CLEANING, DECONTAMINATION & DISINFECTION Flashcards
You only need to replenish chemicals in equipment when they are completely used up.
True or False
The correct answer is B, False. Chemicals should be replenished before they are completely used up to maintain consistent cleaning efficiency. Waiting until they’re completely depleted could lead to substandard cleaning results and potentially put patients at risk.
Traffic flow in the central sterile department does not significantly affect cross-contamination.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Traffic flow is critical in preventing cross-contamination. It ensures that clean and dirty items are segregated and that there is a unidirectional flow from dirty to clean areas, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
What type of disinfectant is recommended for sterilizing semi-critical items, according to the Spaulding Classification?
A. Low-level disinfectant
B. High-level disinfectant
C. Sterilant
D. Intermediate-level disinfectant
The correct answer is B. High-level disinfectant. According to the Spaulding Classification, semi-critical items, which are items that come into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes, should be disinfected with a high-level disinfectant. Low-level disinfectants are for non-critical items, while sterilants are for critical items. Intermediate-level disinfectants fall between low and high-level disinfectants and are not specifically recommended for semi-critical items.
A disinfectant is chosen for its effectiveness against a certain type of microorganism. Which disinfectant family is particularly effective against non-enveloped viruses?
A. Halogens
B. Quats
C. Aldehydes
D. Peroxides
The correct answer is A. Halogens. Halogens, such as chlorine and iodine, are effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including non-enveloped viruses. Quats (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds) are less effective against these types of viruses. Aldehydes and peroxides can also be effective but are typically used for different purposes or as high-level disinfectants.
It is necessary to record the temperature and humidity readings in the decontamination area only once a day.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. Temperature and humidity in the decontamination area should be checked and documented multiple times throughout the day. This helps to ensure that conditions remain within acceptable ranges and allows for any adjustments or corrective actions to be made as needed.
High-level disinfection (HLD) equipment can be transported in an open container as long as it is labeled properly.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. High-level disinfection (HLD) equipment should be transported in a closed container to prevent spills or leaks during transport. While proper labeling is important for identification purposes, it does not compensate for the lack of a closed container, which ensures the safety and integrity of the disinfection solution and equipment during transit.
Which is the best way to ensure that bioburden has been effectively removed from an instrument during the cleaning process?
A. Visually inspecting the instrument under magnification.
B. Smelling the instrument.
C. Tasting the instrument.
D. Feeling the instrument with bare hands.
The correct answer is A. Visually inspecting an instrument under magnification is the most effective method to ensure bioburden removal. Tasting (C), smelling (B), and touching (D) are not safe or effective methods for verifying cleanliness.
Which of the following is an incorrect practice in relation to sustainability in the central service area?
A. Sending all plastic waste to a third-party recycling vendor.
B. Separating reusable items from disposable ones.
C. Using disposable items more than once to minimize waste.
D. Cooperating with sustainability initiatives in the healthcare facility.
The correct answer is C. Using disposable items more than once to minimize waste. Disposable items are designed for one-time use and reusing them may lead to cross-contamination and potential infections. A is incorrect because recycling is an acceptable practice that aligns with sustainability efforts. B is incorrect because sorting reusable and disposable items is a standard practice in central service areas. D is incorrect because participating in sustainability initiatives is typically encouraged.
During your shift in the Central Service Department, a nurse brings in a stethoscope that was used during the day. She requests that it be cleaned and disinfected for use the next day. According to the Spaulding Classification, what type of disinfection should be applied to the stethoscope?
A. Critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Non-critical
D. Sterilization
The correct answer is C. Non-critical. A stethoscope is classified as non-critical because it only comes into contact with the patient’s intact skin. Therefore, it requires low-level disinfection. Semi-critical and critical levels of disinfection, as well as sterilization, are unnecessary for this type of instrument and may lead to unnecessary costs and resource usage.
When considering ergonomics in a Central Service department, why is it important to consider the workflow?
