California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A client asks a cosmetologist why she isn't required to sterilize her skin completely before every service, since bacteria are present everywhere. How should the cosmetologist best explain nonpathogenic bacteria?
- AThey are found exclusively on improperly disinfected implements
- BThey can only survive inside blood and body fluids
- CThey make up the majority of bacteria and are harmless or even beneficial to humans
- DThey are disease-causing organisms that produce toxins in the body
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. They make up the majority of bacteria and are harmless or even beneficial to humans
Nonpathogenic bacteria make up about 70% of all bacteria and are generally harmless, sometimes performing useful functions such as aiding digestion. Pathogenic bacteria, by contrast, are the disease-causing minority.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Nonpathogenic bacteria exist everywhere, not just on dirty tools.
- B. Nonpathogenic bacteria live on skin, water, air, and food, not just fluids.
- D. This describes pathogenic, not nonpathogenic, bacteria.
Pathogenic vs Nonpathogenic Bacteria
Nonpathogenic bacteria are harmless or beneficial and make up the majority of bacteria; pathogenic bacteria cause disease and are the minority.
- ~70% of bacteria are nonpathogenic
- Pathogenic bacteria produce toxins and cause infection
- Standard precautions treat all clients as potentially carrying pathogens
Memory trick: Most bacteria are 'Non' problems — only a few are 'Path'ological