Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Infection Control and Safety 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?

Accepted Answer

Place it directly into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps container.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Processing in an autoclave using steam under pressure.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage (pus) from the site.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Discard the entire package and obtain a new, intact one.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

When anticipating contact with any blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin.

Answer

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.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers