SECTION 3 - DOCUMENTATION & RECORD MAINTENANCE Flashcards
When maintaining records for sterilization, how long should they typically be kept?
A. At least 1 year
B. At least 3 years
C. At least 5 years
D. At least 7 years
The correct answer is B. At least 3 years
Explanation: According to standard recommendations, sterilization records should typically be kept for at least 3 years (B). This ensures that there is a sufficient time frame for referencing previous sterilization cycles if necessary. Keeping them for 1 year (A) is not enough, while keeping them for 5 years (C) or 7 years (D) may exceed the standard guidelines, though it can vary depending on institutional policy or local regulations.
In the Central Service Department, the bioburden test results are classified as which type of record?
A. Legal document
B. Quality test results
C. Training records
D. Policy & procedure documentation
The correct answer is B. Quality test results. Bioburden test results are considered a type of quality test result because they provide data on the effectiveness of cleaning and sterilization processes. The other options do not accurately classify these specific records.
When are sterilization records typically reviewed?
A. At the end of each sterilization cycle
B. Once a week
C. Once a month
D. Once a year
The correct answer is A. At the end of each sterilization cycle
Explanation: Sterilization records are typically reviewed at the end of each sterilization cycle (A). This allows any problems or discrepancies to be identified and addressed promptly. While reviews may also occur on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, the most crucial time to review records is immediately after each sterilization cycle.
When documenting sterilization cycles, which of the following is NOT typically included?
A. Name of the operator
B. Load contents
C. Brand of the sterilizer
D. Sterilizer cycle parameters
The correct answer is C. Brand of the sterilizer
Explanation: While documenting sterilization cycles, information such as the name of the operator (A), the load contents (B), and the sterilizer cycle parameters (D) are typically included, as they provide crucial details about the sterilization process. However, the brand of the sterilizer (C) is not typically included in the sterilization records, as it does not provide specific information about the individual sterilization cycle.
A Central Service Technician discovers an inconsistency in sterilization records. What should the technician do first?
A. Discard the records to avoid confusion
B. Report the discrepancy to the supervisor immediately
C. Correct the discrepancy on their own
D. Ignore the discrepancy as it might be a minor error
The correct answer is B. Report the discrepancy to the supervisor immediately
Explanation: If a Central Service Technician discovers a discrepancy in sterilization records, they should report the discrepancy to the supervisor immediately (B). This is because any errors in sterilization records can have significant consequences for patient safety. Discarding the records (A) could eliminate important information. Correcting the discrepancy on their own (C) may not be appropriate without first discussing the issue with a supervisor. Ignoring the discrepancy (D) could also lead to adverse consequences if the issue is not resolved.
What is the main purpose of a load list in sterilization documentation?
A. To identify the specific contents of each load
B. To indicate the weight of each load
C. To record the order in which items were sterilized
D. To document the number of loads processed each day
The correct answer is A. To identify the specific contents of each load
Explanation: The main purpose of a load list is to identify the specific contents of each load (A). This allows for the traceability of sterilized items and can be crucial in case of a sterilization failure or recall. Recording the order in which items were sterilized (C), indicating the weight of each load (B), or documenting the number of loads processed each day (D) might be beneficial in certain circumstances, but they are not the primary purpose of a load list.
A Central Service Technician is documenting sterilization records. Which of the following is an essential piece of information that must be recorded?
A. The cost of the sterilization process
B. The brand of sterilization wrap used
C. The date and time of sterilization
D. The weather conditions during sterilization
The correct answer is C. The date and time of sterilization
Explanation: The date and time of sterilization (C) is an essential piece of information to record in sterilization records. This allows for tracking when specific sterilization cycles occurred, which can be critical for recall or investigation purposes. The cost of the sterilization process (A), the brand of sterilization wrap used (B), and the weather conditions during sterilization (D) are not typically recorded in sterilization records.
What is the purpose of maintaining biological indicator (BI) test results?
A. To track the efficiency of the sterilizer over time
B. To document the brand of BI used
C. To keep a record of the types of instruments sterilized
D. To provide evidence of sterilization
The correct answer is D. To provide evidence of sterilization
Explanation: The primary purpose of maintaining biological indicator (BI) test results is to provide evidence of sterilization (D). BIs are used to verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process. While tracking the efficiency of the sterilizer over time (A) can be an additional benefit, it is not the primary purpose of BI tests. Documenting the brand of BI used (B) or keeping a record of the types of instruments sterilized (C) is not typically the focus of BI test results.
Your team discovers that the air exchanges in the decontamination area are below the recommended range during the night shift. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
A. Ignore the issue since it only occurs during the night shift
B. Immediately notify the department manager about the issue
C. Adjust the HVAC system yourself to increase air exchanges
D. Document the issue and address it during the next team meeting
The correct answer is B. Immediately notify the department manager about the issue. When any environmental condition falls out of the recommended range, it’s essential to notify the manager immediately for proper corrective action. A is incorrect because all shifts should maintain the same standards. C is incorrect because adjustments to the HVAC system should be made by professionals. D is incorrect because it delays addressing the issue.
The temperature in the decontamination area is not critical as long as appropriate cleaning techniques are used.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. While proper cleaning techniques are crucial, maintaining the correct environmental conditions, including temperature, in the decontamination area is also important. Incorrect temperatures can affect the effectiveness of cleaning agents and the overall efficacy of the decontamination process.
