Test 4 Flashcards
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Which of the following would be considered a traffic flow violation in a decontamination area?
A. Moving from a clean area to a dirty area without changing PPE
B. Carrying soiled items close to the body
C. Walking across the room while carrying sharps
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. All of the above. All these actions pose a risk of contamination or injury. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper procedures for movement and handling of items within the decontamination area.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
When dealing with soiled items, why is it important to inspect for and report inadequate point of use cleaning?
A. To ensure the sterilization process is successful
B. To prevent the potential spread of infection
C. To ensure the item does not damage the cleaning equipment
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. All of the above. Reporting inadequate point of use cleaning is crucial for ensuring the sterilization process is successful (A), preventing the potential spread of infection (B), and avoiding damage to the cleaning equipment (C).
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
How should high-level disinfection (HLD) equipment be stored?
A. In a damp environment
B. Directly on the floor
C. According to manufacturer’s instructions
D. Mixed with other cleaning solutions
The correct answer is C. High-level disinfection (HLD) equipment should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Each equipment may have specific requirements for storage conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or protection from light. Following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures the effectiveness and longevity of the equipment.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is a proper disposal method for high-level disinfection (HLD) solutions?
A. Pouring down the sink
B. Throwing in regular trash
C. Incineration or using a neutralizer
D. Flushing down the toilet
The correct answer is C. Proper disposal methods for high-level disinfection (HLD) solutions include incineration or using a neutralizer. HLD solutions are often hazardous chemicals and should not be poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet as they can contaminate the water supply. Incineration or using a neutralizer ensures safe and environmentally responsible disposal.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is the purpose of performing a visual check for cleanliness when transferring items to the preparation area?
A. To identify any visible residue or contaminants on the items
B. To ensure the items are properly labeled and organized
C. To determine the quantity of items being transferred
D. To comply with regulatory requirements
The correct answer is A. To identify any visible residue or contaminants on the items.Performing a visual check for cleanliness is crucial when transferring items to the preparation area. It helps identify any visible residue, contaminants, or foreign materials on the items. This step is important to ensure that the items are clean and ready for further processing. While ensuring proper labeling, organizing, determining quantity, and complying with regulatory requirements are also important aspects, the primary purpose of performing a visual check for cleanliness is to identify any visible residue or contaminants on the items.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is the first step in the process of donning PPE?
A. Put on gloves
B. Put on gown
C. Put on mask
D. Perform hand hygiene
The correct answer is D. Perform hand hygiene. Before putting on any PPE, it is crucial to perform hand hygiene. This prevents contamination of the PPE and reduces the risk of transferring pathogens from your hands to your face or other areas during the donning process. The other steps follow hand hygiene and are typically performed in the order of gown, mask, and gloves.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
While working in the decontamination area, your goggles become foggy, compromising your vision. What should you do?
A. Remove the goggles and continue working
B. Wipe the goggles with a nearby cloth
C. Step away from the work area, remove and clean the goggles, then re-don them before resuming work
D. Ask a colleague to clean them for you while you continue working
The correct answer is C. Step away from the work area, remove and clean the goggles, then re-don them before resuming work. The safety of the technician and effectiveness of decontamination are compromised if the goggles are foggy. It’s important to step away from the contaminated area before removing PPE to avoid contamination. The other options pose a risk of exposure to hazardous materials.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is the effect of high humidity levels on the drying process of instruments?
A. It slows down the drying process
B. It speeds up the drying process
C. It has no effect on the drying process
D. It improves the drying process
The correct answer is A. It slows down the drying process. High levels of humidity in the environment can slow the evaporation rate, causing the instruments to dry slower. Option B is incorrect because higher humidity means more moisture in the air, which hinders drying. C and D are also incorrect because humidity directly impacts the drying process.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
The humidity reading in the decontamination area at the beginning of your shift is 35%. What should you do?
A. Increase the humidity level
B. Continue with the work, it’s an acceptable range
C. Decrease the humidity level
D. Document and report the reading
The correct answer is D. Document and report the reading. The correct humidity range should be between 40% and 60%. Therefore, if the reading is below this range, you should document the reading and report it to the department manager so that corrective action can be taken. Option A could be a solution but should be decided by the manager. B is incorrect because 35% is below the acceptable range. C is incorrect because it will further reduce humidity.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
If the temperature or humidity levels are not within the parameters, who should be notified first?
