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MD Esthetician study materials
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MD Esthetician practice questions

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Question 1Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which Maryland entity issues and regulates esthetician licenses?

  1. Maryland Board of Pharmacy
  2. Maryland Board of Nursing
  3. Maryland Department of Health
  4. Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists Correct answer.

Explanation

The Maryland State Board of Cosmetologists, within the Maryland Department of Labor, licenses and regulates estheticians, cosmetologists, and nail technicians. It enforces the cosmetology statutes and regulations, including sanitation and scope-of-practice rules. The other listed agencies license different professions or oversee public health programs generally.

Question 2Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Where must an esthetician's license be kept while services are being performed in a salon?

  1. Carried in the esthetician's wallet
  2. Displayed in public view at the salon or workstation Correct answer.
  3. In a locked office safe
  4. Filed with the salon's insurance records

Explanation

Maryland requires the license to be displayed in a conspicuous place at the licensed establishment so clients and inspectors can verify it. Keeping the license hidden, off-premises, or only in a file does not satisfy the display requirement.

Question 3Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

An esthetician notices a client has an inflamed, oozing lesion on the cheek. What is the esthetician's proper action under Maryland scope-of-practice rules?

  1. Treat it with a high-concentration chemical peel
  2. Cover it with makeup and proceed with the facial
  3. Decline to treat the area and refer the client to a physician Correct answer.
  4. Drain the lesion and apply an antibiotic ointment

Explanation

Estheticians may cleanse, beautify, and improve appearance but may not diagnose or treat disease. An inflamed, oozing lesion may be infectious or malignant and must be evaluated by a physician. The esthetician should decline to treat the area and refer the client.

Question 4Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

What must be done with reusable metal tweezers after use on a client?

  1. Cleaned and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant Correct answer.
  2. Wiped with a dry paper towel only
  3. Sprayed with air freshener
  4. Rinsed in water and stored in a drawer

Explanation

Reusable implements that contact skin must be cleaned to remove debris and then disinfected with an EPA-registered hospital-grade tuberculocidal disinfectant. Wiping, rinsing, or spraying with air freshener does not kill pathogens.

Question 5Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which item should be discarded after a single use on one client?

  1. A wooden spatula used to remove wax Correct answer.
  2. A glass dropper bottle
  3. A stainless steel mixing bowl
  4. A metal comedone extractor

Explanation

Porous items such as wooden spatulas absorb wax and cannot be reliably cleaned and disinfected, so they must be discarded after one use. Metal, glass, and stainless steel items can be cleaned and disinfected and reused.

Question 6Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

When must an esthetician wash their hands with soap and water?

  1. Once every two hours
  2. Before and after each client service Correct answer.
  3. Only when hands are visibly soiled
  4. Only at the start of the day

Explanation

Hands must be washed with soap and water before and after every client service to prevent cross-contamination. Visible soil is not the only trigger; routine hand hygiene is required throughout the day.

Question 7Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

An esthetician rents a booth in a salon and provides facials there. Who must hold the license for the establishment?

  1. No license is needed if the esthetician is licensed
  2. The salon establishment must hold a separate salon license in addition to the esthetician's license Correct answer.
  3. The landlord who owns the building
  4. Only the esthetician, because she performs the services

Explanation

Maryland requires both the individual practitioner and the establishment to be licensed. A salon license is issued for each location, and the esthetician's personal license does not cover the premises.

Question 8Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

A Board inspector arrives during business hours and asks to inspect the esthetician's station. What is the esthetician's obligation?

  1. Allow the inspection, because licensed establishments are subject to inspection during business hours Correct answer.
  2. Ask the inspector to return only after 24 hours' notice
  3. Refuse unless the inspector has a search warrant
  4. Refuse unless the client gives written permission

Explanation

The Board has authority to inspect licensed salons and stations during business hours to enforce health and safety rules. Refusing an inspection can lead to disciplinary action.

Question 9Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which task is outside an esthetician's scope of practice in Maryland?

  1. Tweezing eyebrow hair
  2. Applying a superficial exfoliating mask
  3. Injecting dermal filler into the lips Correct answer.
  4. Performing extractions of comedones

Explanation

Injecting dermal fillers is an invasive medical procedure that must be performed by a licensed physician or other authorized medical professional. Estheticians may perform noninvasive skin care within their training but may not inject.

Question 10Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

A client reports taking isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne. Why should the esthetician avoid waxing the client's face?

