Chapter 9 Flashcards
Which of the following will require adhering to infection control protocol for a semicritical object?
D) Image receptor holder
Semicritical instruments contact oral mucosa without penetrating soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized following use.
Which of the following will benefit the most from using film packets with a protective barrier?
C) Daylight loaders
Using film packets with barriers is recommended due to the complexity of the infection protocol.
After aseptically removing the barriers, can film packets that were packaged inside barrier envelopes be processed with clean, dry hands?
C) Both parts of the statement are true.
Plastic barriers protect the film packet from contamination when placed intraorally.
A pathosis is a microorganism capable of causing disease.
FALSE
A pathogen is a microorganism capable of causing disease. Pathosis refers to the disease itself.
Using standard precautions, infection control protocols are carried out only if the patient is known to be infectious.
FALSE
Standard precautions assume everyone is infective and require the same protocols to be applied to all patients.
The lead apron should be sterilized after use.
FALSE
The lead apron is a noncritical object and should be disinfected after use.
Sterilization refers to total destruction of spores and disease-causing microorganisms.
TRUE
Sterilization is accomplished by autoclaving or dry heat processes.
The radiographer should use powdered, nonsterile gloves made of latex or vinyl when placing intraoral radiographs.
FALSE
Powdered gloves should be avoided as they can cause radiographic artifacts.
Sterilization is the use of a chemical or physical procedure to reduce the pathogens to an acceptable level on inanimate objects.
FALSE
Disinfection is the procedure to reduce pathogens; sterilization is total destruction of microorganisms.
Semicritical objects must be sterilized after use.
TRUE
Semicritical objects touch, but do not penetrate, soft tissue or bone.
Barrier materials should be placed over surfaces likely to be contaminated during radiographic procedures.
TRUE
Surfaces not covered must be cleaned and disinfected after procedures.
Noncritical objects are those that do not come into contact with mucous membranes.
TRUE
Examples include the lead apron, PID, and exposure button.
The radiographer should be able to aseptically open all film packets in a full mouth series in a timely manner to avoid excessive exposure to safelight.
TRUE
Prolonged exposure to light increases the risk of fogging the film.
Protective clothing, mask, and eyewear should be in place prior to putting on patient treatment gloves.
TRUE
Protective clothing, mask, and eyewear should be in place before handwashing.
Darkroom counter surfaces without barrier protection that have been touched by gloved hands must be cleaned.
FALSE
They must be disinfected.
The goal of infection control is the prevention and reduction of disease-causing microorganisms.
TRUE
The primary purpose is to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Occupational exposure refers to an infection a patient might be exposed to while undergoing oral health care treatment.
FALSE
Occupational exposure refers to a worker coming in contact with infectious materials.
Radiographers should be vaccinated against certain diseases.
TRUE
The CDC recommends vaccination for dental personnel working with blood.
Spatter is the suspension of microorganisms that may be capable of causing disease produced during normal breathing and speaking.
FALSE
Microbial aerosols are the suspension in air of microorganisms produced during these activities.
Universal precautions have replaced standard precautions.
FALSE
Standard precautions have replaced the universal precautions concept.
Taking a thorough medical history and performing an oral examination will not always identify potential infected patients.
TRUE
Some patients are reluctant to admit their infectious condition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not enforce infection control regulations.
TRUE
The CDC influences the development and recommendation of guidelines but does not enforce regulations.
The lead apron is considered part of personal protective equipment (PPE).
FALSE
PPE includes clothing, masks, eyewear, and gloves worn by dental personnel.
What is an antiseptic?
An agent used on living tissues to destroy bacteria or halt their growth.
How often should protective clothing be changed?
Daily, or more frequently if soiled or wet.
Why should the radiographer be able to aseptically open all film packets of a full mouth series in the darkroom in a timely manner?
Prolonged exposure to light increases the risk of film fog.
How should films secured in barrier envelopes be handled?
Once film packets have been removed from barrier envelopes, they may be handled with clean, dry hands or new treatment gloves.
What are infectious diseases?
Diseases that occur through transmission of microorganisms between patients and oral health care personnel.
How can the chain of infection be broken?
By immunization of a susceptible host, removal of pathogens, reducing numbers of pathogens, or blocking the portal of entry.
What is asepsis?
Absence of septic matter or freedom from infection.
What is the definition of ‘disinfect’?
The use of a chemical or physical procedure to reduce the numbers of disease-causing microorganisms on inanimate objects.
Are some patients likely to be reluctant to admit infectious conditions?
Yes.
List personal protective equipment (PPE) required during radiographic procedures.
Protective clothing, mask, eyewear, and gloves.
