QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS | A+
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Multiple-Choice Questions
Infection Control
1. What is the primary purpose of sterilizing dental instruments before radiographic
procedures?
A. To enhance image quality
B. To prevent cross-contamination
C. To reduce radiation exposure
D. To improve equipment longevity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sterilization eliminates microorganisms, preventing cross-contamination
between patients during radiographic procedures.
2. Which organization provides guidelines for infection control in dental radiography?
A. FDA
B. CDC
C. EPA
D. ADA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides evidence-
based guidelines for infection control in dental settings, including radiography.
3. What should be done with a lead apron after each patient use?
A. Sterilize it in an autoclave
B. Wipe it with a disinfectant
C. Store it in a darkroom
D. Rinse it with water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lead aprons should be wiped with a disinfectant to remove potential
contaminants while preserving the material.
4. Which type of gloves are recommended for handling radiographic equipment
during exposure?
A. Latex examination gloves
B. Non-latex disposable gloves
C. Sterile surgical gloves
D. Reusable cloth gloves
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Non-latex disposable gloves prevent allergic reactions and provide adequate
protection during radiographic procedures.
5. What is the minimum time for hand washing before donning gloves for a
radiographic procedure?
A. 10 seconds
B. 20 seconds
C. 30 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of hand washing to effectively
remove pathogens before gloving.
6. How should radiographic film packets be handled to prevent contamination?
A. Submerge in disinfectant
B. Use barrier envelopes
C. Store in an autoclave
D. Wipe with alcohol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Barrier envelopes protect film packets from saliva and contamination during
intraoral placement.
7. What is the appropriate action if a film sensor is dropped on the floor?
A. Rinse with water and reuse
B. Disinfect according to manufacturer guidelines
C. Autoclave the sensor
D. Discard immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Digital sensors should be disinfected per manufacturer instructions to ensure
safety without damaging the equipment.
8. Which surface in the operatory requires a barrier during radiographic procedures?
A. Lead apron
B. X-ray tube head
C. Patient chair headrest
D. Darkroom counter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient chair headrest is likely to contact the patient and should be
covered with a disposable barrier.
9. What is the recommended method for sterilizing bite blocks?
A. Chemical disinfection
B. Autoclaving
C. Dry heat sterilization
D. Boiling water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autoclaving is the most effective method for sterilizing heat-resistant bite
blocks, ensuring complete pathogen elimination.
10. When should personal protective equipment (PPE) be donned for radiographic
procedures?
A. After patient positioning
, B. Before entering the operatory
C. During film processing
D. After exposure is complete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PPE should be worn before entering the operatory to protect against potential
exposure to pathogens.
11. What is the primary reason for using disposable barriers on radiographic
equipment?
A. To reduce radiation scatter
B. To prevent cross-contamination
C. To enhance image contrast
D. To protect equipment from wear
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Disposable barriers prevent the transfer of microorganisms between patients
and equipment surfaces.
12. Which disinfectant is most appropriate for radiographic sensors?
A. Bleach solution
B. Alcohol-based wipes
C. Intermediate-level disinfectant
D. Glutaraldehyde
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intermediate-level disinfectants are recommended for radiographic sensors to
balance efficacy and equipment safety.
13. How should contaminated film packets be handled after exposure?
A. Open with bare hands
B. Disinfect before opening
C. Process immediately
D. Store in a sealed bag
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Disinfecting contaminated film packets before opening prevents pathogen
spread during processing.
14. What is the role of OSHA in dental radiography infection control?
A. Sets radiation exposure limits
B. Enforces workplace safety standards
C. Regulates film processing chemicals
D. Approves dental X-ray machines
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OSHA enforces workplace safety, including infection control standards for
dental radiography.
15. What should be done if a patient has a known infectious disease during
radiography?
A. Skip the lead apron
B. Use additional barriers and PPE
C. Reduce exposure time
D. Use a different X-ray machine
Correct Answer: B