SECTION 2 - PREPARATION & PACKAGING Flashcards
A Central Service Technician is wrapping an instrument set. The outer wrap has a small tear. What should the technician do next?
A. Continue wrapping and then use sterilization tape to cover the tear
B. Discard the torn wrap and rewrap the instrument set with a new wrap
C. Use the torn wrap for the inner wrap, and use an intact wrap for the outer wrap
D. Continue wrapping, and then use an indicator strip to cover the tear
The correct answer is B. Discard the torn wrap and rewrap the instrument set with a new wrap
Explanation: If a wrap has a tear, it should be discarded, and the instrument set should be rewrapped with a new wrap (B). This is necessary to maintain the sterility of the instruments during sterilization and subsequent storage. Using sterilization tape to cover the tear (A), using the torn wrap as an inner wrap (C), or using an indicator strip to cover the tear (D) are not acceptable practices as they can compromise the sterility of the instrument set.
What is the main reason for double wrapping items for sterilization?
A. To meet regulatory standards
B. To protect items from moisture and contamination during storage
C. To allow for sequential opening without contaminating the inner pack
D. To accommodate for large or heavy instrument sets
The correct answer is B. To protect items from moisture and contamination during storage
Explanation: The main purpose of double wrapping is to protect items from moisture and contamination during storage (B). While double wrapping does allow for sequential opening without contaminating the inner pack (C), this is not its primary purpose. Double wrapping is not specifically required to meet regulatory standards (A), nor is it exclusively used for large or heavy instrument sets (D), though it may be beneficial in these circumstances.
Loaner instruments should be treated differently than the ones owned by the facility, and separate policies should be implemented for their processing.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Regardless of whether instruments are owned by the facility or are loaners, they should be processed according to the same standards to ensure safety and efficacy. While loaner instruments may come with their own processing instructions, these should not contradict general sterilization standards.
You are preparing an Orthopedic Major Set for a surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. The count sheet specifies two #1 Penfield dissectors, but you only have one in the inventory. The stockroom has a set of Penfield dissectors, but they are currently sterilizing and won’t be ready until tomorrow afternoon. What is your best course of action?
A. Include the one available #1 Penfield dissector and note the deficiency on the count sheet.
B. Substitute a different size Penfield dissector for the missing one.
C. Delay the preparation of the set until the sterilized set is available.
D. Notify the appropriate personnel about the missing instrument and seek guidance on what to do next.
The correct answer is D. You should always report any discrepancies or shortages to your supervisor or appropriate personnel, and seek guidance on what steps to take next. Including just one Penfield dissector when two are required (Option A) could disrupt the surgery. Substituting with a different size (Option B) is not appropriate as surgical instruments are not interchangeable. Delaying the preparation (Option C) could cause a delay in the surgical procedure.
All writing instruments are suitable for labeling sterilization packages as long as the writing is legible.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Only approved writing instruments should be used for labeling sterilization packages. Using non-approved writing instruments could compromise the sterility of the package and the readability of the label, both of which can potentially lead to patient harm.
When transferring instrument trays to the appropriate area, how should the trays be stacked?
A. Trays should be stacked as high as possible to maximize space efficiency.
B. Trays should be stacked two high, with the heaviest on top.
C. Trays should not be stacked at all.
D. Trays should be stacked two high, with the heaviest on the bottom.
The correct answer is D. Trays should be stacked two high, with the heaviest on the bottom. This approach minimizes the risk of trays falling and damaging instruments, and is safer for staff. Answers A and B are incorrect as they could lead to a risk of falling trays and injuries. Answer C could be inefficient in terms of space utilization.
When assembling a set of hinged instruments for sterilization, what should a Central Service Technician do to ensure effective sterilization?
A. Open and unlock all hinged instruments to allow steam penetration
B. Place them in the closed position to maintain their shape
C. Arrange them tightly together to utilize space
D. Lock all the hinges to protect them from damage
The correct answer is A. Open and unlock all hinged instruments to allow steam penetration
Explanation: In preparation for sterilization, hinged instruments should be opened and unlocked (A) to allow steam to penetrate all surfaces of the instrument, ensuring effective sterilization. Locking the hinges (D) or placing instruments in the closed position (B) can inhibit steam penetration, thus compromising the sterilization process. While utilizing space is a consideration in sterilization (C), packing items too tightly could also hinder steam penetration, therefore instruments should not be arranged tightly together.
A Central Service Technician is preparing a package for steam sterilization. What is the most suitable internal chemical indicator to use?