A. To minimize physical strain on staff
B. To increase productivity
C. To improve staff satisfaction
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. All of the above. An efficient workflow minimizes physical strain on staff (A), increases productivity (B), and can improve staff satisfaction (C). Therefore, it is a key factor in considering ergonomics in a Central Service department.
You observe a new staff member struggling to move a heavy piece of equipment. What should be your course of action?
A. Let them figure it out as it’s a learning experience
B. Offer to move the equipment for them
C. Report them to the supervisor
D. Show them how to use proper body mechanics to move the equipment safely
The correct answer is D. Show them how to use proper body mechanics to move the equipment safely. Offering assistance and teaching correct body mechanics is the most beneficial action in this scenario. Simply moving the equipment for them (B) would not provide them the knowledge they need for future tasks, while letting them figure it out (A) could potentially lead to injury. Reporting them to the supervisor (C) is unnecessary unless the behaviour continues despite training.
A hospital uses low-temperature sterilization for heat-sensitive devices. One day, the Central Service Technician notices some moisture inside the sterilization pouch after the process. What does this indicate?
A. The sterilization process was successful
B. The sterilization cycle was too short
C. The sterilization pouch has been damaged
D. The sterilization process was not successful
The correct answer is D. The sterilization process was not successful
Explanation: If there is moisture inside the sterilization pouch after a low-temperature sterilization cycle, it is a sign that the sterilization process was not successful (D). Sterilization requires both the removal of all viable microorganisms and the complete drying of the item. Moisture can provide a pathway for microorganisms to re-contaminate the sterilized items. The presence of moisture does not necessarily indicate that the sterilization pouch has been damaged (C) or that the sterilization cycle was too short (B).
A Central Service Technician has to decontaminate a piece of equipment from a patient room with C.difficile. Which of the following disinfectants would be most appropriate to use in this situation?
A. A bleach-based disinfectant
B. A quaternary ammonium disinfectant
C. An alcohol-based disinfectant
D. A phenolic disinfectant
The correct answer is A. A bleach-based disinfectant
Explanation: Clostridium difficile (C.difficile) spores are highly resistant to most commonly used disinfectants. The use of a bleach-based disinfectant (A) is recommended as bleach is one of the few agents capable of killing C.difficile spores. Quaternary ammonium (B), alcohol-based (C), and phenolic disinfectants (D) do not reliably kill C.difficile spores.
During the cleaning process of surgical instruments, a Central Service Technician notices some visible biofilm on a surgical scissor. What should the technician do next?
A. Wipe the instrument with a dry cloth to remove the biofilm
B. Proceed to the disinfection process as planned
C. Immerse the instrument in an enzymatic cleaner to break down the biofilm
D. Use a sterilization wrap to cover the instrument before processing
The correct answer is C. Immerse the instrument in an enzymatic cleaner to break down the biofilm
Explanation: Biofilm is resistant to regular cleaning, disinfection, and even sterilization processes. Thus, when biofilm is present, the instrument should be immersed in an enzymatic cleaner (C) to break down the biofilm. Wiping with a dry cloth (A) is not effective in removing biofilm. Proceeding to the disinfection process (B) or covering with a sterilization wrap (D) while biofilm is still present can lead to ineffective sterilization and potential cross-contamination.
A Central Service Technician accidentally splashes some chemical disinfectant on his bare skin while cleaning a medical device. What is the appropriate next step?
A. Immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water
B. Wipe off the disinfectant with a dry cloth
C. Apply an antibacterial cream on the affected area
D. Continue work and wash the area at the end of the shift
The correct answer is A. Immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water
Explanation: In the event of a chemical splash, it is critical to immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water (A) to dilute and remove the chemical and mitigate skin damage. Simply wiping off the disinfectant (B) would not adequately remove the chemical, and antibacterial cream (C) is not designed to neutralize chemical burns or irritations. Continuing work and washing later (D) could allow the chemical to cause more harm.
