Bloodborne Pathogen Knowledge Self Assessment

Note:

• T/F = True/False

• MC = Multiple Choice

• Some questions may overlap in theme to ensure coverage and reinforce core concepts.

• Answers are not provided, allowing you to research and verify, as well as use these as conversation tools.

Bloodborne Pathogens (50 Questions)

• (T/F) HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) are common bloodborne pathogens of concern in sharps play.

• (MC) Which pathogen has a widely available vaccine?
  A. HIV
  B. HBV
  C. HCV
  D. None of the above

• (T/F) Bloodborne pathogens are primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, mucous membrane contact, or non-intact skin contact.

• (MC) Which of the following is an example of an engineering control to reduce exposure risk?
  A. Using protective eyewear
  B. Using a sharps container
  C. Wearing gloves
  D. Handwashing

• (T/F) Universal (Standard) Precautions involve treating all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

• (MC) If you suspect you’ve been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, the first step should be:
  A. Wait 48 hours to see if symptoms appear
  B. Immediately wash the area thoroughly and seek medical advice
  C. Ignore it if it’s a small exposure
  D. Rely on antiseptic wipes only

• (T/F) Proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are key to preventing transmission.

• (MC) Which of the following best describes the mode of transmission for HBV, HCV, and HIV in a sharps setting?
  A. Airborne droplets
  B. Blood-to-blood or fluid-to-blood contact
  C. Skin-to-intact-skin contact only
  D. Contaminated food

• (T/F) Wearing gloves eliminates the need to handle needles with care.

• (MC) In the event of a needlestick injury, you should:
  A. Squeeze the wound to force bleeding and then wash
  B. Just put a bandage on
  C. Wash thoroughly with soap and water, then seek medical guidance
  D. Suck the wound clean

• (T/F) HIV can be inactivated by appropriate disinfection methods on surfaces.

• (MC) Hepatitis B differs from HIV because:
  A. HBV cannot be prevented by a vaccine
  B. HBV is not a bloodborne pathogen
  C. HBV can survive outside the body longer
  D. HIV is easier to contract

• (T/F) Knowledge of local laws and regulations about exposure incidents is beneficial.

• (MC) The “window period” for HIV testing is:
  A. 1–2 days
  B. Immediately after exposure
  C. Several weeks to months after exposure
  D. Irrelevant to testing

• (T/F) HBV can remain infectious on surfaces for up to a week or more.

• (MC) What is a critical practice for reducing bloodborne pathogen transmission?
  A. Reusing disposable gloves
  B. Using single-use sterile needles
  C. Not disinfecting surfaces
  D. Not reporting exposures

• (T/F) A person infected with HIV may not show symptoms for many years.

• (MC) Which governmental agency provides guidelines for bloodborne pathogen exposure control in the United States (or replace with the appropriate agency in your locale)?
  A. OSHA
  B. FDA
  C. FCC
  D. FAA

• (T/F) Standard precautions apply regardless of whether you know a partner’s health status.

• (MC) Hepatitis C is often transmitted through:
  A. Contaminated needles or sharps
  B. Airborne particles
  C. Casual contact
  D. Contaminated food

• (T/F) The use of eye protection can reduce the risk of blood splashes to mucous membranes.

• (MC) An Exposure Control Plan should include:
  A. Identification of at-risk activities
  B. Use of PPE
  C. Post-exposure evaluation
  D. All of the above

• (T/F) HIV is more fragile outside the human body compared to HBV.

• (MC) Which bodily fluid is LEAST likely to transmit HIV unless visibly bloody?
  A. Semen
  B. Blood
  C. Saliva
  D. Vaginal fluids

• (T/F) Sterile gloves provide a barrier but do not guarantee zero risk.

• (MC) Proper bloodborne pathogen training should be renewed:
  A. Never
  B. Every 5 years
  C. Annually or as mandated by guidelines
  D. Only after an exposure

• (T/F) Knowing your partner’s health status is helpful but does not replace standard precautions.

• (MC) After potential exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should be started:
  A. Within hours to a few days
  B. Only after symptoms appear
  C. Within a month
  D. Never

• (T/F) Handwashing remains critical even after removing gloves.

• (MC) Hepatitis B vaccination series provides:
  A. No protection at all
  B. Partial immunity against all bloodborne pathogens
  C. High level of protection against HBV
  D. Immediate lifetime immunity after one dose

• (T/F) Reporting exposures promptly can improve outcomes of prophylactic treatments.

• (MC) The best test for HIV early after exposure is:
  A. Antibody-only test immediately
  B. Antigen/antibody (4th generation) test at recommended intervals
  C. No test is necessary
  D. Urine test only

• (T/F) Tattoos, piercings, and sharps scenes share some similar risks regarding bloodborne pathogen transmission.

• (MC) Universal precautions evolved into:
  A. No precautions
  B. Standard precautions
  C. Randomized guidelines
  D. Non-standard precautions

• (T/F) Micro-tears in the skin can provide a route for pathogen entry.

• (MC) Proper sharps handling involves:
  A. Recapping used needles
  B. Immediate disposal in a sharps container
  C. Passing sharps between hands frequently
  D. Storing used needles in pockets

• (T/F) Combining multiple layers of PPE reduces the need for careful technique.

• (MC) The primary reason to have a clear risk communication with a partner is:
  A. To scare them
  B. To ensure informed consent
  C. To show off your knowledge
  D. To avoid using any protective measures

• (T/F) Even dried blood can carry certain pathogens like HBV.

• (MC) A critical element of preventing transmission is:
  A. Proper disposal of contaminated materials
  B. Random guesswork
  C. Avoiding any PPE
  D. Forgetting about follow-up

• (T/F) Periodic refresher training helps maintain awareness and best practices.

• (MC) A partner states they tested negative for HIV a week ago. You should:
  A. Trust completely and ignore precautions
  B. Still use standard precautions
  C. Only use gloves if they request
  D. Skip all protective measures

• (T/F) Written procedures for handling exposures help maintain consistent responses.

• (MC) Post-exposure evaluation should be:
  A. Immediate and confidential
  B. Delayed until symptoms show
  C. Public and shaming
  D. Ignored unless serious illness occurs

• (T/F) Poor technique in sharps handling increases the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

• (MC) HIV risk during sharps play can be reduced by:
  A. Using sterile, single-use needles
  B. Ignoring sterilization
  C. Sharing needles between scenes
  D. Testing tools on yourself first

• (T/F) Even if a participant appears healthy, they could carry a bloodborne pathogen.

• (MC) The key difference between Hepatitis B and C in practical prevention is:
  A. An available vaccine for HBV but not HCV
  B. HBV is never transmitted by blood
  C. HCV can’t be transmitted by needles
  D. HBV is harmless

• (T/F) Implementing standard precautions can reduce worry and improve focus on the scene.

• (MC) Final responsibility for preventing bloodborne pathogen transmission lies with:
  A. The bottom alone
  B. The top alone
  C. Both top and bottom, through education, communication, and protective measures
  D. No one