Environmental Asepsis

Front

Synthetic phenol compounds are

Back

intermediate-level disinfectants.

Answer explanation

Synthetic phenol compounds are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered intermediate-level disinfectants. Disinfectants are divided into categories based on their ability to kill microorganisms. The categories include high-level disinfection, intermediate-level disinfection, and low-level disinfection.

Front

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), how long should the air-water syringe be flushed after each patient treatment?

Back

20 to 30 seconds

Answer explanation

According to the CDC, the air-water syringe must be flushed after each patient treatment for 20 to 30 seconds. Flushing the lines between patients helps reduce the amount of harmful bacteria that may have built up in the water.

Front

Which of the following is NOT an accurate description of sodium hypochlorite? Sodium hypochlorite has a strong odor. Sodium hypochlorite is irritating to the eyes. Sodium hypochlorite may damage chair covers.

Back

Sodium hypochlorite needs weekly preparation.

Answer explanation

Sodium hypochlorite needs to be prepared daily, not weekly. Because sodium hypochlorite is not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is not recommended for use as a surface disinfectant in dentistry settings. However, some EPA-registered disinfectants may contain sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite may be used as an irrigant solution during endodontic procedures.

Front

Which of the following surfaces would NOT typically be protected with a surface barrier? The chair headrest, The air-water syringe, The high-speed handpiece, The evacuation controls

Back

The high-speed handpiece

Answer explanation

High-speed handpieces are heat tolerant and require sterilization after patient care. Therefore, the high-speed handpiece would not typically be protected with a surface barrier.

Front

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable barrier for infection control purposes?
Aluminum foil,
Plastic-backed paper,
Plastic wrap,
Paper towel

Back

Paper towel

Answer explanation

Paper towels permit fluids to pass through them, so they are not acceptable barriers for the purpose of infection control. Contaminated fluids could pass through the paper towel.

Front

What is the correct sequence for processing a rag wheel following each use?

Back

Wash, rinse, disinfect, bag

Answer explanation

After use on a patient, the rag wheel is a source of cross-contamination and should be sterilized. The proper sequence is to wash, rinse, bag, and sterilize. Sterilization may take place through steam sterilization or an autoclave. Some dental offices may use single-use, disposable buffing wheels instead of reusable rag wheels.

Front

Which of the following is the process of destroying all microorganisms, including spore-bearing organisms? Terminal disinfection, Medical asepsis, Antisepsis, Terminal sterilization

Back

Terminal sterilization

Answer explanation

Terminal sterilization is the complete elimination or destruction of all living microorganisms in an environment. The goal of terminal sterilization is to reduce the risk of infection or transmission of pathogenic microorganisms.

Front

Which of the following is NOT recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an environmental surface disinfectant? Isopropyl alcohol, Quaternaries, Iodophors, Synthetic phenols

Back

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer explanation

Alcohol is not an effective disinfectant when bioburden is present, and alcohol has a high evaporation rate. Therefore, isopropyl alcohol is not recommended by the CDC as an environmental surface disinfectant.

Front

If a touch surface is not covered with a barrier during a dental procedure, the surface should be

Back

both cleaned and disinfected.

Answer explanation

A touch surface is directly touched and contaminated during dental appointments. Touch surfaces that are not covered with a barrier must be both cleaned and disinfected between patients.

Front

Which of the following surfaces has a limited risk for disease transmission? Clinical surfaces, Touch surfaces, Housekeeping surfaces, Transfer surfaces

Back

Housekeeping surfaces

Answer explanation

Housekeeping surfaces have a limited risk for disease transmission because these surfaces do not come in contact with the patient or instruments used during the dental procedure.