Chapter 20: Sterilization and Disinfection

Question 1

The first step toward reducing the potential hazards associated with contaminated instruments is:
A.  Sterilization
B.  Assembly
C.  Aeration
D.  Decontamination

Answer 1

D. Decontamination

Question 2

Cleaning and decontamination of instruments should begin when:
A. The instruments are taken to the sterile processing department
B. The instruments are selected for the procedure
C. The instrument is first used
D. The instrument falls off the sterile field

Answer 2

C. The instrument is first used

Question 3

Each employee working with contaminated goods must adhere to standard precautions as required by:
A.  FDA
B.  The Joint Commission
C.  OSHA
D.  EPA

Answer 3

C. OSHA

Question 4

Which of the following are approved methods for mechanically cleaning contaminated instruments?
A.  Ultrasonic washer
B.  Washer-disinfector
C.  Washer sterilizer
D.  All of the above

Answer 4

D. All of the above

Question 5

Sterilization can be accomplished by several methods.  Which of the following are acceptable sterilization methods?
A.  Thermal
B. Chemical
C.  Radiation
D.  All of the above

Answer 5

D. All of the above

Question 6

Which is the most economical and commonly used sterilization method for heat-tolerant items?
A.  Steam
B.  Ozone
C.  Low temperature gas plasma
D.  None of the above

Answer 6

A. Steam

Question 7

Flash sterilization of implants is discouraged because the result of the biological monitoring is not available before implantation
A. True
B. False

Answer 7

A. True

Question 8

All loaner instruments should be considered \_\_\_\_\_\_ and should be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ before use.
A.  Sterile, examined
B.  Contaminated, sterilized
C.  Sterile, re-sterilized
D.  Contaminated, flashed

Answer 8

B. Contaminated, sterilized

Question 9

Implants are foreign bodies and they increase the risk of surgical site infection.  Therefore, implants should be \_\_\_\_\_\_ and not released until the rapid-action biological indicator provides a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ result.
A.  Quarantined, status quo
B.  Sterilized, dynamic
C.  Quarantined, negative
D.  Sterilized, positive

Answer 9

C. Quarantined, negative

Question 10

The shelf life of a packaged sterile item is considered:
A.  Event related
B.  Sterile forever
C.  Sterile for 30 days
D.  None of the above

Answer 10

A. Event related

Question 11

Which of the following would be considered noncritical items?
A.  Blood pressure cuffs
B.  Foley catheters
C.  Needles
D.  All of the above

Answer 11

D. All of the above

Question 12

List the properties of low-temperature gas plasma hydrogen peroxide sterilization

Answer 12

Decreased processing time, no required exhaust monitoring, no toxic residue, plasma is noncorrosive. It is effective for moisture and heat sensitive items. It does not require aeration and items are dry at the end of the cycle.

Question 13

Explain the difference between a class 3 chemical indicator and a class 5 chemical indicator.

Answer 13

Class 3 - process indicator that reacts to a single parameter of the sterilization process

Class 5 - process indicator designed to react to all critical parameters over a specified range or sterilization cycles

Question 14

Provide an example of an item that falls into each of the Spaulding Classification categories and rationale for that classification.

Answer 14

Critical - instruments or objects introduced into the human body, come in contact with the blood stream or normally sterile areas of the body. Example - laparoscopic instruments, implants, cardiac catheters

Semi critical - come in contact with mucous membranes and do not penetrate body surfaces. Example - endoscope, laryngoscope/blades, respiratory equipment

Non critical - come in contact with patients unbroken skin. Example - BP cuffs, bedpans, pulse ox