A. Department Manager
B. Hospital Administrator
C. Infection Control Department
D. Joint Commission
The correct answer is A. Department Manager. In most organizations, the first person to notify if the temperature or humidity levels are out of range would be the Department Manager, who will then take appropriate actions, such as notifying Facility Management or the Infection Control Department. Notifying the Hospital Administrator or the Joint Commission would generally be inappropriate as an immediate action.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
When documenting temperature and humidity readings, what other information should also be recorded?
A. The name of the person taking the reading
B. The exact location where the reading was taken
C. The time and date of the reading
D. All of the above
The correct answer is D. All of the above. It’s important to record the person who took the reading (to ensure accountability), the exact location where the reading was taken (to identify potential problem areas), and the time and date of the reading (to track changes over time).
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
You are preparing a chemical solution according to the manufacturer’s IFU and you notice the instructions are not clear. What should you do?
A. Guess the appropriate concentration
B. Consult a more experienced colleague
C. Use the same concentration as the previous solution
D. Contact the manufacturer for clarification
The correct answer is D. Contact the manufacturer for clarification. It is crucial to ensure that the chemicals are prepared correctly to maintain the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Guessing or asking a colleague might lead to mistakes. When the IFU is unclear, it’s best to contact the manufacturer directly.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is the recommended frequency for performing efficacy testing on an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER)?
A. After every use.
B. Once a week.
C. Daily at the beginning of each shift.
D. Monthly.
The correct answer is C. Daily at the beginning of each shift. AERs should be tested daily at the start of each shift to ensure optimal performance and patient safety. While A (after every use) could ensure high levels of quality, it would be impractical and not mandated by guidelines. B (once a week) and D (monthly) are not frequent enough and could result in the use of a faulty machine, compromising patient safety.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is an appropriate way to ensure the efficacy of an ultrasonic cleaner?
A. Using an ultrasonic activity indicator.
B. Visual inspection after each cycle.
C. Measuring the amount of detergent used.
D. Timing the duration of the cleaning cycle.
The correct answer is A. Using an ultrasonic activity indicator. This device is specifically designed to verify the cavitation within the bath, which is the cleaning action in an ultrasonic unit. B (Visual inspection) might not reveal whether the cleaning process is effective or not. C (Measuring detergent) and D (timing) are important for the process but don’t directly indicate efficacy.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What type of test is most effective for testing the efficacy of an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER)?
A. A test with a soil test device.
B. A test using a sterile saline solution.
C. A test using an ATP bioluminescence system.
D. A test with endoscope-specific cleaning brushes.
The correct answer is C. A test using an ATP bioluminescence system. ATP bioluminescence systems are effective in detecting the presence of organic material (residual soil) left on surfaces, and therefore, they can effectively determine whether the AER has cleaned the endoscope properly. A (Soil test device) could be a useful adjunct, but it’s not specific to AERs. B (Sterile saline) does not provide information about the efficacy of cleaning, and D (endoscope-specific brushes) are a tool used for manual cleaning, not for testing AER efficacy.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
What is the correct procedure for cleaning washer-disinfector spray arms?
A. Use a brush to manually clean the arms.
B. Disassemble the spray arms and soak in enzymatic detergent.
C. Run a cycle with the spray arms in place.
D. Both A and B.
The correct answer is D. Both manual cleaning with a brush (option A) and disassembling and soaking in enzymatic detergent (option B) are acceptable methods for cleaning washer-disinfector spray arms. Simply running a cycle with the arms in place (option C) may not be sufficient for proper cleaning.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
While performing a daily check, you notice that the washer-disinfector manifolds are not aligned properly. What should be your immediate course of action?
A. Ignore the misalignment as it does not affect the cleaning process.
B. Adjust the manifolds yourself to ensure correct alignment.
C. Continue using the washer and report the issue at the end of your shift.
D. Report the issue immediately to the appropriate personnel.
The correct answer is D. Misalignment of the washer-disinfector manifolds could affect the cleaning process, and should be reported immediately to the appropriate personnel. Attempting to adjust them yourself (option B) is not recommended without proper training. Ignoring the issue or delaying the report (options A and C) can lead to inadequate cleaning and potential risk of infection.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
After a surgical procedure, a bag of soiled linens has been delivered to the central service area. What should be your first course of action?
