Deck 6: Basic Safety and Infection Control

Question 1

Respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis are often transmitted by ____.

A) bloodborne transmission
B) foodborne transmission
C) airborne transmission
D) vector-borne transmission
E) fomite transmission

Answer 1

airborne transmission

Question 2

Which item on the diagram of the cycle of infection is the method by which a pathogen spreads to another host?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which item on the diagram of the cycle of infection is the means of exit for the pathogen to leave the reservoir?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Answer 3

B

Question 4

A reservoir host who is unaware of the presence of the pathogen and so spreads the disease is a ____.

A) vector
B) carrier
C) fomite
D) pathogen
E) susceptible host

Question 5

The condition in which pathogens are absent or controlled is ____.

A) immunity
B) normal flora
C) a subclinical case
D) endogenous infection
E) asepsis

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of direct transmission of a pathogen?

A) Vectors
B) Contact with the blood of an infected person
C) Contact with fomites
D) Contaminated food or drink
E) Contact with a contaminated surface

Question 7

Which item on the diagram of the cycle of infection is the reservoir host?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Question 8

Which item on the diagram of the cycle of infection is the method by which a pathogen can enter a new host?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E

Question 9

The cycle of infection begins with the establishment of the pathogen in the ____.

A) means of entrance
B) reservoir host
C) susceptible host
D) means of transmission
E) means of exit

Question 10

Which of the following is spread by airborne transmission?

A) Syphilis
B) Escherichia coli bacteria
C) Influenza
D) Rubella
E) Malaria

Question 11

The type of infection that is caused when a healthcare worker transfers staph bacteria from his hands to a surgical site is a(n) ____.

A) endogenous infection
B) opportunistic infection
C) healthcare-associated infection
D) exogenous infection
E) susceptible host

Question 12

A living organism that carries microorganisms from an infected person to another person is called a(n) ____.

A) fomite
B) vector
C) antigen
D) microphage
E) macrophage

Question 13

Factors related to the host's susceptibility to infection are ____.

A) age and nutritional status
B) the number and concentration of pathogens
C) living conditions of the host
D) exposure to hazardous substances
E) the virulence of the pathogen

Question 14

Unpasteurized milk from an infected cow is an example of a(n) ____ factor in the transmission of disease.

A) susceptibility
B) immunity
C) endogenous
D) reservoir
E) environmental

Question 15

An infection that is caused by a microorganism that is normally beneficial or harmless to humans is a(n) ____.

A) endogenous infection
B) opportunistic infection
C) healthcare-associated infection
D) exogenous infection
E) susceptible host

Question 16

Which of the following factors of host susceptibility are related to the pathogen?

A) Point of entry
B) Genetics
C) Stress
D) General health
E) Hygiene habits

Question 17

An individual into whom a pathogen has been transmitted and who has little or no immunity to infection by that organism is a ____.

A) reservoir host
B) carrier
C) susceptible host
D) vector
E) fomite

Question 18

The body's ability to resist pathogens and disease is called ____.

A) immunity
B) fomite
C) ergonomics
D) infectiousness
E) exogenous infection

Question 19

An infection that is congenital is ____.

A) ingested
B) present at the time of birth
C) inhaled
D) transmitted by touch
E) vector-borne

Question 20

A medical assistant can help break the cycle of infection in the office by ____.

A) eating a well-balanced diet
B) posting a sign that no patients with colds are allowed
C) maintaining strict housekeeping standards
D) administering antibiotics to all patients
E) placing a sharps container in the reception area

Question 21

An employer is required to offer a medical worker the HBV vaccination within ____ days of starting employment.

A) 5
B) 10
C) 30
D) 60
E) 90

Question 22

When a person develops food poisoning after eating at a restaurant salad bar, the most likely form of transmission is ____.

A) bloodborne
B) animal-borne
C) foodborne
D) vector-borne
E) airborne

Question 23

Max came home with an itchy red rash. When his mother took him to the pediatrician, she determined that Max had chickenpox. The pediatrician asked if other children at his daycare also have chickenpox, because this is a(n) ____.

A) endogenous infection
B) reportable infection
C) incurable infection
D) exogenous infection
E) healthcare-associated infection

Question 24

Procedures that pose a high risk for possible transmission of an infection from a healthcare worker to a patient include ____.

A) orthopedic procedures
B) oral, obstetric, or gynecologic procedures
C) checking a patient's vital signs
D) measuring the patient's height and weight
E) physical therapy procedures

Question 25

Aseptic precautions include ____.

A) not using tissues when coughing
B) wearing gloves and a mask when working with a patient if you have a cold
C) taking a fever medication before going to work if you have a fever
D) leaning against the sink when washing your hands
E) using nail polish to protect your fingernails

Question 26

Which of the following is the appropriate way to handle potentially infectious laundry waste?

A) Wash potentially infectious laundry with all other laundry from the office
B) Wash potentially infectious laundry separately from other laundry
C) Place potentially infectious laundry in a red laundry bag marked with a biohazard symbol
D) Take potentially infectious office laundry home to wash
E) Place potentially infectious laundry in biohazardous waste containers to be disposed of

Question 27

All biohazardous waste containers must have a(n) ____ label.

A) green
B) yellow
C) orange-red
D) blue
E) purple

Question 28

According to OSHA, Category I tasks

A) do not involve risk of exposure.
B) involve tasks such as taking a patient's blood pressure.
C) do not require any special precautions.
D) involve tasks such as giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
E) expose a worker to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Question 29

According to OSHA, Category III tasks

A) do not require any precautions other than hand hygiene.
B) involve tasks such as assisting with minor surgical procedures.
C) do not involve risk of exposure.
D) involve tasks such as giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
E) expose a worker to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Question 30

The most important aseptic procedure for a medical assistant is ____.

A) proper hand hygiene
B) stocking the office with housekeeping equipment
C) dusting the furniture in the waiting room
D) periodically vacuuming and sweeping the floors
E) providing tissues to patients with colds

Question 31

Principles of ____ must be applied to break the cycle of infection.

A) work practice
B) sterility
C) sepsis
D) asepsis
E) disinfection

Question 32

Which guideline is vital when handling hazardous waste?

A) Push intact contaminated needles into the biohazardous waste container for sharps
B) Break off or recap needles after use
C) Open, empty, and clean reusable sharps containers by hand
D) Place a biohazardous container in a secondary container when there is a danger of puncturing the primary container
E) Keep biohazardous waste containers open at all times

Question 33

A physical aspect of the medical office that contributes to asepsis is ____.

A) a dimly lit office with a temperature of 82 $\degree$ F
B) a sign that eating and drinking are permitted in the waiting room only
C) designating a portion of the waiting room for sick patients
D) allowing the trash cans to become full before emptying
E) providing pens for patients to sign in so they don't use their own

Question 34

Red bags or bags that have a biohazardous waste label are used for ____.

A) chemicals used in the medical office
B) used lancets and needles
C) broken glassware
D) dressings contaminated with blood or body fluids
E) shredded medical documents

Question 35

When an exposure incident occurs, the employee ____.

A) should go to a physician and pay for a medical evaluation
B) should be tested for HBV and receive the vaccination if necessary
C) should avoid telling the employer about her carelessness
D) has no right to refuse medical evaluation and treatment
E) should request a transfer to a less hazardous facility

Question 36

The goal of surgical asepsis is to ____.

A) reduce the number of microorganisms in the office
B) clean all surfaces daily to promote cleanliness
C) educate patients about their role in healthcare
D) prevent microorganisms from spreading through the office
E) keep organisms from entering the body

Question 37

The appropriate way to handle and dispose of contaminated sharps is to ____.

A) place used sharps in a rigid, leakproof, puncture-resistant biohazardous waste container
B) recap used sharps
C) keep disposable and reusable sharps in the same container
D) wash off sharps with soap and water
E) bend used sharps so that they cannot be reused

Question 38

Aseptic hand washing includes ____.

A) turning the faucets on and off with wet hands
B) adjusting the temperature of the water to cool
C) using bar soap
D) keeping your hands lower than your forearms
E) turning the water off before drying your hands

Question 39

Standard Precautions apply to ____.

A) intact skin
B) sweat
C) human hair
D) fingernails and toenails
E) blood

Question 40

The appropriate gloves to use when cleaning up a spill in the work environment are ____.

A) single-use disposable gloves
B) examination gloves
C) sterile gloves
D) utility gloves
E) breathable cotton gloves

Question 41

Which of the following is a specific NIOSH recommendation for reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries?

