CRQ Aseptic Technique, Sterility, and Disinfection Flashcards by Taylor Arciola

Which of the following statements regarding the sterilization of basin sets is true?

A) Basins must be separated by a porous material if they are nested

B) sponges and linen may be packaged inside the basin to be sterilized

C) Basins are placed flat in the autoclave

D) Basins must always be placed on the top shelf of the autoclave in a combined load

A) Basins must be separated by a porous material if they are nested

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Procedure for destroying pathogens at the end of a procedure is:

A) surgical asepsis

B) surgical conscience

C) sterilization

D) terminal sterilization

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Degree of microbial contamination:

A) Bioburden

B) Contaminated

C) Infected

D) Surgical Asepsis

A) Bioburden

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In the middle of a surgical procedure a critical stainless steel instrument is contaminated and there is no sterile replacement. Which time setting would be selected for the immidiate use sterilizer (flash)?

A) 3 minutes

B) 10 minutes

C) 15 minutes

D) 30 minutes

A) 3 minutes

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Eyewear, goggles, and or face shields should be worn

A) on every case

B) on orthopedic cases

C) on vascular cases

D) on positive HIV cases

A) on every case

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The Bowie -Dick test must run daily in which of the following types of sterilizers?

A) Ethylene oxide gas

B) Hydrogen peroxide plasma

C) paracetic acid

D) prevacuum

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When draping the sterile field, the scrubbed person would do all of the following except:

A) drape from the periphery to the operative site

B) Protect the gloved hand with a cuff

C) drape the patient and all the furniture and equipment to be included in the sterile field

D) hold drapes in a compact position above the waist level

A) drape from the periphery to the operative site

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The surgical scrub is

A) sterilization of the skin

B) mechanical cleansing of the skin

C) chemical cleansing of the skin

D) mechanical washing and chemical antisepsis of the skin

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Agent that kills microorganisms on inanimate oblects

A) Aerosol

B) Antiseptic

C) Disinfectant

D) sporicidal

C) Disinfectant

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The maximum storage life for a muslin-wrapped item in a closed cabinet is

A) 7 days

B) 14 days

C) 21 days

D) 30 days

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Any item dropped on the floor is considered safe only if

A) it is wrapped in woven material

B) it is enclosed in a impervious material

C) it is used right away

D) it is inspected carefully

B) it is enclosed in a impervious material

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If the scrub nurse needs to change a glove during a operation

A) the scrub must also regown

B) the circulator pulls the glove off

C) the scrub pulls the glove off

D) the scrub uses closed glove technique to reapply gloves

B) the circulator pulls the glove off

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What method of sterilization is used on objects that cannot tolerate heat, moisture, and the presence of steam sterilization?

A) gravity displacement

B) ETO

C) Hydrogen peroxode

D) Cidex

B) ETO

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Scrub technique ends

A) 2 inches below the elbow

B) just below the elbow

C) at the elbow

D) 2 inches above the elbow

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In which procedure would a high-level disinfectant be acceptable instrument preparation?

A) Suction lipectomy

B) tracheotomy

C) cystoscopy

D) mediastinoscopy

C) cystoscopy

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All of the following statements regarding gowning another person are true EXCEPT

A) open the hand towel and lay it on the person’s hand

B) hand the folded gown to the person at the neck band

C) keep hands on the outside of the gown under a protective cuff

D) release the gown once the person touches it

B) hand the folded gown to the person at the neck band

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The scrub has completed the sterile set up when notified that the surgeon will be 30 minutes late. He or She would:

A) remain with the sterile field until further notified

B) cover the sterile items and take a break

C) break scrub and get directions from the supervisor

D) find a comfortable stool and wait for further instructions

A) remain with the sterile field until further notified

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At the end of the case, drapes should be

A) pulled off and placed in the hamper

B) rolled off and placed on the floor so they can be checked for instruments

C) rolled off and placed in the hamper

D) checked for instruments, rolled off, and placed in the hamper

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Which of the following types of sterilizers require a drying cycle?