A. Dispose of the bag in the general waste bin.
B. Send the bag to a third-party recycling vendor.
C. Send the bag for laundering.
D. Open the bag and sort the linens in the central service area.
The correct answer is D. Open the bag and sort the linens in the central service area. Soiled linens should be inspected and sorted for any unintentionally included items before being sent for laundering. A is incorrect as soiled linens are not general waste and can be laundered and reused. B is incorrect because recycling is not the appropriate action for soiled linens. C is incorrect as it’s important to check the linens for any items that may have been unintentionally included before sending them for laundering.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when using high-pressure water during decontamination?
A. The nozzle should be directed away from the operator.
B. High-pressure water should be used on all types of instruments.
C. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn.
D. The operator should use smooth, sweeping motions.
The correct answer is B. Not all instruments are suitable for cleaning with high-pressure water. The manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) should be followed for each specific instrument. The other options (A, C, D) represent best practices in handling high-pressure water to ensure operator safety and effective decontamination.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Which of the following is NOT a special precaution to consider when handling Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) instruments?
A. The instruments should be incinerated after use.
B. Dedicated decontamination equipment should be used.
C. The instruments should be quarantined.
D. The instruments should be soaked in sodium hydroxide.
The correct answer is A. Incinerating instruments after use is not a standard precaution for CJD. CJD instruments should be quarantined (C), decontaminated using dedicated equipment (B), and soaked in sodium hydroxide (D) as part of the standard precautions.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
In the Spaulding Classification, which level of disinfection is required for items that contact only intact skin?
A. Non-critical
B. Semi-critical
C. Critical
D. Not applicable
The correct answer is A. Non-critical. Non-critical items are those that contact only intact skin, which serves as an effective barrier to microorganisms. Such items require a low-level disinfection. Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require high-level disinfection. Critical items enter sterile tissue or the vascular system and require sterilization.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
You have been given a disinfectant to clean a piece of equipment. You are not familiar with this disinfectant. What should you do first?
A. Use the disinfectant as you would any other
B. Ask a colleague how to use it
C. Refer to the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU)
D. Refuse to use the disinfectant
The correct answer is C. Refer to the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU). When dealing with unfamiliar chemicals, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure safe and effective use. While asking a colleague (B) could be helpful, they may not have all the necessary information. Using the disinfectant without proper knowledge (A) could lead to ineffective cleaning or safety issues, and refusing to use it (D) is not a proactive solution.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
A technician is transporting a container filled with high-level disinfection (HLD) equipment. Suddenly, the container falls and the lid comes off, causing the disinfection solution to spill. What should the technician do?
A. Continue transporting the container and clean up the spill later.
B. Ignore the spill as it poses no immediate threat and continue transporting the container.
C. Place a warning sign near the spill and continue transporting the container with caution.
D. Immediately clean up the spill, ensuring proper disposal of the contaminated solution.
The correct answer is D. When a spill occurs during the transportation of high-level disinfection (HLD) equipment, it is important to prioritize safety
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
During a busy shift, you notice that the chemical indicator inside the washer disinfector didn’t change color after the cycle. What should be your next step?
A. Repeat the cycle
B. Continue with the shift and inspect the indicator later
C. Remove the load and notify the supervisor
D. Change the chemical indicator and start a new cycle
The correct answer is C. Remove the load and notify the supervisor. When a chemical indicator doesn’t change color, it means that the cleaning process may not have been effective. In this case, you should remove the load to prevent potential cross-contamination and notify the supervisor to discuss the next steps. Repeating the cycle (A) without diagnosing the problem may not resolve the issue and could waste resources. Continuing the shift and inspecting later (B) or simply changing the indicator (D) could lead to improperly decontaminated instruments being used, posing a risk to patient safety.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
During a routine quality check, a CRCST technician finds that an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER) failed its efficacy test. The AER was last serviced a month ago and passed all previous efficacy tests. What should the technician do?
A. Run a second test to confirm the results.
B. Assume it’s a one-time issue and continue using the AER.
C. Service the AER immediately.
D. Increase the concentration of the disinfectant in the AER.
The correct answer is A. Run a second test to confirm the results. This is the most prudent initial response to an unexpected test failure. Option B is incorrect because continuing to use an AER that may be ineffective could lead to patient harm. Option C could be appropriate if the test failure is confirmed, but it would be premature without confirmation. Option D is incorrect because simply increasing disinfectant concentration won’t necessarily correct an ineffective AER and could damage equipment.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
You have cleaned the spray arms of the washer-disinfector and want to test them. Which of the following is the most appropriate way to do so?
