DANB CDA – RHS: Infection Prevention and Control — All Questions

Which components of the dental x-ray unit should be disinfected or barrier-protected between patients?

A dental assistant is preparing the x-ray room for the next patient. The tube head and PID were not covered with barriers during the previous patient’s radiographic examination. What must the assistant do?

What level of disinfectant is recommended for clinical contact surfaces in the radiographic operatory?

What is the purpose of placing barriers on x-ray equipment before beginning radiographic procedures?

During radiographic procedures, the dental assistant needs to touch the computer keyboard to capture images. The assistant’s gloves are contaminated from handling the sensor in the patient’s mouth. What barrier or technique should be used?

Which of the following items used in radiography should receive barrier protection?

How should a digital sensor (CCD/CMOS) be protected from contamination during intraoral use?

After removing a digital sensor from a patient’s mouth, the dental assistant removes the barrier and notices saliva on the sensor surface. What should the assistant do?

How should phosphor storage plate (PSP) barriers be handled after intraoral use?

In offices still using conventional film, what is the infection control protocol for handling exposed film packets in the darkroom?

A dental assistant processes film in a daylight loader attached to an automatic processor. After opening contaminated film packets inside the loader with gloved hands, what step must the assistant take before feeding the films into the processor?

What items from the film packet should be disposed of as contaminated waste during the unwrapping process?

Before exposing a digital radiograph, a dental assistant places a plastic sleeve over the digital sensor. What is the primary purpose of this barrier?

After exposing intraoral radiographs, the dental assistant discovers a tear in the sensor cover. What should be done with the sensor?

When using photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates for intraoral radiography, what barrier is placed over the plate before inserting it into the patient’s mouth?

A dental assistant is preparing to scan PSP plates after exposing a full mouth series. The barrier envelope on one plate appears intact. What is the correct procedure for opening the barrier?

When unwrapping exposed dental film packets in the darkroom, what type of gloves should the dental assistant wear to handle the contaminated outer wrapping?

A dental assistant is processing conventional radiographic films in the darkroom. After opening each contaminated film packet with gloved hands, the assistant drops the unwrapped film onto a clean paper cup. What is the purpose of the paper cup in this workflow?

In the darkroom film unwrapping procedure, what defines the “contaminated side” of the work area?

After unwrapping all contaminated film packets and dropping the films into a clean cup, the dental assistant removes contaminated gloves. What should the assistant do before feeding the unwrapped films into the processor?

How should the lead foil found inside dental film packets be handled after the film is unwrapped in the darkroom?

A dental assistant needs to open a film packet in the darkroom but wants to minimize contamination of the inner film. Which component of the film packet should the assistant peel back first to access the film without touching it?

A dental assistant is preparing to unwrap contaminated film packets in the darkroom but realizes that only powdered latex gloves are available. What is the most appropriate course of action?

During radiographic procedures, a dental assistant wears treatment gloves while positioning films in the patient’s mouth. When the assistant needs to retrieve additional supplies from a drawer, what should be placed over the treatment gloves?

What is the correct sequence of steps for handling exposed dental film packets in the darkroom to prevent cross-contamination?

What should be placed over a digital sensor before intraoral use?

What must be done to a phosphor storage plate (PSP) before it can be reused for the next radiographic exposure?

Why is it important to check the barrier sleeve for tears or punctures before placing a digital sensor in the patient’s mouth?

A dental assistant notices that a phosphor storage plate (PSP) has visible scratches on its imaging surface. How should this plate be handled?

What is the correct method for erasing a phosphor storage plate (PSP) before reuse?

When cleaning a PSP scanner, the dental assistant should follow which protocol?

A dental office is experiencing frequent digital sensor failures. Staff report that sensors are cleaned by immersion in a glutaraldehyde solution after each use. What is the most likely cause of the sensor failures?

Which part of a digital sensor is most vulnerable to damage from improper handling?

A dental assistant is preparing to take radiographs on the next patient. The previous patient’s barrier-covered sensor was removed, and the barrier was discarded. What additional step must be completed before using the sensor on the next patient?

How should phosphor storage plates (PSPs) be cleaned between patients?

A dental office is transitioning from film-based radiography to digital sensors. Which infection control consideration is most important for the staff to understand about this change?

While removing a PSP from a patient’s mouth, the dental assistant touches the unbarriered side of the plate with a contaminated glove. What is the correct next step?

What is the primary reason digital sensors should be stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines when not in use?

A dental assistant notices that the PSP barrier was breached during a full mouth series, potentially contaminating the scanner when the plate was fed through. What should the assistant do?

What type of disinfectant must be used to wipe down radiographic equipment between patients?

Which component of the x-ray unit should be disinfected between patients if it was not covered with a barrier?

A dental assistant is disinfecting the x-ray tubehead using the spray-wipe-spray technique. What is the correct sequence of steps?

Which part of the panoramic x-ray unit contacts the patient’s face and requires disinfection or a barrier between each patient?

A dental assistant is cleaning the panoramic unit and discovers dried saliva on the bite block guide. The bite block itself was replaced with a new disposable one. Does the guide still need disinfection?

The headrest on the dental chair is adjusted during radiographic positioning. How should it be managed for infection control?

A dental assistant notices that the disinfectant used in the radiology area has expired. The office has unexpired disinfectant wipes available from a different manufacturer. What is the appropriate action?

After taking radiographs, the dental assistant touched the x-ray unit’s arm and yoke with contaminated gloves but had placed barriers on the cone and exposure button. Which surfaces need disinfection?

What is the primary purpose of using plastic barriers on radiographic equipment rather than relying solely on disinfection?

A dental assistant is disinfecting the chin rest on the panoramic unit using an EPA-registered disinfectant spray. The manufacturer label states a 2-minute contact time. After spraying, the assistant wipes the surface dry after 30 seconds. Is this acceptable?

A dental office uses disposable bite blocks for panoramic radiographs. The dental assistant replaces the bite block between patients but does not disinfect the metal post that holds the bite block. A colleague questions this practice. Who is correct?

What type of barrier is placed over a phosphor storage plate (PSP) before use in intraoral radiography?

During a full mouth series, a dental assistant notices a small tear in the barrier sleeve covering a phosphor plate after removing it from the patient’s mouth. What is the appropriate next step?

Which component of the x-ray unit should be covered with a barrier before taking radiographs?

A dental assistant is setting up for a patient who requires periapical radiographs using a digital sensor. Which barrier protocol is correct for the sensor?

Why is the exposure button or switch covered with a barrier during radiographic procedures?

A dental office is evaluating whether to use single barriers or double barriers on their digital sensors. Under what circumstance would using a double barrier be most appropriate?

When using conventional film packets for intraoral radiography, what barrier method protects the film from contamination?

A dental assistant has finished exposing all radiographs for a patient and is ready to remove barriers from the x-ray equipment. What is the proper sequence?

Which regulatory agency clears barrier products used on intraoral radiographic sensors and PSP plates?

A dental assistant is preparing the dental chair for radiographic imaging. Which items should receive barrier coverage before the patient is seated?

An office manager asks whether using barriers on radiographic equipment eliminates the need for surface disinfection between patients. Which response is most accurate?

What is the primary purpose of using plastic barriers on intraoral imaging devices during radiographic procedures?

What is the most important consideration in sensor care for digital radiography sensors between patients?

After removing the barrier from a digital radiography sensor, a dental assistant performs sensor disinfection. Which level of disinfectant is appropriate for this purpose?

A dental assistant notices that the barrier on a digital sensor has a small tear after removing it from a patient’s mouth. The assistant should assume the sensor is contaminated. What is the correct next step for managing this damaged sensor situation?

What is the recommended procedure for plate cleaning of a phosphor storage plate (PSP) used in dental radiography?

A dental assistant has finished scanning a phosphor storage plate and needs to prepare it for the next use. What must be done before reusing the plate by erasing the PSP?

How should a dental assistant protect the sensor cable of a digital radiography sensor during patient use?

A dental assistant is responsible for connector protection of the USB connector where the digital sensor cable plugs into the computer. What is the recommended infection control practice?

A dental office uses both digital sensors and phosphor storage plates. The office manager asks the dental assistant to develop a protocol for cross-contamination prevention during digital radiography. Which practice is most critical to include?

Which of the following best describes the correct handling protocol for a digital radiography sensor after patient use?

A dental assistant is using conventional film and transports exposed films from the operatory to the darkroom in a paper cup. What is the purpose of using a paper cup transport method?

In the darkroom, a dental assistant must open contaminated film packets and feed the film into the processor. Which film handling technique minimizes the risk of contaminating the processor and darkroom surfaces?