A) gravity displacement

B) ethylene oxide gas

C) ionizing radiation

D) paracetic acid

A) gravity displacement

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Packages wrapped in muslin must have

A) one thickness

B) two thickness

C) three thickness

D) four thickness

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When storing sterile packs, you should place them:

A) in open cabinets near a vent

B) behind packs with older dates

C) on their sides

D) in areas of high humidity

B) behind packs with older dates

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When flipping a sterile item onto the field, the circulator may

A) lean over the sterile field to shake item out of package

B) project item without reaching over the sterile field

C) shake item into sterile basin stand

D) lean over sterile linen pack and drop them onto it

B) project item without reaching over the sterile field

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Gluteradlehyde is a high-level disinfectant, that is,a sporicidal, a bacteriocidal, and a virocidal at a 2% concentration for _______, it is also a tuberculocidal.

A) 10 minutes

B) 15 minutes

C) 20 minutes

D) 40 minutes

C) 20 minutes

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When using a high-level disinfectant, always

A) submerge items while wet

B) rinse items with sterile distilled water before using

C) soak items in saline before using

D) add hot diluent to activated agent

B) rinse items with sterile distilled water before using

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Agent that inhibits bacterial growth: A) Aerosol B) Antiseptic C) Bacteriocidal D) Bacteriostasis

D) Bacteriostasis

All of the following regarding instrument sets are true Except? A) instruments must be placed in perforated trays B) heavy instruments are placed on the bottom C) all instruments must be closed D) all detachable parts must be disassembled

C) all instruments must be closed

Agent that kills bacteria. A) Bacteriocidal B) Bacteriostasis C) Disinfectant D) Sterile

A) Bacteriocidal

When opening a wrapper, the circulator should open the top flap A) toward self B) away from self C) after the sides D) over the sterile field

B) away from self

An acceptable action when drying the hands and arms after the surgical scrub is to A) dry from elbow to fingertip B) dry thoroughly, cleanest area first C) keep the hands and arms close to the body, at waist level D) dry one hand and arm thoroughly before proceeding to the next

B) dry thoroughly, cleanest area first

If a solution soaks through a sterile drape A) discard drape and replace it B) cover wet area with impervious sterile drape or towel C) cover wet area with at least two layers of fabric D) fill out a incident report at the end of the case

B) cover wet area with impervious sterile drape or towel

Which statement regarding the surgical scrub indicates Inappropriate preparation by the scrub? A) Artificial nails/ devices must not cover nails B) Nail polish may be worn, if not chipped C) Finger nails should not reach beyond fingertips D) Skin should be protected with a non-oil-based product

B) Nail polish may be worn, if not chipped

Means without infection: A) Antiseptic B) Aseptic C) Sanitary D) Sterile

B) Aseptic

Bioburden refers to A) the degree of microbial contamination B) a hospital acquired infection C) a chemical agent D) high-level disinfectant

A) the degree of microbial contamination

Gravity displacement, steam sterilizers operate on the principle that A) Air is heavier than steam B) air and steam have equal weight C) steam is heavier than air D) water is heavier than air

A) Air is heavier than steam

Regarding the surgical scrub, which statement would violate acceptable practice? A) Fingermails should not reach beyond fingertip B) Nail polish may be worn if freshly applied C) Anyone with a cut, abrasion, or hangnail should not scrub D) A non-oil-based hand lotion may be used to protect the skin

B) Nail polish may be worn if freshly applied

Sterility was previously measured by time but is now considered invalid. The principle used now is A) carefully checked sterile indicators B) event-related sterility C) terminal sterilization D) Both B and C

D) Both B and C

What is the function of an aerator in EO sterilization? A) It is used to aerate items before sterilization B) it is a separate unit used to decrease the aeration time C) It is the last cycle in the EO sterilizer, which helps exhaust the gas and add air D) It adds air to the cycle, which is essential for obtaining ite, sterility

B) it is a separate unit used to decrease the aeration time

An effective surgical scrub procedure is A) time method B) brush-stroke method C) 3-minute anatomic method D) both A and B

D) both A and B

Which of the following is the only acceptable plastic that can be used for a steam sterilization wrapper? A) Polyethylene B) Polypropylene C) Polyamide D) Polyvinyl Chloride