  1. The medication makes skin fragile and prone to tearing or scarring from waxing Correct answer.
  2. Wax will not adhere to skin treated with isotretinoin
  3. The medication causes permanent hair loss
  4. Waxing cancels the effect of the medication

Explanation

Isotretinoin thins the skin and impairs healing, so waxing can cause skin lifting, tearing, or scarring. The esthetician should defer waxing and advise the client to consult the prescriber.

Question 11Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

During extractions, a client's skin bleeds and a small amount of blood contacts the esthetician's gloved hand. What should the esthetician do first?

  1. Continue the service and clean up at the end
  2. Wipe the glove on a towel and keep working
  3. Apply the same gloves to the next client after spraying them with water
  4. Remove gloves, wash hands, and follow bloodborne-pathogen exposure procedures Correct answer.

Explanation

Blood exposure requires stopping the service, removing contaminated gloves, washing hands, and following bloodborne-pathogen exposure procedures. Contaminated gloves must never be reused or merely wiped.

Question 12Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which service may a licensed esthetician perform?

  1. A haircut and blow-dry styling
  2. Applying a chemical hair relaxer
  3. A basic facial with cleansing, massage, and mask Correct answer.
  4. Applying acrylic nail extensions

Explanation

An esthetician's license covers skin care services such as facials, cleansing, makeup, and hair removal. Haircuts, chemical hair relaxing, and nail enhancements require separate cosmetology or nail technician licenses.

Question 13Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

How should clean and soiled linens be handled in an esthetician's treatment room?

  1. Soiled linens placed in a closed container separate from clean linens Correct answer.
  2. Clean linens stored on the floor
  3. Clean linens stored with soiled linens to save space
  4. Soiled linens draped over the treatment chair

Explanation

Clean and soiled linens must be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination. Soiled linens go in a closed container, and clean linens are stored in a clean, dry area.

Question 14Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which action exceeds an esthetician's scope of practice?

  1. Prescribing a topical antibiotic for acne Correct answer.
  2. Applying eyebrow tint
  3. Recommending an over-the-counter moisturizer
  4. Performing a facial massage

Explanation

Prescribing medication is a medical act reserved for licensed physicians and other authorized prescribers. Estheticians may recommend over-the-counter cosmetics and perform noninvasive services but may not prescribe drugs.

Question 15Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

A salon owner asks an unlicensed receptionist to perform a patch test and apply a peel. What is the correct response?

  1. It is allowed if the esthetician supervises from another room
  2. It is prohibited because only a licensed esthetician may perform these services Correct answer.
  3. It is allowed because patch tests are not esthetic services
  4. It is allowed if the receptionist has taken a weekend course

Explanation

Esthetic services may be performed only by licensed individuals. Supervision does not cure the lack of a license, and both the unlicensed person and the supervising licensee may face discipline.

Question 16Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

A client asks the esthetician to remove a mole because it is "ugly." What is the appropriate action?

  1. Excise the mole with sterile scissors
  2. Cover the mole with camouflage makeup and say nothing
  3. Freeze the mole with an OTC product
  4. Refuse and refer the client to a physician for evaluation Correct answer.

Explanation

Mole removal is a medical procedure, and moles can be malignant. Estheticians must refuse and refer the client to a physician for evaluation rather than excising, freezing, or concealing the lesion.

Question 17Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

An esthetician is mixing a chemical exfoliant and some splashes into the eye. What is the first step?

  1. Apply an eye ointment from the first-aid kit
  2. Flush the eye at an eyewash station or with clean water for at least 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. Finish the client's service before responding
  4. Rub the eye vigorously with a towel

Explanation

Chemical eye exposure requires immediate irrigation with clean water or an eyewash for at least 15 minutes, then medical follow-up. The safety data sheet should be consulted for product-specific instructions.

Question 18Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Which situation is most likely to result in disciplinary action by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists?

  1. Referring a client with a suspicious lesion to a dermatologist
  2. Performing esthetic services while the license is expired Correct answer.
  3. Refusing to perform a service on a client with an open sore
  4. Disinfecting tweezers between clients

Explanation

Practicing esthetics with an expired license is unlicensed practice and grounds for Board discipline. Refusing unsafe services, referring suspicious lesions, and disinfecting implements are proper conduct.

Question 19Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

Why must an esthetician follow the manufacturer's contact time when using a disinfectant?

  1. To make the solution smell better
  2. To prevent the solution from evaporating completely
  3. To satisfy the client's preference
  4. To ensure the disinfectant has enough time to kill pathogens Correct answer.

Explanation

Disinfectants must remain wet on the surface for the manufacturer's specified contact time to kill pathogens. Wiping too soon leaves organisms alive and defeats disinfection.

Question 20Maryland Cosmetology Law, Board Rules, and Scope of Practice

When should an esthetician change gloves?