When opening an exposed film packet in the darkroom, what is the correct method of lead foil disposal?

After removing the outer wrapping of a contaminated film packet, the dental assistant must handle the inner packet carefully. What is the purpose of this precaution?

A dental assistant is processing contaminated film packets in the darkroom. Which opening technique minimizes the risk of cross-contamination?

Why is counter disinfection in the darkroom performed before processing exposed film?

During darkroom film processing, a dental assistant has opened all contaminated film packets with gloved hands. What should the assistant do before handling the clean films for processing?

A dental office uses the two-cup method for handling contaminated film packets. Which description correctly explains this technique?

What is the purpose of placing a PSP plate barrier over a phosphor storage plate before intraoral radiographic exposure?

A dental assistant is preparing to take a full mouth series using phosphor plates. How should the phosphor plate sleeve be handled after exposure and removal from the patient’s mouth?

When using conventional film for intraoral radiographs, what type of film barrier is placed over the film packet?

Why is a tube head cover placed on the x-ray tube head between patients?

During a radiographic series, the dental assistant needs to adjust the PID (position indicating device). Which infection control step should have been completed before positioning began?

What is the recommended barrier for the exposure button used during dental radiography?

Before seating a patient for dental radiographs, the dental assistant places a chair cover over the headrest and armrests. What is the primary reason for this step?

A dental assistant is using a digital sensor for periapical radiographs. The sensor cannot be heat sterilized. Which method provides the best digital sensor protection against cross-contamination?

During a radiographic procedure, the dental assistant notices that the barrier on a phosphor plate has a small tear after removing it from the patient’s mouth. This represents a barrier failure. What should the dental assistant do?

Why must barriers used on digital sensors and phosphor plates during intraoral radiography be FDA cleared?

A dental assistant is taking radiographs using the clean technique protocol. Which step describes the correct approach when using this method?

After each patient, which level of disinfection is recommended for clinical contact surfaces on the x-ray unit that were not covered with barriers?

Why must disinfectants used on dental radiographic equipment surfaces be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

When preparing a panoramic x-ray unit for the next patient, the dental assistant notices that no barrier was placed on the chin support during the previous exposure. What should the assistant do?

What must be done to a phosphor storage plate (PSP) before it can be reused for the next patient exposure?

Before reusing a phosphor storage plate for the next patient, what step is required to clear any residual image from the plate?

After completing a series of intraoral radiographs, the dental assistant must disinfect the radiographic equipment. Which surfaces require disinfection between patients?

A dental assistant is training a new employee on infection control for the radiology area. The new employee asks whether disinfection is necessary if plastic barriers were used on all surfaces. What is the correct response?

After scanning a phosphor storage plate, the dental assistant notices a faint ghost image from a previous exposure on the new scan. What step was likely skipped?

After taking a panoramic radiograph, the dental assistant needs to prepare the machine for the next patient. Which surfaces of the panoramic unit require disinfection?

What level of disinfectant is recommended for cleaning the x-ray tubehead, PID, and exposure button between patients?

During a full-mouth radiographic series, a dental assistant notices that the plastic barrier on the PID has torn. What is the correct action?

Which items in the radiology operatory should have disposable plastic barriers placed on them before patient treatment?

A dental assistant drops a PSP plate on the floor during a radiographic procedure. What is the appropriate course of action?

How should digital sensors be stored when not in use to protect them from damage?

A dental assistant is using the daylight loader on an automatic film processor. After opening contaminated film packets with gloved hands, what must happen before feeding the film into the processor?

When transporting exposed film packets from the operatory to the darkroom, what container method helps maintain infection control?

What type of gloves should the dental assistant wear when exposing intraoral radiographs?

The dental assistant is cleaning the panoramic machine between patients. The chin rest has a dried film of saliva. What disinfection procedure should be followed?

What happens to the lead foil from inside a dental film packet after the film is removed for processing?

What should the dental assistant inspect before placing a barrier sleeve over a digital sensor?

A dental assistant places a plastic barrier over the exposure button before radiographic procedures. After multiple exposures, the assistant notices saliva on the gloves. What is the correct protocol when pressing the exposure button with contaminated gloves?

A dental assistant uses the two-cup method for handling contaminated film packets in the darkroom. What does this method involve?

How should the bite block on a panoramic machine be handled for infection control?

What is the primary purpose of placing a barrier sleeve over a digital sensor before intraoral use?