A. Class 1: Process Indicators
B. Class 3: Single-parameter indicators
C. Class 5: Integrating Indicators
D. Class 6: Emulating Indicators
The correct answer is C. Class 5: Integrating Indicators
Explanation: Class 5: Integrating Indicators (C) are most suitable for use inside packages prepared for steam sterilization. They respond to all critical parameters over a specified range of sterilization cycles. Class 1 (A) and Class 3 (B) indicators are not designed to assess all the critical parameters of a sterilization process. Class 6: Emulating Indicators (D) are cycle-specific and not suitable for a general-purpose steam sterilization cycle.
A Central Service Technician has to choose between double peel pouches and rigid sterilization containers for packaging a laparoscopic instrument set. Which of the following factors could influence the decision?
A. Type of sterilization process to be used
B. Cost-effectiveness of the packaging material
C. Storage space availability in the sterile storage area
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D – all the above.
Explanation:
A. Type of sterilization process to be used: Different sterilization methods may be better suited for specific types of packaging. For instance, steam sterilization requires packaging material that allows for the penetration of steam, while other sterilization methods might have different requirements.
B. Cost-effectiveness of the packaging material: Budget constraints and cost-effectiveness are always considerations in a hospital or clinical setting. The cost of repeatedly purchasing disposable items like double peel pouches compared to the one-time cost of a more durable rigid container (which only needs replacement filters and gaskets periodically) could influence the decision.
C. Storage space availability in the sterile storage area: Rigid sterilization containers, though reusable, are bulkier than flat-packed double-peel pouches. If the sterile storage area is limited in space, the technician might choose packaging that takes up less room.
Considering these factors, all the options provided could influence the decision of a Central Service Technician.
During inspection, a central service technician notices that a pack of surgical scissors in a rigid container has a broken lock. The sterilization method was ethylene oxide. What should the technician do in this scenario?
A. Sterilize the pack again
B. Discard the pack immediately
C. Open the pack to inspect the scissors
D. Use the pack as is
The correct answer is B. Discard the pack immediately. If the lock on a rigid container is broken, it is a clear sign that the sterilization process may have been compromised, which means the instruments inside may not be sterile. Using such instruments can pose a serious risk of infection.
Proper body mechanics are essential to prevent musculoskeletal injuries during work in a sterile processing department.
True
False
The correct answer is A. True.
Proper body mechanics, including maintaining correct posture, lifting techniques, and using ergonomic equipment, are crucial in preventing musculoskeletal injuries in a sterile processing department. By practicing correct body mechanics, technicians can reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries caused by repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, or prolonged awkward postures.
While preparing a package for sterilization, you accidentally write on the wrapper instead of the tape. You notice this mistake just before sending the package for sterilization. What should you do?
A. Ignore the mistake and send the package for sterilization
B. Use correction fluid to cover the error and rewrite on the tape
C. Cross out the writing on the wrapper and write the information on the tape
D. Repackage the items with new wrapper and correctly label on the tape
The correct answer is D. Repackage the items with a new wrapper and correctly label on the tape. Writing directly on the wrapper could compromise the sterility of the package, therefore, the most appropriate action is to repackage the items. Option A ignores the potential risk of sterility compromise, making it an incorrect choice. Option B is not acceptable as correction fluid is not an approved substance and could potentially compromise the package’s sterility. Option C would leave the crossed-out text on the wrapper, which is not recommended as it can lead to confusion and possible compromise of sterility.
When preparing an implant for sterilization, what special information identifier should be included on the label?
A. The storage destination
B. The date of expiration
C. The technician’s identification
D. The fact that the item is an implant
The correct answer is D. When packaging an implant, it is crucial to label it as an implant. This helps ensure proper handling and storage procedures are followed, reducing the risk of contamination or damage. While options A, B, and C are important to include on a label, they are not specific to the handling of implants.
You should only check the cleanliness of an item visually.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Visual inspection is a critical part of the process, but other methods, such as ultrasonic testing, could be used for certain types of items or as specified by the Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU).
While packaging a set of surgical instruments, a technician notices that a hinge instrument is not opening and closing smoothly. What is the best course of action?
A. Lubricate the hinge and continue with packaging
B. Replace the instrument immediately
C. Send the instrument for repair and continue packaging without it
D. Ignore the issue as it is not of major concern
The correct answer is C. Send the instrument for repair and continue packaging without it
Explanation: When a hinge instrument is not functioning correctly, the best course of action is to send the instrument for repair and continue packaging without it (C). Lubricating the hinge and continuing with packaging (A) would not address the underlying problem with the instrument. Replacing the instrument immediately (B) might not be an option if an exact replacement is not readily available. Ignoring the issue (D) could risk patient safety and procedural efficacy.
