Indiana PSI Nail Technician Practice Test

Which disinfectant is appropriate for stopping the takeover of the host cell's reproductive function?

1. Alcohol

2. Virucidal

3. Bacterial

4. Contaminated

The correct answer is: Virucidal

The appropriate disinfectant for stopping the takeover of the host cell's reproductive function is a virucidal agent. Virucidal disinfectants are specifically formulated to inactivate or destroy viruses, which can hijack a host cell's machinery to reproduce themselves. These disinfectants work by targeting the viral structure or interfering with the virus's ability to replicate, effectively preventing the virus from spreading and taking control of additional cells in the host. In contrast, alcohol is not guaranteed to be effective against all types of viruses, especially non-enveloped viruses, which are more resistant to its effects. Bacterial disinfectants primarily focus on eliminating bacteria and may not have the necessary efficacy against viral agents. The term "contaminated" does not refer to a disinfectant at all; it describes the state of being polluted or infected, which does not contribute to any pathogen control. Therefore, virucidal agents are the best choice for addressing viral threats by blocking their reproductive capabilities in host cells.