A. Run a cycle with instruments.
B. Run a cycle without instruments.
C. Visually inspect the spray arms for any obstructions.
D. Check the manufacturer’s IFU for testing procedures.
The correct answer is D. Always refer to the manufacturer’s IFU for the correct procedures for testing equipment. Options A and B may not accurately test the functionality of the spray arms and option C only checks for obstructions but does not guarantee functionality.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
You are in the process of decontaminating a set of reusable instruments from a procedure involving a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). A new technician accidentally places these instruments into a sink with instruments from other procedures. What should you do?
A. Remove the CJD instruments and continue with the cleaning process.
B. Discard all instruments in the sink and notify the respective teams.
C. Quarantine the sink, notify a supervisor, and follow your facility’s protocol for such a situation.
D. Clean the sink and all the instruments with bleach.
The correct answer is C. In such a situation, it’s crucial to quarantine the sink, notify a supervisor, and follow your facility’s protocol. CJD is highly infectious and requires special decontamination procedures. Simply removing the instruments (A), discarding them (B), or cleaning the sink with bleach (D) are not sufficient actions to prevent potential contamination.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
A technician is preparing to load a batch of items into the washer-disinfector. You notice that she is arranging the items in a way that some are overlapping. What is the best course of action?
A. Instruct the technician to properly space the items, ensuring none are overlapping.
B. Let her continue, the washer-disinfector will clean all surfaces regardless.
C. Suggest she manually cleans the overlapping items after the cycle.
D. Recommend she adds extra detergent to ensure all surfaces are cleaned.
The correct answer is A. Proper loading of items into the washer-disinfector is important to ensure effective cleaning. Overlapping items could lead to shadowing, where some surfaces may not be adequately cleaned. The other options (B, C, D) do not guarantee effective cleaning of all surfaces.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
OSHA requires all healthcare workers to be trained and certified in handling bloodborne pathogens.
True
False
The correct answer is True. OSHA requires all healthcare workers to undergo training and certification in handling bloodborne pathogens to protect them and reduce the risk of occupational exposure to infectious diseases.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Following a small chemical spill in the decontamination area, Jenny, a new technician, refers to the spill kit instructions and successfully cleans up the spill. She did not notify her supervisor since no one was harmed. Her actions were completely appropriate.
True
False
The correct answer is False. While Jenny correctly used the spill kit, she should have reported the incident to her supervisor. All chemical spills, regardless of size, should be reported to ensure that proper follow-up procedures and preventative measures can be implemented.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
It is acceptable to dilute a high-level disinfection (HLD) solution beyond its recommended concentration to save costs.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. Diluting a high-level disinfection (HLD) solution beyond its recommended concentration can compromise its effectiveness, leading to inadequate disinfection. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to the proper dilution requirements to ensure optimal disinfection outcomes and patient safety.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Performing a visual check for cleanliness is sufficient to ensure the proper decontamination of items in the preparation area.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False.Performing a visual check for cleanliness is an important step when transferring items to the preparation area, but it is not sufficient to ensure the proper decontamination of items. While a visual inspection can identify visible residue or contaminants, it does not guarantee the absence of microscopic pathogens or other contaminants. Additional cleaning and decontamination processes, such as mechanical or chemical cleaning, are necessary to achieve proper decontamination and ensure the safety of the items.
High humidity levels in the decontamination area are beneficial as they can reduce static electricity, which could potentially harm delicate instruments.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. While it is true that an appropriate level of humidity (40%-60%) can help reduce static electricity, high humidity levels can potentially lead to increased microbial growth, damage to instruments due to rust and corrosion, and slower drying times. Therefore, maintaining the correct humidity level is crucial.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
The ultrasonic cleaner uses heat and sound waves to remove bioburden from instruments.
True
False
The correct answer is A, True. Ultrasonic cleaners function by producing sound waves that create millions of microscopic bubbles in a solution. These bubbles implode in a process known as cavitation, which helps remove bioburden from the instruments. Some ultrasonic cleaners also use heat to enhance the cleaning process.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
The frequency of quality tests for ultrasonic cleaners should be based on the volume of items cleaned.
