage upon cleaning.
- Tenting of the skin up the pin.
Correct answer: Purulent drainage (pus) from the site.
While some redness, tenderness, and clear drainage can be part of the normal inflammatory response, the presence of purulent drainage (pus) is a classic and definitive sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical evaluation and likely treatment with antibiotics.
Question 4: While setting up a sterile field for a joint aspiration, the technologist notices a small tear in the outer wrapper of a sterile gauze package. What is the correct course of action?
- Use the gauze since the inner contents are likely still sterile.
- Discard the entire package and obtain a new, intact one. (Correct answer)
- Cover the tear with a sterile gloved finger and then open the package.
- Open the package carefully, avoiding the torn area.
Correct answer: Discard the entire package and obtain a new, intact one.
The integrity of the packaging is essential for maintaining sterility. Any tear, puncture, or water damage compromises the sterile barrier, and the item must be considered contaminated. The only safe action is to discard the compromised package and obtain a new one.
Question 5: According to the principles of Standard Precautions, when should an Orthopaedic Technologist wear gloves?
- Only when visible blood is present on the patient.
- Only during invasive procedures like suture removal.
- When interacting with any patient, regardless of the task.
- When anticipating contact with any blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: When anticipating contact with any blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin.
Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes from all patients are potentially infectious. Therefore, gloves must be worn whenever there is a potential for contact with these substances, not just when contamination is visible.
Question 6: Which of the following describes the safest technique for an Orthopaedic Technologist to use when removing a cast with an oscillating cast saw?
- Advancing the blade along a continuous line as if cutting with a knife.
- Using a firm, in-and-out or "plunging" motion through the cast material. (Correct answer)
- Applying steady, continuous pressure in one spot to cut through quickly.
- Ensuring the blade is slightly dull to prevent skin injury.
Correct answer: Using a firm, in-and-out or "plunging" motion through the cast material.
A cast saw blade oscillates (vibrates back and forth) rather than spins. The correct and safest technique is to use a firm, plunging motion, pushing the blade through the cast material and then lifting it out before moving to the next adjacent spot. This method prevents the blade from dragging along the skin, which can cause friction burns or lacerations.
Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers
An Orthopaedic Technologist is removing a K-wire from a patient's finger in the clinic.
After the wire is removed, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action for disposing of the contaminated wire?