B) Polypropylene

When dispensing sterile items to a sterile field, the circulator would: A) open the far side of the package last B) stand as close to the sterile field as possible C) ensure the wrapper tails are properly secured D) recap the ramaining portion of the sterile saline for dispensing later during the procedure

C) ensure the wrapper tails are properly secured

All are environmental disinfectants used for low-level disinfection and terminal decontamination except A) gluteraldehyde B) hypochlorite C) quaternary ammonium compound D) alcohol

A) gluteraldehyde

Which of the following is essential when using activated gluteraldehyde for sterilization? A) items must be rinsed thoroughly in steile water before use B) The solution must be heated in order to be effective C) The items must be thoroughly moistened before placement in solution D) The items must be air dried before use

A) items must be rinsed thoroughly in steile water before use

When opening supplies for a case, what should be passed directly to the scrub, or flipped into an area where they are clearly visible? A) medications B) 10cc syringe C) Peanuts D) Blades

D) Blades

The safest, most practical means for sterilizing heat- and moisture-stable items is: A) Ethylene oxide B) Activated gluteraldehyde C) bioling water D) saturated steam under pressure

D) saturated steam under pressure

What is the role of moisture in EO sterilization? A) The items will dry out during the process if no humidity is added B) The sterilizer will deteriorate from gas over a period of time if no moisture is added C) Dried spores are resistant to the gas, so the must be hydrated D) Moisture is not an essential element in gas sterilization

C) Dried spores are resistant to the gas, so the must be hydrated

Professional commitment to honesty, use of strict aseptic technique,conscientiousness, and respect for others A) Surgical asepsis B) Surgical Conscience C) Code of Ethics D) Code of Honor

B) Surgical Conscience

The process of terminal decontamination follows every case. Decontamination of the walls consists of A) cleaning all walls up to 3 feet B) cleaning all walls up to 1 foot C) spot clean where soiled D) always clean with alcohol

C) spot clean where soiled

Which of the following kills bacterial spores? A) Sterilant B) Germicide C) Antiseptic D) Fungicide

A) Sterilant

Sterile personnel must pass each other A) right to left B) should never pass each other C) back to back, front to front D) does not really matter because gowns that wrap around are used

C) back to back, front to front

Most packaged sterilized equipment from a manufacturer such as sutures, sponges, and disposable drapes are sterilized by means of A) ETO B) Cobalt 60 (ionizing radiation) C) gravity displacement sterilizer D) quaternary ammonium compounds

B) Cobalt 60 (ionizing radiation)

When packaging instruments for sterilization, instruments should be: A) fully assembled B) lubricated C) placed in closely nested section D) left open and/or placed on a rack

D) left open and/or placed on a rack

Standards during surgery include all Except A) nonsterile team members do not pass between two sterile fields B) sterile gowns are only considered sterile from the waist to the axillary lines, from hands to shoulders C) movement should be kept to a minimum D) if there is any doubt about the sterility of the item, consider it contaminated

B) sterile gowns are only considered sterile from the waist to the axillary lines, from hands to shoulders

Which statement regarding the scrub procedure is NOT true? A) It reduces the microbial count B) It leaves an antimicrobial residue C) It renders the skin aseptic D) It removes skin oil

C) It renders the skin aseptic

Process of detroying pathogenic organisms, except spores A) Disinfection B) Decontamination C) Surgical asepsis D) Sanitary

A) Disinfection

The commercial name for gluteraldehyde is A) peracetic acid B) phenol C) Quats D) Cidex

D) Cidex

Gowns are considered sterile only from A) waist to neck level in front and back, and the sleeves B) waist to shoulder, front and back, and the sleeves C) neck to thighs in front and the sleeves D) only in front from chest to sterile field level, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs

D) only in front from chest to sterile field level, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs

Standard precautions evolved from a practice called A) universal B) aseptic technique C) EBP D) the method of thinking and doing

A) universal

the minimal temperature required to kill bacterial spores is: A) 212*F (100*C) B) 270*F (132*C) C) 250* F (121*C) D) 32*F (0*C)

