RP Safety and Infection Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with a known latex allergy arrives for a session. What is the primary safety consideration for the therapist?
- Wear latex gloves throughout the session for protection
- Ensure no latex products are present in the therapy environment (Correct answer)
- Advise the client to carry an EpiPen to sessions
- Document the allergy but proceed with standard protocols
Correct answer: Ensure no latex products are present in the therapy environment
Therapists must ensure the therapy environment is free of latex products to prevent an allergic reaction in a client with latex sensitivity.
Question 2: Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which of the following is considered a 'potentially infectious material'?
- Saliva without visible blood in non-dental settings
- Tears and sweat
- Cerebrospinal fluid (Correct answer)
- Intact skin contact with any body fluid
Correct answer: Cerebrospinal fluid
OSHA designates cerebrospinal fluid as a potentially infectious material under its Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Question 3: A therapist discovers that a client has an active, uncovered wound during a session. What is the most appropriate first step?
- Immediately terminate the session to avoid infection risk
- Offer a bandage or covering and continue session with standard precautions (Correct answer)
- Request a physician's clearance before future sessions
- Document in the chart and consult a medical professional after session
Correct answer: Offer a bandage or covering and continue session with standard precautions
Providing a covering for an open wound and maintaining standard precautions allows the session to continue safely.
Question 4: Which disinfection level is recommended for non-critical items that contact only intact skin in a therapy setting?
- Sterilization
- High-level disinfection
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- Low-level disinfection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Low-level disinfection
Low-level disinfection is sufficient for non-critical items that contact only intact skin, such as chairs and desks.
Question 5: A registered psychotherapist is required to complete a fire safety training. Which organization primarily governs workplace fire safety standards in the US?
- The Joint Commission
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- NFPA
- CDC
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA sets and enforces workplace fire safety standards, including training requirements for employees.
Question 6: When a client discloses they are currently experiencing domestic violence, what is a primary safety planning consideration?
- Immediately contact local law enforcement on the client's behalf
- Develop a personalized safety plan collaboratively with the client (Correct answer)
- Refer the client exclusively to a domestic violence shelter
- Document the disclosure and schedule a follow-up in two weeks
Correct answer: Develop a personalized safety plan collaboratively with the client
Collaborative safety planning empowers the client and addresses immediate and future safety needs in a trauma-informed manner.
Question 7: Which cleaning agent is most appropriate for routine disinfection of therapy office surfaces like doorknobs and countertops?
- Glutaraldehyde solution
- 70% isopropyl alcohol or EPA-registered disinfectant (Correct answer)
- Bleach diluted 1:10 only for blood spills
- Soap and water alone
Correct answer: 70% isopropyl alcohol or EPA-registered disinfectant
A 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or an EPA-registered disinfectant is appropriate for routine disinfection of office surfaces.
RP Safety and Infection Control 2
A client with a known latex allergy arrives for a session.
What is the primary safety consideration for the therapist?