CHAPTER 15:INFECTION CONTROL AND THE DENTAL RADIOGRAPHER

Question 1

The primary purpose of infection control procedures :

Answer 1

PREVENT the transmission of infectious diseases

Question 2

a microorganism capable of causing disease

Answer 2

pathogen

Question 3

In the dental environment, the general routes of disease transmission can be described as follows:

Answer 3

direct contact with pathogens

indirect contact with contaminated objects or instruments

direct contact with airborne contaminant

Question 4

For an infection to occur by one of these routes of transmission, the following three conditions must be present:

Answer 4

a susceptible host

a pathogen

a portal through which the pathogen enters

Question 5

A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria. This term is often used to describe handwashing or wound-cleansing procedures.

Answer 5

antiseptic

Question 6

The absence of pathogens, or disease-causing microorganisms. This term is often used to describe procedures that prevent infection (e.g., aseptic technique).

Answer 6

asepsis

Question 7

Pathogens present in blood that cause diseases in humans.

Answer 7

bloodborne pathogens

Question 8

the act of disinfecting

Answer 8

disinfection

Question 9

Use a chemical or physical procedure to inhibit or destroy pathogens. Highly resistant bacterial and mycotic (fungal) spores are not killed during disinfection procedures.

Answer 9

disinfect

Question 10

A specific incident that involves contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials and that results from procedures performed by the dental professional.

Answer 10

exposure incident

Question 11

Waste that consists of blood, blood products, contaminated sharps, or other microbiologic products.

Answer 11

infectious waste

Question 12

Contact with blood or other infectious materials that involve the skin, eye, or mucous membranes and that results from procedures performed by the dental professional.

Answer 12

occupational exposure

Question 13

exposure to blood or other infectious materials that results from piercing or puncturing the skin barrier (e.g., a needle-stick injury )

Answer 13

parenteral ecposure

Question 14

Includes protective attire, gloves, mask, and eyewear.

Answer 14

PPE

Question 15

Measures that include a standard of care designed to protect health care personnel and patients from pathogens that can be spread by blood or any other body fluid, excretion, or secretion.

Answer 15

standard precautions

Question 16

The use of a physical or chemical procedure to destroy all pathogens, including highly resistant bacteria and mycotic spores.

Answer 16

sterilize

Question 17

the act of sterilizing

Answer 17

sterilization

Question 18

In dental imaging, three different types of hand hygiene may be practiced.

Answer 18

routine hand wash (40-60 seconds)

antiseptic hand wash

antiseptic hand rub

Question 19

can be used to disinfect heat-sensitive semicritical dental instruments.

Answer 19

high level disinfectant

Question 20

EPA-registered chemical germicides labeled as both hospital disinfectants and tuberculocidals are classified as :

Answer 20

Intermediate level disinfectant

recommended for all surfaces that have been contaminated

Question 21

EPA-registered chemical germicides that are labeled ONLY as hospital disinfectants are classified as

Answer 21

low-level disinfectants

used for general housekeeping purposes

Question 22

Examples of surfaces that must be covered or disinfected include the following:

Answer 22

x-ray machine

dental chair

work area

lead apron

Question 23

The best way the dental radiographer can minimize contamination

Answer 23

touch as few surfaces as possible