True
False
The correct answer is False. The frequency of quality tests for ultrasonic cleaners is typically determined by a set schedule (often daily) and is not dependent on the volume of items cleaned. Frequency could vary depending on facility policies and manufacturer’s recommendations, but it isn’t typically linked to the volume of use.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Regular and emergency outlets on a piece of equipment serve the same function and can be used interchangeably.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Regular and emergency outlets are designed for different purposes. The emergency outlet is intended to be used in specific situations outlined in the manufacturer’s IFU, while the regular outlet is used for routine operations.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Visual inspection of bioburden removal can be performed without any aid, such as magnifying devices.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Magnifying devices are often required to thoroughly inspect the item for bioburden removal. Visual inspection without any aid may not detect residual contamination.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Instruments used for patients with Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) require the same decontamination procedures as any other surgical instrument.
True
False
The correct answer is False. Special precautions must be taken with instruments used in cases of Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease due to the highly infectious nature of the prions associated with this disease.
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Rinsing is not necessary after disinfecting a non-critical item.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False. Rinsing is necessary after disinfecting a non-critical item to remove any residual disinfectant from the surface. Leaving disinfectant residues on surfaces can cause adverse reactions or interfere with subsequent procedures or treatments. Proper rinsing ensures the removal of disin
Category: Cleaning, Decontamination & Disinfection
Why is clearing and sterilization of items contaminated with prions challenging?
A. Prions cannot be deactivated
B. Standard cleaning and sterilization procedures are ineffective against prions
C. Prions can only be cleared by extreme heat
D. Prions trigger an immune response
The correct answer is B. Standard cleaning and sterilization procedures are ineffective against prions
Prions are difficult to remove or deactivate, and standard cleaning and sterilization procedures do not effectively eliminate them.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
Which of the following items is considered a sharps object in a sterile processing department?
A. Instrument tray
B. Basin
C. Towel clip
D. Sterilization wrap
The correct answer is C. Towel clip.Towel clips are considered sharps objects in a sterile processing department. They have sharp ends that can cause injury if not handled properly. Technicians must exercise caution and follow sharps safety protocols when working with towel clips.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
When should a CRCST perform hand hygiene in a sterile processing department?
A. Only before entering the sterile storage area
B. Only after completing a task involving contaminated items
C. Only before donning gloves
D. Before and after each task involving patient care items
The correct answer is D. Before and after each task involving patient care items.Hand hygiene should be performed before and after each task involving patient care items. This includes handling soiled instruments, preparing sterile trays, and other tasks that require contact with patient-related materials. It helps prevent the transmission of microorganisms and ensures aseptic practices.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
According to standards, what is the recommended temperature range for the work environment in a central service department?
A. 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F)
B. 22°C to 24°C (72°F to 75°F)
C. 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F)
D. 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F)
The correct answer is B. According to standards, the recommended temperature range for the work environment in a central service department is 22°C to 24°C (72°F to 75°F). This temperature range provides a comfortable and safe working environment for the staff as well as helps maintain the integrity of sterilized items.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
In a central service department, who should be notified if the temperature and humidity are consistently outside the recommended parameters?
A. The department director
B. The equipment manufacturer
C. The hospital administration
D. The facilities management team
The correct answer is A. If the temperature and humidity in a central service department are consistently outside the recommended parameters, the department director should be notified. They have the authority and responsibility to address the issue and take appropriate corrective actions to ensure compliance with standards.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
What is a critical aspect of cleaning the work area in preparation for packaging sterile items?
A. Using strong bleach to ensure all pathogens are killed.
B. Cleaning once at the beginning of each week.
C. Cleaning the area immediately after a spill.
D. Using hot water only.
The correct answer is C. Cleaning the area immediately after a spill. Spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent the spread of contamination. While strong bleach (A) can kill pathogens, it could also damage certain surfaces or equipment and is typically not the recommended cleaning agent. Cleaning once a week (B) is not sufficient; regular and frequent cleaning is necessary in a sterile processing environment. Using hot water only (D) is insufficient as it may not remove all contaminants or kill all pathogens.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You have received a shipment of new instruments for the facility. What is your first step in processing these items?
