PAM Safety & Infection Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The primary purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in a hydrotherapy area is to:
- Regulate water pressure to safe levels
- Prevent electrocution by detecting current leakage to ground (Correct answer)
- Ensure the whirlpool motor operates at correct amperage
- Reduce electromagnetic interference with nearby equipment
Correct answer: Prevent electrocution by detecting current leakage to ground
GFCI outlets monitor current flow and trip within milliseconds when leakage current is detected, preventing potentially fatal electrocution in wet environments.
Question 2: Which isolation precaution category is MOST appropriate for a patient with active pulmonary tuberculosis receiving chest physical therapy?
- Contact precautions only
- Droplet precautions
- Airborne precautions with N95 respirator (Correct answer)
- Standard precautions are sufficient
Correct answer: Airborne precautions with N95 respirator
Pulmonary TB is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei (≤5 µm); the treating therapist must use a fit-tested N95 respirator and treat the patient in a negative-pressure room.
Question 3: When using electrical stimulation near an implanted cardiac pacemaker, the GREATEST concern is:
- Increased battery drain of the stimulator unit
- Electromagnetic interference causing pacemaker malfunction (Correct answer)
- Burns at the electrode sites due to altered impedance
- Reduced efficacy of the stimulation parameters
Correct answer: Electromagnetic interference causing pacemaker malfunction
Electrical stimulation can produce electromagnetic interference that disrupts pacemaker sensing or pacing functions, creating a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia.
Question 4: A cold pack applied directly to intact skin for 20 minutes is MOST likely to cause which adverse effect?
- Frostbite due to freezing tissue temperature
- Delayed-onset erythema 24 hours later
- Superficial skin burns from chemical reaction
- Frost nip with temporary numbness and blanching (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Frost nip with temporary numbness and blanching
A standard cold pack does not reach temperatures low enough for true frostbite on intact skin within 20 minutes, but frost nip—characterized by numbness and blanching—is the most likely adverse event.
Question 5: Sharps used during treatment (e.g., acupuncture needles, lancets) must be disposed of in:
- A sealed biohazard bag placed in regular trash
- A puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container (Correct answer)
- The nearest trash receptacle immediately after use
- A labeled brown paper bag for biohazardous waste
Correct answer: A puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires immediate disposal of sharps into FDA-cleared, puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 6: In the context of PAM safety, which patient position creates the GREATEST fall risk when concluding a treatment?
- Prone on a treatment table with a bolster under the ankles
- Supine in a whirlpool tank with the turbine off
- Semi-recumbent after prolonged heat application causing vasodilation (Correct answer)
- Side-lying during traction with the head of table elevated
Correct answer: Semi-recumbent after prolonged heat application causing vasodilation
Prolonged heat causes peripheral vasodilation and orthostatic hypotension; patients may become lightheaded when rising, creating a significant fall risk.
Question 7: The recommended safe distance a therapist should maintain from an infrared lamp during treatment to avoid personal exposure is:
- At least 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) from the source (Correct answer)
- No minimum distance if the lamp is directed away from the therapist
- The same distance as set for the patient
- Behind a lead shield at all times
Correct answer: At least 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) from the source
Therapists should remain at least 45–60 cm from the infrared source during treatment to minimize cumulative radiant heat exposure to their own skin and eyes.
PAM Safety & Infection Control 3
The primary purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in a hydrotherapy area is to: