CHL 5
Which of the following is the least appropriate guideline for sterile storage?
Correct Answer: Sterile storage areas should be constructed of porous materials. Sterile storage areas should not be constructed of porous materials. They should be constructed of non-porous materials that can be easily cleaned. Proper storage requirements promote the maintenance of sterility after sterilization.
Which of the following is NOT a reason for using tracking systems for equipment?
Correct Answer: for reporting to TJC Reasons for using a tracking system include all of the choices except for reporting to TJC or any other entity. Additional reasons include maintenance records and financial analysis.
Examples of other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) include all of the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: intact tissue of a dead human OPMI place workers at risk for infection with bloodborne pathogens. OSHA defines blood to mean human blood, human blood components and products made from human blood. Intact tissue is not an OPMI, on a dead or live human.
Surgical instruments, supplies, and most other medical devices must be prepared and packaged for which of the following reasons?
Correct Answer: so that their sterility can be maintained to the point of use Surgical instruments, supplies, and most other medical devices must be prepared and packaged so that their sterility can be maintained to the point of use. Preparation involves inspecting items for cleanliness, ensuring that all parts are present and functional, and assembling multiple component sets or packs.
As a Central Service leader, you understand that the decontamination process should be designed with the first point being
Correct Answer: staging space for soiled instruments The first point should be a staging space for soiled instruments and equipment. Items are sorted, and disposable products are discarded before moving to the next process. Equipment should then flow through to the space where it is cleaned, disinfected and dried, prepared for the next use, and placed in its appropriate staging location.
Which of the following is one of two most common methods of folding packages?
Correct Answer: straight method The folds for packaging must always be in the same sequence to allow persons opening the packages to establish a standard pattern of movements and conserve time. The two most common methods are the "square fold" or "straight method," which is used to wrap large packs and instrument trays, especially when the wrappers will be used to create the sterile field.
One of the adverse effects of excessive inventory is insufficient working capital. Working capital is best defined as which of the following?
Correct Answer: the funds an organization has available to conduct its daily activities Working capital is the funds an organization has available to conduct its daily activities. It is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities.
Surgical instruments, supplies, and most other medical devices must be prepared and packaged so that their sterility can be maintained:
Correct Answer: up to the point of use Surgical instruments, supplies, and most other medical devices must be prepared and packaged so that their sterility can be maintained up to the point of use. Preparation involves inspecting items for cleanliness, ensuring that all parts are present and functional, and assembling multiple component sets or packs.
The decision as to whether to purchase, lease, or rent equipment is made by which of the following?
Correct Answer:hospital administration The decision as to whether to purchase, lease, or rent equipment is made by the hospital administration. Facility personnel may identify the need for specific equipment, determine the type, the budget, etc. But the hospital administration makes the decision as to how to acquire the equipment
Documentation for each sterilizer cycle must contain all but which of the following?
Correct Answer:humidity level of room The humidity level of the room is not necessary for documentation relating to the sterilizer cycle, nor is the room temperature. The relevant temperature is the sterilizer temperature.
Automated instrument tracking systems can do many things. One thing they cannot do, however, is
Correct Answer:identify product recalls Automated instrument tracking system cannot identify product recalls or product updates. Documenting and scanning for these systems can be done with many different types of devices.
Quality planning involves a number of steps. The first step is typically which of the following?
Correct Answer:identifying the needs and requests of the department's customers The steps of quality planning begin with identifying the needs and requests of the department's customers. One quality planning goal is to design features that customers and employees prefer into the processes used to compete work assignments. A second goal is to design customer and employee dislikes out of the processes.
Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of using glutaraldehyde as a high-level disinfectant?
Correct Answer:required rinsing process is always necessary One of the disadvantages of using glutaraldehyde as a high-level disinfectant is that a required rinsing process is always necessary. Other disadvantages include noxious odors, unstable, dilution reduces activity necessary for high-level disinfection, and it vaporizes with no cleaning ability.
Personal protective equipment is required in the decontamination area and must have all but which of the following components?
Correct Answer:reusable Components of Personal Protective Equipment should be latex free, easy to use, and easily available. They include hair coverings, eye protection, face masks, shoe covers, gown with reinforced sleeves, gloves, and a cloth scrub, which is discarded, thus not reusable.