A. Send the instruments for sterilization immediately.
B. Catalog and inventory the instruments.
C. Manually clean the instruments.
D. Send the instruments to the respective departments.
The correct answer is B. Catalog and inventory the instruments. Before cleaning or distributing new instruments, it’s important to first catalog and inventory them. This ensures that all items are accounted for and are documented in the facility’s inventory system. Option A is incorrect because new instruments may require assembly or special preparation before sterilization. Options C and D may eventually be performed, but not before the instruments have been properly cataloged and inventoried.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You are assembling a basic surgical set. You have a peel pack list that includes a pair of Metzenbaum scissors. Upon inspection, you realize that the pair you have is 5.5 inches in length, but the list specifies 7 inches. What should you do?
A. Include the 5.5 inch Metzenbaum scissors as it is the closest match available.
B. Exclude the Metzenbaum scissors from the set entirely.
C. Search for or request a 7-inch pair of Metzenbaum scissors.
D. Include two 5.5 inch Metzenbaum scissors to compensate for the size difference.
The correct answer is C. You should search for or request a 7-inch pair of Metzenbaum scissors. Including a wrong-sized instrument could potentially cause issues during the surgical procedure. Option A is incorrect because even if the item is the closest match available, it is not the correct size. Option B is incorrect as excluding the item entirely might leave the surgical team without a necessary instrument. Option D is incorrect because adding more of an incorrect item does not compensate for its size difference.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You are preparing a peel pack list for a surgical procedure. You find two instruments that look identical, but their catalog numbers are different. What should you do?
A. Include either instrument since they look identical.
B. Include both instruments in the pack.
C. Exclude both instruments from the pack.
D. Investigate the difference using the catalog numbers and include the correct instrument.
The correct answer is D. Even if two instruments look identical, they may not be. Catalog numbers are unique and indicate specific product attributes. Therefore, you should investigate the difference using the catalog numbers and include the correct instrument. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they potentially result in the inclusion of the wrong instrument, which could be problematic during the procedure.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
In order to facilitate sterilization and protect surgical instruments, how should hinged instruments be placed in a sterilization tray?
A. Partially open
B. Fully open
C. Fully closed
D. It doesn’t matter as long as they fit
The correct answer is A. Partially open. Hinged instruments should be placed in a partially open position in a sterilization tray to facilitate sterilization and protect the instruments. If the instruments are fully open, they can be damaged or may damage other instruments. If they are fully closed, all surfaces may not be adequately sterilized. The arrangement does matter, so option D is incorrect.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
When packaging surgical instruments, what is the primary reason to avoid using excessive instrument protection devices such as foam and tip protectors?
A. To reduce costs
B. To make the package look neat
C. To make the package lighter
D. To allow adequate air circulation and sterilant penetration
The correct answer is D. To allow adequate air circulation and sterilant penetration. While other options might be valid in certain contexts, the primary reason to avoid overuse of protection devices is to ensure proper sterilant penetration and air circulation. Overuse can obstruct sterilant flow and impact the effectiveness of sterilization.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
What is the primary purpose of using an envelope folding technique during the packaging process?
A. To secure the package without using any external closures
B. To protect the contents from damage during sterilization
C. To allow for ease of opening without compromising sterility
D. To increase the storage life of the package
The correct answer is C. To allow for ease of opening without compromising sterility. The envelope fold is designed to provide a sterile barrier that can be easily opened without contaminating the contents.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
When using peel packs for sterilization, which of the following sterilization methods is NOT suitable?
A. Steam
B. Ethylene Oxide
C. Plasma
D. Dry heat
The correct answer is D. Dry heat. Peel packs, due to their plastic component, are not suitable for dry heat sterilization because the high temperatures involved can melt or distort the plastic. They are typically used with steam, ethylene oxide, or plasma sterilization methods.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
In the case of event-related sterility, what should be indicated on the sterilization label?
A. The date of sterilization
B. The date of expiration
C. The technician’s identification
D. The fact that it is event-related sterility
The correct answer is D. For event-related sterility, it is essential to indicate on the label that the sterility is based on an event, not a predetermined expiration date. This is important because the sterility is maintained unless the package is compromised. Options A, B, and C are usual parts of label information but do not address the event-related sterility directly.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
Scenario:You are working in the sterile processing department and notice a wet floor near the instrument cleaning area. The floor is slippery, and there is a risk of someone slipping and getting injured. What should you do in this situation?