C) 250* F (121*C)

Chemical that inhibits growth of endogenous microorganisms (resident flora) on skin and mucous membranes A) Aerosol B) Antiseptic C) Aseptic D) Sporicidal

B) Antiseptic

Spillage of blood that occurs during surgery should be: A) covered with an impervious drape B) sectioned off from traffic C) cleaned up at the end of the procedure D) cleaned up immidiately

D) cleaned up immidiately

A wrapped tray of instruments is sterilized in a gravity displacement sterilizer at 250*F for A) 10 minutes B) 15 minutes C) 30 minutes D) 40 minutes

C) 30 minutes

Disinfectant that should not be used on lensed instruments due to the potential for loosening the “cement” around the lens is: A) gluteraldehyde B) isopropyl alcohol C) chlorine compounds D) phenolic compounds

B) isopropyl alcohol

Wrapped basin sets may be sterilized by steam under pressure at 250*F for a minimum of A) 5 minutes B) 10 minutes C) 15 minutes D) 20 minutes

D) 20 minutes

Which of the following is not an acceptable method of transporting contaminated instruments down the hall following a surgical procedure: A) in a closed case cart B) covered in a plastic bag C) in an open-mesh bottom tray D) any of the above are acceptable

C) in an open-mesh bottom tray

According to the Spaulding system, what risk is assigned to sterile body tissue including the vascular system? A) critical B) semicritical C) noncritical D) intermediately critical

A) critical

In a high speed flash sterilizer, unwrapped instruments are exposed for a minimum of A) 1 minute B) 3 minutes C) 5 minutes D) 10 minutes

B) 3 minutes

A chemical agent used in gas sterilization is A) ethylene glycol B) ethacrynate sodium C) ethyl chloride D) ethylene oxide

D) ethylene oxide

All factors increase the surgical patients risk for infection Except A) location of surgery B) health of the patient C) length of the procedure D) position of the patient

D) position of the patient

Instrumentation and equipment are processed according to their level of risk. This system is known as A) evidence based practice B) the Spaulding method C) reprocessing D) Central monitoring

B) the Spaulding method

To kill spores , an item must be immersed in a 2% aqueous solution of gluteraldehyde for A) 20 minutes B) 2 hours C) 10 hours D) 24 hours

C) 10 hours

Personal protective equipment (PPE) used in includes all of the following Except A) protective eyewear B) facemask C) surgical and/ or patient care gloves D) full protectivebody suit or gown

C) surgical and/ or patient care gloves

Asepsis means A) without infection B) destroys bacteria C) clean D) absence of microbes

D) absence of microbes

Items that contact sterile tissue and must be sterilized are considered: A) critical B) semicritical C) noncritical D) restricted

A) critical

Identify which of the following is not a safe practice A) discard opened sterile bottles B) sterile persons drape first toward themselves, then away C) sterile persons face sterile areas D) sterile tables may be covered for later use

D) sterile tables may be covered for later use

All of the following regarding steam sterilization are true except A) flat packages are placed on the shelf on edge B) small packages, placed one on top of the other, are crisscrossed C) basins are placed on their sides D) solutions may be autoclaved along with other items as long as they are on a shelf alone

D) solutions may be autoclaved along with other items as long as they are on a shelf alone

Mechanically clean but unsterile: A) Suirgically Clean B) Surgical Asepsis C) Sterile D) Sanitary

A) Suirgically Clean

Activated gluteraldehyde is used to disinfect endoscopes for A) 5 minutes B) 10 minutes C) 20 minutes D) 60 minutes

C) 20 minutes

When the scrub nurse opens the inner sterile wrapper A) the side nearest the body is opened first B) the side nearest the body is opened last C) the lateral areas are done first D) both a and b

A) the side nearest the body is opened first

All of the following statements regarding muslin wrappers are true Except A) muslin must be laundered, even if unused, in order to rehydrate it B) a 140 thread count of unbleached muslin is used for wrappers C) muslin in flexible and easy to handle D) small holes can be repaired by stitching on a patch