A) When lifting an object, hold it as far away from your body as possible
B) When transferring a patient, always bend at the hips to lift the patient
C) Adjust your seat to the correct position to prevent back strain
D) Use a sturdy desk or chair to reach objects on high shelves
E) When using a computer, type as fast as possible to prevent hand cramping

Question 42

An OSHA violation that was committed intentionally and resulted in a patient's death carries which of the following penalties?

A) Discretionary fine of up to $7,000
B) Fine of up to $70,000 and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment
C) Mandatory fine of up to $7,000
D) Fine of $3,300 for each day the violation was committed
E) Fine of up to $33,000

Question 43

The number of fire extinguishers required in the medical office depends on ____.

A) the office's size and number of rooms
B) the number of patients seen each day
C) the distance to the nearest fire hydrant
D) how many fires have been documented in the facility
E) whether the office has its own laboratory

Question 44

A non-serious OSHA violation results in a ____.

A) discretionary fine of up to $7,000
B) fine of up to $70,000 and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment
C) mandatory fine of up to $7,000
D) fine of $7,700 for each day the violation continues past the date it was supposed to stop
E) fine of up to $33,000

Question 45

Which of the following is not a general precaution for chemical safety when you work in a laboratory?

A) Wear protective gear to prevent damage to your skin or clothing
B) Store caustic chemicals below eye level
C) Hold chemicals directly under your nose when smelling them
D) Carry chemical containers with both hands
E) Work inside a fume hood if the chemical vapor is hazardous

Question 46

How many people should be designated responsible for reporting a fire and overseeing the office's emergency response?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question 47

When Heather arrives at the lab to begin her shift, she notices a puddle of a yellowish liquid on the floor near the door. There are no overturned bottles or other indication of what the liquid might be. What should Heather do?

A) Pour a bleach solution over it to kill any pathogens it may contain
B) Use paper towels to mop up the liquid before someone slips and falls
C) Call housekeeping to come and mop up the puddle
D) Sprinkle baking soda on the liquid to absorb it
E) Clean it up following strict hazardous waste control procedures

Question 48

When a hazard occurs that is not addressed specifically by an OSHA standard, ____.

A) OSHA quickly writes a new standard to protect employee safety.
B) the employer must use the guidelines from the most applicable existing standard.
C) the employees are not protected from this hazard.
D) the employer has a duty to inform OSHA so that a standard can be created.
E) the general duty clause takes effect.

Question 49

Which of the following constitutes a fire hazard in the medical office?

A) Prohibiting smoking in the facility
B) Keeping flammable liquids away from heat sources
C) Reporting inoperative smoke detectors to the building manager
D) Using an open flame in the laboratory
E) Making sure all flammable items are stored properly

Question 50

Which of the following is not required by the OSHA Hazard Communication?

A) Containers used to store items possibly contaminated with bloodborne pathogens must be clearly marked with a biohazard symbol
B) Employees must receive training about workplace hazards
C) Containers used to store nonhazardous waste must be clearly marked
D) Employees must have access to information about workplace hazards
E) Employees must be instructed in measures they can take to protect themselves against harm from hazardous substances

Question 51

Which of the following is a special safety precaution that relates specifically to patients with physical disabilities?

A) Store toxic items in high cabinets
B) Sanitize toys daily
C) Never leave the patient alone in an exam room
D) Check for small pieces that might be a choking hazard
E) Check toys periodically for sharp edges

Question 52

The federal administration that was created in 1970 to help protect employee safety in the workplace is ____.

A) OSHA.
B) CDC.
C) AMA.
D) CLIA.
E) MSDS.

Question 53

The penalty for an OSHA violation when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and when the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard, is____.

A) a possibility of a $3,300 fine
B) a mandatory fine of up to $7,000
C) immediate dismissal of the employee who caused the violation
D) a fine of $33,000.00
E) up to 6 months' imprisonment

Question 54

Which of the following is the appropriate OSHA precaution for administering medicated nose drops to a patient?

A) Wear disposable sterile gloves
B) Wear gloves and a mask
C) Wear protective eyewear and gloves
D) Wear a disposable gown and protective eyewear
E) Wash hands before and after the procedure

Question 55

Which of the following is not a recommended safeguard against electrical hazards?

A) Avoid using extension cords
B) Use equipment with frayed wires only when necessary
C) Dry your hands before working with electrical devices
D) Do not position electrical devices near sinks, faucets, or other sources of water
E) Tape extension cords to the floor to avoid tripping

Question 56

The penalty for failure to correct a prior OSHA violation is a ____.