A. Place a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign near the area and inform your supervisor.
B. Continue working and ignore the wet floor since it is not your responsibility.
C. Mop the area yourself to clean up the water and prevent accidents.
D. Walk carefully around the wet floor and proceed with your tasks.
The correct answer is A. Place a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign near the area and inform your supervisor.In this situation, the best course of action is to prioritize safety and prevent potential accidents. Placing a “Caution: Wet Floor” sign alerts others to the hazard and helps prevent slips and falls. It is also important to inform your supervisor so that appropriate measures can be taken to address the issue and ensure the safety of everyone in the department.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You are a CRCST and just finished the disinfection of several instrument trays. A few trays are required for an emergency procedure, while others are not immediately needed. Due to lack of space, you must stack the trays. What is the best way to organize these trays?
A. Stack all trays together without any specific order.
B. Stack the trays for the emergency procedure on top of the regular trays.
C. Stack the regular trays on top of the trays for the emergency procedure.
D. Organize a separate, clearly marked area for the trays needed for the emergency procedure.
The correct answer is D. Organize a separate, clearly marked area for the trays needed for the emergency procedure. This allows for easy access and reduces the risk of delays or errors in the emergency procedure. Stacking all trays together without any specific order (option A), or stacking the trays for the emergency procedure on top of (option B) or under the regular trays (option C) could lead to confusion, potential delays, and unnecessary handling of the trays.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You have received a cart of surgical instruments from a cart washer and upon inspection, you notice that some of the instruments still have visible residues on them. How should you proceed?
A. Sterilize the instruments as residues are likely sterilized.
B. Send the entire cart back to the cart washer.
C. Clean the visibly dirty instruments and then send them for sterilization.
D. Contact the department responsible for the cart washer and have them clean the instruments.
The correct answer is D. Contact the department responsible for the cart washer and have them clean the instruments. The instruments should be properly cleaned before being sent for sterilization. Option A is incorrect because the presence of residues can compromise sterilization. Option B may lead to unnecessary cleaning of already cleaned items and option C involves taking over a task that should have been completed prior to the items reaching your station.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
You’re inspecting a rigid bronchoscope and notice that the light source doesn’t shine as bright as usual. After replacing the bulb and still noticing the same issue, you figure out it’s the scope that is malfunctioning. However, a bronchoscopy is scheduled within the next hour. What should you do?
A. Send the bronchoscope for sterilization hoping it will fix the issue.
B. Try to fix the bronchoscope yourself.
C. Document the issue, quarantine the scope, and notify the relevant staff about the malfunctioning instrument.
D. Leave it for the next shift to handle.
The correct answer is C. Document the issue, quarantine the scope, and notify the relevant staff about the malfunctioning instrument. It is essential to prioritize patient safety over all other factors. Attempting to fix it yourself (B), ignoring the issue (A and D), or leaving it to the next shift (D) could endanger patient safety and does not follow the proper procedure for handling faulty equipment.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
During your shift, you observe a technician preparing a large sterilization tray with a total weight of 30 pounds, which exceeds the manufacturer’s specified weight limit. What should you do in this situation?
A. Let it pass as the weight limit is just a recommendation
B. Notify the technician and suggest redistributing the instruments into two trays
C. Add more chemical indicators to ensure sterilization
D. Suggest using a different sterilizer that can handle heavier trays
The correct answer is B. Notify the technician and suggest redistributing the instruments into two trays. Exceeding the weight limit of a sterilization tray can compromise the effectiveness of sterilization and damage the sterilizer or the instruments. The weight limit is not merely a recommendation, but a guideline that must be followed to ensure proper sterilization.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
A central service technician is wrapping a surgical tray using a sequential wrap. The tray is heavy and contains a variety of instruments. The technician needs to ensure that the tray remains sterile until used. Which closure method should the technician use in this scenario?
A. Self-seal
B. Heat seal
C. Tape
D. Locks
The correct answer is C. Tape. For a sequential wrap, a special type of tape designed for this purpose is commonly used. It provides a secure closure and can withstand the weight of heavy trays. Self-seal and heat seal are typically used with peel packs, while locks are used with rigid containers.
Category: Preparation & Packaging
When disposing of sharps objects, it is acceptable to discard them directly into the regular trash bin.
True
False
The correct answer is B. False.Sharps objects, such as skin hooks, K-wires, or towel clips, should never be discarded directly into the regular trash bin. They should be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers specifically designed for sharps disposal. This ensures the safety of waste handlers and prevents injuries that may occur when handling sharps objects in the regular trash.