  1. Between clients and after any contamination or break Correct answer.
  2. Only at the end of the day
  3. Only when gloves look dirty
  4. After every 10 clients

Explanation

Gloves are single-use and must be changed between clients and whenever they are torn or contaminated. Visual dirt is not the only criterion for changing gloves.

Question 21Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A client arrives wearing a full face of foundation. Before the metal spatula used during the service can be disinfected, what must the esthetician do first?

  1. Place it in a UV cabinet
  2. Wipe it with a dry paper towel only
  3. Clean it to remove product residue Correct answer.
  4. Soak it in disinfectant for 10 minutes

Explanation

Cleaning removes visible debris, oils, and product residue that can shield microorganisms or inactivate a disinfectant. Disinfection is effective only after an implement has been thoroughly cleaned.

Question 22Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Which federal agency registers disinfectants used in salons and approves their label claims?

  1. EPA Correct answer.
  2. CDC
  3. OSHA
  4. FDA

Explanation

The EPA registers antimicrobial pesticides, including salon disinfectants, and approves the claims printed on their labels. OSHA enforces workplace safety rules, while the CDC issues guidance rather than product registrations.

Question 23Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

An EPA-registered disinfectant label states a 10-minute contact time. The esthetician immerses tweezers for 4 minutes and removes them. What is the problem?

  1. Tweezers should have been soaked for 20 minutes
  2. The tweezers must be rinsed before immersion
  3. The labeled contact time was not met Correct answer.
  4. A 4-minute soak is acceptable if the product is hospital grade

Explanation

Contact time is the wet exposure time specified on the product label for the claimed kill. Shortening it means the product may not achieve disinfection, regardless of how strong it is.

Question 24Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

When should an esthetician perform hand hygiene with soap and water?

  1. Only before starting the first client of the day
  2. Only when a client asks
  3. Only after removing gloves if hands are visibly soiled
  4. Before and after each client service Correct answer.

Explanation

Hands are cleaned before and after every client service, and soap and water are used when hands are visibly soiled or after bare-hand contact with body fluids. Alcohol-based sanitizer is an alternative when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 25Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A lancet used for extractions must be disposed of in which manner?

  1. Soaked in disinfectant and reused
  2. In a puncture-resistant sharps container Correct answer.
  3. Recapped and placed in the regular trash
  4. Wrapped in a paper towel and stored in a drawer

Explanation

Contaminated sharps are placed immediately into a closable, puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container. Recapping by hand and disposal in regular trash are prohibited because of needlestick risk.

Question 26Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Gloves should be worn by the esthetician when:

  1. When blood or body fluid contact is likely Correct answer.
  2. Only during extractions
  3. Only when the client has a visible cold sore
  4. Only if the esthetician has a cut

Explanation

Standard precautions require gloves whenever contact with blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin is reasonably anticipated. The decision is based on the task, not on a known diagnosis.

Question 27Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Where should the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a salon chemical be kept?

  1. Filed with client records
  2. Posted on the salon's website only
  3. Accessible to workers on site Correct answer.
  4. Locked in the owner's home

Explanation

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requires SDSs to be readily accessible to workers during their shift. Keeping them on site allows quick access in an emergency.

Question 28Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A product label states that it is an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant. What does this claim indicate?

  1. It replaces the need for cleaning
  2. It kills pathogenic bacteria on hard surfaces Correct answer.
  3. It sterilizes all surfaces including spores
  4. It is safe to use on client skin without rinsing

Explanation

A hospital disinfectant is registered to kill pathogenic bacteria on inanimate, hard, nonporous surfaces in healthcare settings. It is not a sterilant and is not intended for use on skin.

Question 29Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Why is 70% isopropyl alcohol often more effective for disinfection than 99%?

  1. Water content aids protein denaturation Correct answer.
  2. It kills bacterial spores reliably
  3. It evaporates faster, limiting contact
  4. It is EPA-registered as a sterilant

Explanation

The water in 70% alcohol helps denature proteins and slows evaporation, allowing better penetration and contact with microorganisms. Very high concentrations can coagulate surface proteins and evaporate too quickly.

Question 30Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

For a small blood spill on a nonporous tabletop, which disinfectant preparation is appropriate after removing visible material?

  1. A 1:100 bleach dilution
  2. Fresh 1:10 bleach dilution Correct answer.
  3. Rubbing alcohol at 50%
  4. Soap and water alone

Explanation

A freshly prepared 1:10 dilution of household bleach is recommended for blood spills because it has tuberculocidal activity. The surface is cleaned first, then disinfected with the appropriate contact time.