D) small holes can be repaired by stitching on a patch

Agent capable of killing spores A) Sporicidal B) Bacteriocidal C) Antiseptic D) Disinfectant

A) Sporicidal

Evidence-based practice relies on A) opinion and tradition B) past evident practices C) current practices D) science and evidence

D) science and evidence

The lumen of a tubing undergoing ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is A) well lubricated B) dried thoroughly C) prepared with risidual of distilled water D) prepared with NaCl flush

B) dried thoroughly

Ethelyne oxide destroys cells by A) interfering with the normal metabolism of the protein and reproductive processes B) coagulating cell protein C) converting ions to thermal and chemical energy causing cell death D) shrinking the cell

A) interfering with the normal metabolism of the protein and reproductive processes

When removing sterile attire, arrange following in proper order (1)remove your gloves, (2) remove your gown, (3) remove your mask, (4) remove gown and gloves together, then mask: A) 1,2,3 B) 4 C) 2,1,3 D) 3.2.1

C) 2,1,3

Completely free from all microorganisms and spores A) Sporicidal B) Surgically Clean C) Sterile D) Decontamination

C) Sterile

Which statement best describes an effective surgical hand scrub? A) Time, no anatomical sequence B) Number of strokes, no anatomical sequence C) Time or number of strokes, hand to elbow sequence D) Number of strokes, elbow to hand sequence

C) Time or number of strokes, hand to elbow sequence

To achieve 270*F, the required pressure is A) 15 psi B) 20 psi C) 27 psi D) 40 psi

C) 27 psi

Why would gas sterilization be chosen over steam sterilization? A) It is less expensive B) It is less damaging to items C) It is faster D) It is more effective

B) It is less damaging to items

When steam is used to sterilize rubber tubing or catheter A) the lumen must be dried thoroughly before the process begins B) a rubber band may be placed around it so it does not unwind C) it should be fan-folded before wrapping D) a residual of distilled water should be left inside the lumen

D) a residual of distilled water should be left inside the lumen

Tables are considered sterile A) on the top and 2 inches below the table level B) up to 2 feet off the ground C) on the top and in the area that has been pulled clode to the sterile feild D) only on the top

D) only on the top

What is the shelf life of Cidex? A) Between 14 and 28 days B) 7 days C) 1 month D) indefinite

A) Between 14 and 28 days

Tables are considered sterile A) on the top and 2 inches below the table level B) up to 2 feet off the ground C) on the top and in the area that has been pulled close to the sterile field D) only on the top

D) only on the top

What chemical system uses peracetic acid as the sterilant? A) Ozone gas sterilization B) Steris C) Sterrad D) vapor phase sterilizer

B) Steris

When placing tubing in an activated gluteraldehyde solution, one should A) use a shallow container B) be certain that the interior of the tubing is completely filled C) moisten it thoroughly before submersion D) both B and C

B) be certain that the interior of the tubing is completely filled

Which statement regarding the removal of gown and gloves does not meet safe criteria? A) The gloves are removed before the gown B) The gown is pulled of inside out C) The gown is untied by the circulator D) The gloves are removed inside out

A) The gloves are removed before the gown

When opening sterile supplies, all of the following are proper techniques Except A) do not readjust the table drape after it has been opened B) open the first flap away from you on an unwrapped item C) remember not to lean over a sterile field D) when opening items in a peel pouch, slowly allow the item to slide out of the package onto the sterile field

D) when opening items in a peel pouch, slowly allow the item to slide out of the package onto the sterile field

The minimum distance a nonsterile person should remian from a sterile field is A) 6 inches B) 1 foot C) 2 feet D) 3 feet

B) 1 foot

Chemical monitors have been placed inside and outside of all packs to be sterilized. This monitor shows A) the item is sterile B) proper packaging is achieved C) the paramaeters such as heat and pressure have been reached D) the proper time has been met

C) the paramaeters such as heat and pressure have been reached

Bioburden refers to: A) an agent that kills microorganisms on inanimate objects B) the process of destroying all microorganisms, including spores C) inhibition of bacterial growth D) the degree of microbial contamination