A) discretionary fine of up to $7,000
B) fine of up to $70,000 and/or up to 6 months' imprisonment
C) mandatory fine of up to $7,000
D) fine of $7,700 for each day the violation continues past the date it was supposed to stop
E) fine of up to $33,000

Question 57

Tyler is returning from his lunch break. As he passes through the reception area, he notices a small, bright pink pill lying on the floor near the counter. There are several people in the reception/waiting area, including a few small children. What should Tyler do?

A) Pick it up and ask if anyone in the room has lost a pill
B) Dispose of the medication properly, out of the reach of small children
C) Ask the receptionist to call housekeeping to vacuum the floor
D) Pick it up and put it in his pocket for possible later use
E) Lecture the waiting patients on carelessness with medications

Question 58

Which of the following topics is not a required part of a medical office safety plan?

A) Fire safety
B) Personal protective equipment
C) Homeland security
D) Chemical safety
E) Needlestick prevention

Question 59

Which of the following is not part of the respiratory hygiene recommendations established by the CDC?

A) Controlling the source of transmission
B) Using proper hand hygiene
C) Separating patients with respiratory infections from other patients in waiting areas
D) Putting masks on all patients who show signs of respiratory disease
E) Posting cough etiquette signs

Question 60

Carla was putting away a shipment of laboratory chemicals when she noticed that a bottle of formaldehyde was leaking. The liquid ran down her arm while she was taking the bottle to the laboratory sink. Almost immediately, her arm became red and irritated. She asks you what she should do. If you are not familiar with the emergency first aid steps for a formaldehyde exposure, what is the first thing you should do?

A) Use a lab towel to wipe her arm dry
B) Consult the MSDS to find appropriate first aid measures for formaldehyde
C) Tell Carla to take the rest of the day off and rest her arm
D) Send Carla to the Emergency Room at the nearest hospital
E) Pour alcohol over her arm to relieve the irritation

Question 61

An infection acquired by a patient in a healthcare facility is known as a(n) ________ infection.

Question 62

A reservoir host who is unaware of the presence of the pathogen, exhibits no symptoms of the infection, and spreads the disease is called a(n) ________.

Question 63

Which of the following diseases does not have to be reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System of the CDC?

A) Diphtheria
B) Chronic hepatitis B
C) Tetanus
D) Rabies
E) Shingles

Question 64

Following ________ means assuming that all blood and body fluids are infected with bloodborne pathogens.

Question 65

In medical settings, where many people are hosts to pathogens and many others are susceptible, ________ can break the cycle by preventing the transmission of pathogens.

Question 66

Hospitals now use ________, which are a combination of Universal Precautions and Body Substance Isolation (BSI) guidelines.

Question 67

A(n) ________ case is a manifestation of an infection that is so slight that it is unnoticeable.

Question 68

Laws set forth in the OSHA ________ Pathogens Standard of 1991 dictate how you must handle infectious or potentially infectious waste generated during medical or surgical procedures.

Question 69

________ are used in healthcare facilities for the care of all patients and are an important measure for preventing the transmission of disease in the healthcare setting.

Question 70

Many pathogens require a(n) ________ to provide nutrition and a place to multiply. This can be an animal, insect, or human whose body is capable of sustaining the growth of a pathogen.

Question 71

A microorganism's strength or disease-producing power is called ________.

Question 72

________ prevent healthcare workers from exposing themselves and others to infections.

Question 73

Any inanimate object that can be contaminated by an infected person and then transmit the infective agent to a susceptible host is considered a(n) ________.

Question 74

Which of the following items is not needed to fill out a communicable disease report form?

A) Disease identification
B) Patient identification
C) Reporting-institution information
D) Test results
E) Infection history

Question 75

A person who has little or no immunity to infection by an organism is called a(n) ________ host.

Question 76

When a normally beneficial microorganism becomes pathogenic, the infection that develops is a(n) ________ infection.

Question 77

A living organism that carries microorganisms from an infected person to another person is known as a(n) ________.

Question 78

Which of the following diseases must be reported to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System of the CDC?

A) Chickenpox
B) Yeast infection
C) Stomach ulcer
D) Rubella
E) Endometriosis

Question 79

________ is any type of protective gear worn to guard against physical hazards and must be provided by the employer at no charge to the employee.

Question 80

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are ________ that often carry organisms responsible for disease.