Principles and Techniques of Instrument Processing and Sterilization

Question 1

The classification of categories that should be heat sterilized are

Answer 1

• All Critical

- Semi-Critical

Question 2

The process that kills all microorganisms, including endospores.

Answer 2

Sterilization

Question 3

When processing instruments a dental assistant must always use

Answer 3

PPE

• Utility gloves
• Mask
• Eyewear
• Protective clothing

Question 4

A dental assistant must be aware that exposure to microorganisms can occur through contact with contaminated instruments through:

Answer 4

Percutaneous (needle sticks or cuts)

-Contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth

Question 5

Ideally should be dedicated to equipment and supplies necessary to processing

Answer 5

processing Area

Question 6

The processing of instruments should proceed in a single loop- from

Answer 6

-Dirty
-To clean
-To sterile
-To Storage
Without ever “doubling back”

Question 7

The purpose of holding solution is for

Answer 7

instruments that cannot be cleaned immediately to prevent the drying of blood and debris on the instruments.

Question 8

Least Desirable method of Precleaning is

Answer 8

Hand-scrubbing

Question 9

Holding solution and ultrasonic solution units should

Answer 9

• have lids

- Labeled with chemical bio-hazard labels; because both contain chemicals and contaminated instruments

Question 10

The unit should be disinfected at least once a day; more often if it becomes visible cloudy

Answer 10

Ultrasonic cleaner

Question 11

it is important to rinse instruments that have been through the cleaning cycle in the ultrasonic cleaner thoroughly with water before

Answer 11

bagging them for sterilizer

Question 12

Why are instruments bagged before sterilization?

Answer 12

To protect them from contamination after they are sterilized and to allow them to be packaged in setups by a procedure

Question 13

Is method fro sterilizing unwrapped patient care items for immediate use and should be used only under certain conditions

Answer 13

Flash Sterilization

Question 14

What are the three forms of sterilization monitoring

Answer 14

Chemical
Physical
Biologic monitoring

Question 15

Processes indicator determine but do not guarantee sterilization

Answer 15

Package has been processed

• Package has been exposed to a certain temperature
• it will change color when a package has been exposed to correct temperature

Question 16

Is the best way to determine whether sterilization has occurred.

Answer 16

Biological Monitoring (AKA Spore testing)

Question 17

The most common methods of heat sterilization used in the dental office are:

Answer 17

Steam sterilization

• Chemical vapor sterilization
• Dry heat sterilization

Question 18

Autoclaves are set by the manufacturer to reach the maximum steam temperature of approximately _____ degrees Fahrenheit with pressures of _______ pounds per square inch.

Answer 18

250

15 to 30

Question 19

The autoclave cycle includes

Answer 19

Heat-up
Sterilization
Depressurization

Question 20

Advantage of using chemical vapor sterilization includes

Answer 20

Short cycle time required

• Availability of dry instruments after the cycle
• The process does not rust, dull, or corrode dry mental instruments

Question 21

Instruments must be cleaned and absolutely dry before being wrapped for ____________; otherwise, the instruments will rust during the sterilization process.

Answer 21

Chemical Vapor sterilization

Question 22

Require the highest temperature, approximately 320 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer 22

Dry-Heat sterilizer

Question 23

Glutaraldehyde, a chemical liquid sterilant, that requires a _______ contact time for sterilization to occur.

Answer 23

10 hour

Question 24

Several factors can cause the sterilization process to fail which are

Answer 24

• Improper instrument cleaning
• Packaging
• Sterilizer malfunction

Question 25

Recommended sterilization for a hand-piece is

Answer 25

Steam or chemical vapor sterilization because the handpiece sterilization temperatures should not exceed 275F

Question 26

Clean dirty instruments using sound waves, which causes

Answer 26

Cavitation and implosion