Chapter 9

Question 2

Which of the following will require adhering to infection control protocol for a semicritical object?

Answer 2

D) Image receptor holder

Semicritical instruments contact oral mucosa without penetrating soft tissue or bone and must be sterilized following use.

Question 3

Which of the following will benefit the most from using film packets with a protective barrier?

Answer 3

C) Daylight loaders

Using film packets with barriers is recommended due to the complexity of the infection protocol.

Question 4

After aseptically removing the barriers, can film packets that were packaged inside barrier envelopes be processed with clean, dry hands?

Answer 4

C) Both parts of the statement are true.

Plastic barriers protect the film packet from contamination when placed intraorally.

Question 5

A pathosis is a microorganism capable of causing disease.

Answer 5

FALSE

A pathogen is a microorganism capable of causing disease. Pathosis refers to the disease itself.

Question 6

Using standard precautions, infection control protocols are carried out only if the patient is known to be infectious.

Answer 6

FALSE

Standard precautions assume everyone is infective and require the same protocols to be applied to all patients.

Question 7

The lead apron should be sterilized after use.

Answer 7

FALSE

The lead apron is a noncritical object and should be disinfected after use.

Question 8

Sterilization refers to total destruction of spores and disease-causing microorganisms.

Answer 8

TRUE

Sterilization is accomplished by autoclaving or dry heat processes.

Question 9

The radiographer should use powdered, nonsterile gloves made of latex or vinyl when placing intraoral radiographs.

Answer 9

FALSE

Powdered gloves should be avoided as they can cause radiographic artifacts.

Question 10

Sterilization is the use of a chemical or physical procedure to reduce the pathogens to an acceptable level on inanimate objects.

Answer 10

FALSE

Disinfection is the procedure to reduce pathogens; sterilization is total destruction of microorganisms.

Question 11

Semicritical objects must be sterilized after use.

Answer 11

TRUE

Semicritical objects touch, but do not penetrate, soft tissue or bone.

Question 12

Barrier materials should be placed over surfaces likely to be contaminated during radiographic procedures.

Answer 12

TRUE

Surfaces not covered must be cleaned and disinfected after procedures.

Question 13

Noncritical objects are those that do not come into contact with mucous membranes.

Answer 13

TRUE

Examples include the lead apron, PID, and exposure button.

Question 14

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.

Answer 14

TRUE

Prolonged exposure to light increases the risk of fogging the film.

Question 15

Protective clothing, mask, and eyewear should be in place prior to putting on patient treatment gloves.

Answer 15

TRUE

Protective clothing, mask, and eyewear should be in place before handwashing.

Question 16

Darkroom counter surfaces without barrier protection that have been touched by gloved hands must be cleaned.

Answer 16

FALSE

They must be disinfected.

Question 17

The goal of infection control is the prevention and reduction of disease-causing microorganisms.

Answer 17

TRUE

The primary purpose is to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Question 18

Occupational exposure refers to an infection a patient might be exposed to while undergoing oral health care treatment.

Answer 18

FALSE

Occupational exposure refers to a worker coming in contact with infectious materials.

Question 19

Radiographers should be vaccinated against certain diseases.

Answer 19

TRUE

The CDC recommends vaccination for dental personnel working with blood.

Question 20

Spatter is the suspension of microorganisms that may be capable of causing disease produced during normal breathing and speaking.

Answer 20

FALSE

Microbial aerosols are the suspension in air of microorganisms produced during these activities.

Question 21

Universal precautions have replaced standard precautions.

Answer 21

FALSE

Standard precautions have replaced the universal precautions concept.

Question 22

Taking a thorough medical history and performing an oral examination will not always identify potential infected patients.

Answer 22

TRUE

Some patients are reluctant to admit their infectious condition.

Question 23

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not enforce infection control regulations.

Answer 23

TRUE

The CDC influences the development and recommendation of guidelines but does not enforce regulations.

Question 24

The lead apron is considered part of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Answer 24

FALSE

PPE includes clothing, masks, eyewear, and gloves worn by dental personnel.

Question 25

What is an antiseptic?

Answer 25

An agent used on living tissues to destroy bacteria or halt their growth.

Question 26

How often should protective clothing be changed?

Answer 26

Daily, or more frequently if soiled or wet.

Question 27

Why should the radiographer be able to aseptically open all film packets of a full mouth series in the darkroom in a timely manner?

Answer 27

Prolonged exposure to light increases the risk of film fog.

Question 28

How should films secured in barrier envelopes be handled?

Answer 28

Once film packets have been removed from barrier envelopes, they may be handled with clean, dry hands or new treatment gloves.

Question 29

What are infectious diseases?

Answer 29

Diseases that occur through transmission of microorganisms between patients and oral health care personnel.

Question 30

How can the chain of infection be broken?

Answer 30

By immunization of a susceptible host, removal of pathogens, reducing numbers of pathogens, or blocking the portal of entry.

Question 31

What is asepsis?

Answer 31

Absence of septic matter or freedom from infection.

Question 32

What is the definition of 'disinfect'?

Answer 32

The use of a chemical or physical procedure to reduce the numbers of disease-causing microorganisms on inanimate objects.

Question 33

Are some patients likely to be reluctant to admit infectious conditions?

Answer 33

Yes.

Question 34

List personal protective equipment (PPE) required during radiographic procedures.

Answer 34

Protective clothing, mask, eyewear, and gloves.