COMPREHENSIVE SURGICAL SAFETY & INFECTION CONTROL EXAM PREPARATION BANK 200 QUESTIONS • RATIONALES ALIGNED WITH AORN, CDC, OSHA & JOINT COMMISSION STANDARDS

CONTENT DOMAINS:
Domain 1: Infectious Waste Management & Biohazard Safety ......... 30 Questions
Domain 2: Airborne & Droplet Precautions ......................... 30 Questions
Domain 3: Surgical Smoke & Plume Safety .......................... 25 Questions
Domain 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .................... 25 Questions
Domain 5: Sterilization & Disinfection ........................... 30 Questions
Domain 6: Surgical Site Infection Prevention ..................... 30 Questions
Domain 7: Regulatory & Compliance Standards ...................... 30 Questions
TOTAL ........................................................... 200 Questions

PART 1: INFECTIOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT & BIOHAZARD SAFETY (Questions 1-30)

QUESTION 1:
After a surgical procedure, non-sharp infectious waste is separated from the other
waste and placed in which of the following?

A) Plastic trash bag
B) Biohazard bag
C) Yellow plastic bag
D) Standard trash bag

✔ Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Non-sharp infectious waste (blood-soaked gauze, drapes, gloves) must be
placed in a biohazard bag, which is clearly labeled with the universal biohazard
symbol. These bags are typically red or orange and are designed for safe containment
and disposal of regulated medical waste. Standard trash bags are inappropriate as
they lack biohazard labeling and do not meet OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
requirements (29 CFR 1910.1030). Yellow bags are used for trace chemotherapy or
radioactive waste in some facilities, not standard biohazardous waste.


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,QUESTION 2:
What color is the standard biohazard bag used for infectious waste in most
healthcare facilities in the United States?

A) Yellow
B) Red or Orange
C) Blue
D) Clear

✔ Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Red or orange biohazard bags are the standard in most U.S. healthcare
facilities for regulated medical waste (RMW) contaminated with blood or OPIM.
These bags are clearly marked with the biohazard symbol to ensure proper handling
and disposal. Yellow bags are used for trace chemotherapy or radioactive waste in
some facilities, while blue bags are often for recyclable or non-infectious waste.
Clear bags do not provide the visual warning required for biohazardous materials.



QUESTION 3:
Which of the following items is classified as "non-sharp infectious waste" in the
operating room?

A) Used scalpel blades
B) Blood-soaked gauze sponges
C) Broken glass ampules
D) Used suture needles

✔ Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Non-sharp infectious waste includes soft items contaminated with blood
or body fluids, such as gauze sponges, drapes, gloves, gowns, and suction tubing.
These items do not have sharp edges that can puncture waste containers or cause
injury. Used scalpel blades, broken glass ampules, and suture needles are classified

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,as "sharps" and must be disposed of in puncture-resistant sharps containers to
prevent needlestick and sharps injuries, per OSHA and AORN guidelines.



QUESTION 4:
What is the minimum thickness requirement for biohazard bags used in healthcare
facilities?

A) 1.0 mil
B) 1.5 mil
C) 2.0 mil
D) 3.0 mil

✔ Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Biohazard bags used for regulated medical waste must have a minimum
thickness of 1.5 mil (0.0015 inches) to ensure they are puncture-resistant and
tear-resistant during handling and transport. Thinner bags (1.0 mil) are not
sufficiently durable and may rupture, leading to exposure and contamination.
Thicker bags (2.0-3.0 mil) may be used for heavier or bulkier waste but are not
required. The 1.5 mil standard is widely accepted per ASTM D1709 and facility
policies.



QUESTION 5:
Which of the following is the appropriate method for closing a biohazard bag
before disposal?

A) Twisting and tying with a knot
B) Using a plastic zip tie or twist tie
C) Using tape to seal the bag
D) Folding and placing in a secondary container

✔ Correct Answer: B


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, Rationale: Biohazard bags should be securely closed using a plastic zip tie, twist
tie, or other approved closure mechanism to prevent leakage and ensure safe
handling. Simply twisting and tying may not provide a secure seal. Tape alone is
not sufficient as it can loosen. Folding and placing in a secondary container is
sometimes required for certain types of waste (e.g., liquid waste), but the primary
closure should be a secure tie. OSHA and AORN recommend using closure devices that
prevent inadvertent opening during transport.



QUESTION 6:
Liquid infectious waste (e.g., blood, suction canister contents) should be disposed
of by which of the following methods?

A) Pouring directly down the sink
B) Flushing down the toilet with water
C) Solidifying with a gelling agent and disposing in a biohazard bag
D) Placing in a standard trash bag

✔ Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Liquid infectious waste should be solidified using a gelling agent (such
as a solidifier) before being placed in a biohazard bag for disposal. This prevents
leakage and splashing during handling and transport. Pouring liquid waste down the
sink or toilet is prohibited by most facility policies and may violate local
environmental regulations. Placing liquid waste in a standard trash bag without
solidification poses a significant spill risk. Some facilities may use a designated
"hydroclave" or liquid waste disposal system, but solidification is the most common
and safest method.



QUESTION 7:
What is the proper disposal method for a suction canister containing 500 mL of
blood and fluid after a surgical procedure?

A) Empty the contents into the sink and dispose of the canister in regular trash

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