D) the degree of microbial contamination

A 30 minute single-use sterilization system useful for endoscopes is A) Steris B) ETO C) steam under pressure D) cold sterilization

A) Steris

The purpose of washing the hands prior to the surgical scrub is to: A) render them sterile B) remove gross soil and transient microorganisms C) protect personnel from contracting diseaase from the patient D) remove resident microorganisms

B) remove gross soil and transient microorganisms

To be sterilized effectively, a linen pack must not weigh more than A) 12 pounds B) 14 pounds C) 16 pounds D) 18 pounds

A) 12 pounds

If the temperature on the steam sterilizer is 270*F, what should the pressure reading be? A) 15 to 17 psi B) 20 to 25 psi C) 27 psi D) 30 to 35 psi

C) 27 psi

The purpose of keeping the doors to the operating room closed is to: A) decrease noise level B) maintain negative pressure C) maintain possitive pressure D) maintain proper temperature

C) maintain possitive pressure

Gravity displacement utilizes __________ to destroy microorganisms. A) gas B) radiation C) gamma rays D) steam

D) steam

When using a pour solution A) a portion may be poured and the cap replaced B) the contents must be used or discarded after the bottle is opened C) the cap may be replaced if it has not been placed on a nonsterile surface D) the solution may be used on the same case if the cap is not replaced

B) the contents must be used or discarded after the bottle is opened

Aeration is essential following sterilization by: A) ionizing radiation B) hydrogen peropxide plasma C) activated gluteraldehyde D) ethylene oxide gas

D) ethylene oxide gas

“Slow Exhaust” in a gravity displacement steam sterilizer is used for A) plastics B) solutions C) rubber D) drape packs

B) solutions

Gastrointestinal endoscopes are characterized as __________ under the Spaulding sterilization system. A) critical B) semi-critical C) noncritical D) scopes are not considered in the Spaulding system

B) semi-critical

What is known as the center of your sterile field? A) Back table B) Mayo C) Surgeon D) Draped patient

D) Draped patient

When water comes in contact with a sterile drape or gown, it can cause A) strike through contamination B) slippery surface C) resident flora D) create a potential fire hazard

A) strike through contamination

A process called cavitation occurs in the A) moist heat sterilizer B) ultrasonic cleaner C) high-speed pressure sterilizer D) washer-sterilizer

B) ultrasonic cleaner

Transfer forceps are A) not considered safe to use routinely B) safe to use C) safe to use if solution is changed daily D) recommended for removal of instruments from the flash autoclave

A) not considered safe to use routinely

The following statements regarding wrapping materials are true except A) disposable nonwoven wrappers are intended for one use only B) you can use two 140 thread count per square inch C) you can use one 280 nthread count per square inch D) peel pouches can be used on all instruments including large heavy instruments and micro instruments

D) peel pouches can be used on all instruments including large heavy instruments and micro instruments

When disinfecting instruments for use, you would do all of the following except; A) rinse immidiately before putting in the germicide B) clean to reduce the bioburden C) ensure that all surfaces are exposed to the germicidal agent D) rinse thoroughly with sterile distilled water following contact with the germicide

A) rinse immidiately before putting in the germicide

The most reliable way to monitor the effectiveness of the sterilizer that ensures sterilization parameters have been met is: A) biological B) mechanical C) chemical D) none, monitoring is not required

A) biological

What is the standard safety margin on package wrappers? A) Up to the edge B) less than 1 inch C) 1 inch or more D) None of the above

C) 1 inch or more

Which of the following is not an acceptable wrapper for gas sterilization? A) Nylon B) Muslin C) Paper D) Plastic

A) Nylon

If there is a break in sterile technique during the procedure, the STSR should tell A) the surgeon B) the person who broke technique C) the circulator D) everyone in the lounge

B) the person who broke technique

The brush-stroke method of scrubbing prescribes the number of strokes required. Indicate the number for each: nails, fingers, hand (back and palm) and arms. A) 40,30,30,30 B) 40,40,20,20 C) 30,20,20,20 D) 30,20,10,10

C) 30,20,20,20