Question 31Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

What is the primary function of an ultrasonic cleaner in implement processing?

  1. It sterilizes implements by killing spores
  2. It stores disinfected implements
  3. It loosens debris before disinfection Correct answer.
  4. It replaces manual cleaning and disinfection

Explanation

An ultrasonic cleaner uses cavitation to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas and is considered a cleaning step. It does not disinfect or sterilize, so implements still require an EPA-registered disinfectant or sterilization afterward.

Question 32Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A salon keeps disinfected implements in a UV cabinet overnight and considers them sterile. What is the limitation?

  1. UV light sterilizes only metal implements
  2. UV light works only in the presence of moisture
  3. It reaches only exposed surfaces Correct answer.
  4. UV cabinets must be emptied every hour

Explanation

UV disinfection is limited to surfaces the light can reach and cannot penetrate soil, packaging, or shadowed areas. It is not a substitute for cleaning and proper disinfection or sterilization.

Question 33Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

How should clean, disinfected metal implements be stored between clients?

  1. Immersed in disinfectant indefinitely
  2. In a drawer with used linens
  3. In an open tray on the workstation
  4. In a closed, clean container Correct answer.

Explanation

Disinfected implements must be protected from contamination and stored in a clean, closed container or cabinet. Open storage allows dust, spills, and client contact to recontaminate them.

Question 34Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Used towels and linens should be:

  1. Kept in the treatment room drawer
  2. Stored with clean linens to save space
  3. Closed, separate from clean linen Correct answer.
  4. Shaken out and reused for the next client

Explanation

Soiled linens are handled as contaminated and kept in closed containers away from clean linens. They are laundered with detergent and hot water and dried thoroughly before reuse.

Question 35Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

After removing disposable gloves that contacted a client's skin, the esthetician should:

  1. Wash hands or use sanitizer Correct answer.
  2. Wipe hands on a clean towel
  3. Rinse gloves and hang them to dry
  4. Apply lotion and continue to the next client

Explanation

Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene, and hands must be cleaned immediately after glove removal. Disposable gloves are discarded, not rinsed or reused.

Question 36Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Which sequence best describes cleanup of a blood-contaminated surface?

  1. Disinfect, then wipe with a dry cloth, then clean
  2. Wipe with a towel, then use UV light
  3. Gloves, absorb bulk, clean, then disinfect Correct answer.
  4. Spray disinfectant over the blood and let it dry

Explanation

Cleanup begins with PPE, then removal of visible material, cleaning of the surface, and application of an EPA-registered disinfectant with the required contact time. Disinfectant applied over blood is inactivated by soil.

Question 37Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A client arrives with an active cold sore on the upper lip. The esthetician should:

  1. Apply a drying product and proceed
  2. Wear two pairs of gloves and continue
  3. Reschedule until the lesion heals Correct answer.
  4. Perform the facial but avoid the mouth area

Explanation

Active herpes simplex lesions are contagious, and services should be postponed until they heal. Avoiding the area or wearing extra gloves does not eliminate the risk of spread or autoinoculation.

Question 38Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A client has a ring-shaped, scaly patch on the cheek. What should the esthetician do?

  1. Proceed and cover it with makeup
  2. Refer out; do not perform service Correct answer.
  3. Treat it with an exfoliating scrub
  4. Apply a warm compress and extract

Explanation

A ring-shaped scaly patch suggests a contagious fungal infection such as tinea, which the esthetician is not trained to diagnose or treat. The client is referred to a physician and service is declined until cleared.

Question 39Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what must an employer offer to employees with occupational exposure risk?

  1. Free hepatitis B vaccination Correct answer.
  2. Annual tuberculosis skin testing
  3. Free lunch breaks
  4. Optional gloves

Explanation

The employer must offer the hepatitis B vaccine at no cost within 10 working days of assignment unless the employee has documented immunity or signs a declination. PPE must also be provided, not left optional.

Question 40Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

An exposure control plan in a salon must include which element?

  1. A copy of each employee's driver's license
  2. Exposure evaluation and follow-up procedures Correct answer.
  3. A marketing plan for the salon
  4. A list of clients who received services

Explanation

The exposure control plan describes exposure determination, methods of compliance, HBV vaccination, hazard communication, and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up. It is reviewed and updated at least annually.

Question 41Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

For a surface contaminated with blood, which disinfectant label claim is specifically needed if bleach is not used?

  1. Sanitizer claim
  2. Tuberculocidal claim Correct answer.
  3. Fungicidal claim only
  4. Deodorizer claim

Explanation

A tuberculocidal claim is used as the benchmark for disinfectants effective against bloodborne pathogens such as HBV and HIV. Sanitizers and deodorizers do not meet this requirement.

