Infection Control

Question 1

What is done to prep inst for sterilization?

Answer 1

Clean
Dry
Open hinged instrument
Wrap appropriately for type of sterilization used

Question 2

What is a universal precaution?

Answer 2

Treat all patient as if the are potential carriers of disease

Question 3

Any treatment room area not barrier protected must be disinfected w/in no less than:

Answer 3

Intermediate level disinfection

Question 4

What treatment inst should always be sterilized before & after use?

Answer 4

All inst are the be sterilized
Unless made for one time use or damaged by sterilization
(High level disinfection)

Question 5

What is a sharps container?

Answer 5

A puncture & leak resistant disposal container for used: 
Needles 
Scalpel blades 
Wires
Byrd 
Broken/ blood contaminated cartridge 
(SHARP ITEMS)

Question 6

When using gloves, when are hands washed?

Answer 6

Before placement

After removal

Question 7

What are the only allowed methods of recapping a needle?

Answer 7

By use of one hand “scoop”

Or needle guard shield device

Question 8

What are 2 other methods of sterilization though not as common?

Answer 8

Ethylene oxide (gas) 
Glutaraldehyde (cold sterile)

Question 9

List all the temp & time for the 3 most common methods of sterilization:

Answer 9

Autoclave: 
250 degrees 20 min 15lbs press 
Dry heat: 
320 degrees 2 hrs 340 degrees 1 he 
Chem vapor: 
270 degrees 20 min 20-40lbs press

Question 10

What must be done prior to sterilization or disinfection of any surface instrument?

Answer 10

All surf isnt must be clean before sterilization or disinfection

Question 11

What is the first line of defense in the prevention of HBV?

Answer 11

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Question 12

What are the chief drawbacks of using glutaraldehyde for sterilization?

Answer 12

Must be monitored daily for effectiveness

Needs 7-10 hrs exposure as sterilants are toxic & irritate skin

Question 13

What items should always be worn for dental procedures?

Answer 13

Mask
Safety glasses 
Gloves 
Lab coat 
(PPE)

Question 14

List those things which can be done to reduce the level of mercury in the office:

Answer 14

Do not use a squeeze cloth
Wear a mask/ glasses during amalg removal
Store scrap amalg in sealed jar w/ fixer
Keep all materials on an edge tray
Don’t have carpet in operatories
Monitor staff & office for Mercury levels

Question 15

List several ways personnel can become contaminated with mercury in the dental office:

Answer 15

Handling amalg during removal
Amalg residue can enter through nasal passages, eyes, and mouth
Improper storage of mercury & amalg scraps increase room vapor level

Question 16

What is the most common Mercury problem in the dental office?

Answer 16

Chronic exposure

Long term

Question 17

What is the threshold value?

Answer 17

Standards for Mercury levels set by the federal occupational safety & health admin

Question 18

What are the common office concerns regarding HSV-1?

Answer 18

Not all disinfectants destroy the virus
It may be format to the body
It may enter body through any skin breakage
Blister stage is most contagious

Question 19

What is the preferred method of cleaning instruments & why?

Answer 19

Ultrasonic cleaner

Provides high frequency sound waves for cleaning action of hard to remove debri