Question 42Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Why should bleach never be mixed with ammonia-based cleaning products?

  1. It creates a sticky residue
  2. It can release toxic chloramine gas Correct answer.
  3. It reduces bleach's disinfecting power only
  4. It stains stainless steel

Explanation

Mixing bleach with ammonia produces chloramine gases that can cause severe respiratory injury. Cleaning chemicals should never be combined unless the manufacturer specifically directs it.

Question 43Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

An esthetician develops clusters of fluid-filled blisters on one finger. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Drain the blisters and apply alcohol
  2. Cover with a bandage and continue
  3. Stop work and seek medical care Correct answer.
  4. Wear gloves and continue all services

Explanation

Clusters of fluid-filled blisters on a finger suggest herpetic whitlow, a contagious viral infection. The esthetician should not perform services and should seek medical evaluation before returning to work.

Question 44Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Which statement about sterilization and disinfection is accurate?

  1. Disinfection destroys all microbial life including spores
  2. Sterilization is achieved by wiping with 70% alcohol
  3. Disinfection is only for skin
  4. Sterilization kills all microbes, including spores Correct answer.

Explanation

Sterilization destroys all microbial life, including bacterial spores, while disinfection reduces pathogens but may not eliminate spores. Disinfection is intended for inanimate surfaces, not skin.

Question 45Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

What is the minimum amount of time a person should lather and scrub the hands when washing with soap and water?

  1. 10 seconds
  2. 20 seconds Correct answer.
  3. 60 seconds
  4. 5 seconds

Explanation

Vigorous lathering with soap and water for at least 20 seconds physically lifts and rinses away transient microorganisms from the skin. Shorter scrub times commonly leave the thumbs, fingertips, and spaces between the fingers unwashed. Hands should then be dried with a disposable paper towel.

Question 46Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

A metal extractor slips out of the esthetician's hand and falls onto the floor. Before it may be used on a client, the implement must be:

  1. wiped with a dry paper towel and returned to the tray
  2. placed in a UV cabinet for five minutes
  3. cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected Correct answer.
  4. rinsed briefly in hot water and reused

Explanation

Any implement that contacts the floor is treated as contaminated and must go through the full cleaning and disinfection process before it touches another client. Cleaning removes debris and oils; disinfection then kills the organisms that remain.

Question 47Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

The label on a salon disinfectant states a contact time of 10 minutes. What does this require?

  1. The product must stand for 10 minutes after mixing before first use
  2. Implements must stay fully immersed for the full 10 minutes Correct answer.
  3. The solution must be replaced every 10 minutes of use
  4. The surface must air-dry for 10 minutes before a client is seated

Explanation

Contact time is the wet dwell time the manufacturer states is needed for the product to achieve the kill claims on its label. An item must remain in contact with the disinfectant for that entire period, so immersion must be continuous and complete.

Question 48Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

Which sequence correctly processes a reusable metal implement between clients?

  1. Rinse in water, disinfect, then scrub with soap
  2. Disinfect, rinse, scrub with soap, and air-dry
  3. Spray with disinfectant, then wipe dry with a towel
  4. Wash with soap and water, dry, then immerse in disinfectant Correct answer.

Explanation

Reusable implements follow a fixed order: clean away all residue with soap, water, and a brush; rinse and dry; then completely immerse in an EPA-registered disinfectant for the labeled contact time. Disinfectant cannot penetrate soil, and water carried into the bath dilutes the solution.

Question 49Infection Control, Sanitation, Disinfection, and Salon Safety

An esthetician drops used metal extractors straight into the disinfectant jar without washing them first. Why is this a problem?

  1. Residue can pit and discolor the metal over time
  2. Soil and moisture dilute the solution and shield microbes Correct answer.
  3. Nothing; disinfectants are formulated to work in the presence of soil
  4. The disinfectant will evaporate faster and must be topped up daily

Explanation

Disinfectants are intended for pre-cleaned items. Blood, sebum, and cream residue consume and dilute the active ingredient while physically shielding microorganisms, so the product may not achieve its labeled kill claims even if the item soaks long enough.

Question 50Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Supporting Structures

Which layer of the epidermis is the outermost one and consists of flattened, fully keratinized cells that are continuously shed?

  1. stratum corneum Correct answer.
  2. stratum granulosum
  3. stratum spinosum
  4. stratum basale

Explanation

Epidermal cells mature as they move upward, so the most superficial layer holds the oldest, most keratinized cells. That surface layer is the stratum corneum, whose flattened corneocytes are constantly desquamated and replaced from below.