The 400 series of stainless steel is used for all of the following types of patient care instruments EXCEPT:
Correct Answer:rib spreaders The 400 series of stainless steel is hard. It is used when sharp cutting edges are needed. Instruments produced with 400 series steel include scissors, chisels, hemostatic forceps, osteotomes, rongeurs, and needleholders. This hardened steel is known as Martensitic stainless steel. It is not used for rib spreaders. These are made with 300 series stainless steel.
When a package is wrapped twice to make a package within a package this is which of the following methods?
Correct Answer:sequential There are two methods of using flat wrapper packs. They are sequential and simultaneous. With sequential packaging, the package is wrapped twice. The term sequential indicates that the contents have been wrapped in sequence (one after the other).
Individuals, groups, or organizations that have a vested interest in and may be affected by policy decisions are known as which of the following?
Correct Answer:stakeholders Many decisions affecting the health care system, patient care, and the nursing profession are made on a daily basis. Individuals, groups, or organizations that have a vested interest in and may be affected by policy decisions are known as stakeholders
Many items processed through a facility's decontamination area do not require
Correct Answer:sterilization Many items processed through a facility's decontamination area do not require sterilization. These items including patient care equipment undergo no other processing before being dispensed for reuse. Therefore, they must be properly disinfected so microorganisms are not transferred from one patient to another.
The distribution system that is able to reduce in-house inventory and free space for other uses is the
Correct Answer:stockless distribution system The stockless distribution system is also known as the just-in-time distribution system. It is a modification of the par-level restocking system. Similar to that system, the types and amounts of supplies that will be needed for regular operation of the department are determined by the customer and the CSD.
Documentation for each sterilizer cycle must contain all but which of the following?
Correct Answer:temperature of room The humidity level of the room is not necessary for documentation relating to the sterilizer cycle, nor is the room temperature. The relevant temperature is the sterilizer temperature.
The amount of stress that a material can withstand before breaking or failing is known as the
Correct Answer:tensile strength Tensile strength (of an instrument) is the amount of tensile (stretching) stress a material can withstand before breaking or failing. The quality of stainless steel, for example, affects the quality of surgical instruments. A stainless-steel instrument that resists rust and corrosion and that possesses tensile strength is ideal.
One of the contract purchasing conditions for capital equipment may be indemnification. Which of the following best describes indemnification?
Correct Answer:the act of reimbursing for a loss One of the common purchasing terms and conditions is indemnification. The is the act of reimbursing for a loss. Other contract terms include exclusivity, guarantees, insurance, legal remedies, confidentiality, and failure to perform.
Total quality improvement (TQI) usually focuses on four areas. The term for the area involved with increasing process efficiency or time while reducing waste and resource utilization is
Correct Answer:throughput The four areas of improvement which are the focus of TQI are: input, throughput, output, and outcome. Throughput is used to increase process efficiency or time while reducing waste and resource utilization
In which step of the sterilization process are items most likely to become compromised and rendered unfit for use?
Correct Answer:transportation and storage Transportation and storage steps are where items are most likely to become compromised and rendered unfit for use. The use of closed or covered carts and tables are required for within-facility transportation of processed devices to reduce the potential for contamination.
The type of scissors that have gold rings on the handles are:
Correct Answer:tungsten carbide blade scissors Tungsten carbide blade scissors have gold rings on the handles, and tungsten carbide blade edges. Scissors with these blades have a harder and stronger cutting edge, and they allow the scissors to remain sharper for a longer time than other scissors. Their primary design function is tissue dissection with blades that hold their edge longer.
Documented procedures performed by a medical device manufacturer to establish that a process consistently yields a product complying with predetermined specifications is which of the following?
Correct Answer:validation Validation involves the manufacturer of the device, such as a sterilizer. Documented procedures are used to obtain, record, and interpret the results required to establish that a process will consistently yield a product complying with predetermined specification. Verification is performed in the user environment.
The difference between what should be available and what is available in a perpetual inventory system is known as the:
Correct Answer:variance The variance is the difference between what should be available and what is available in a perpetual inventory system. With a perpetual inventory system, a record is kept of each receipt into and issue from the supply area.
Phenolic compounds are good for disinfecting walls, floors, exterior surfaces, and equipment where what disease risk is not a concern?
Correct Answer:viral diseases All items being used with phenolic compounds must be thoroughly washed and rinsed. If it is not cleaned thoroughly, disinfectant will not be activated. It is good for disinfecting walls, floors, exterior surfaces, and equipment where viral diseases such as hepatitis are not a concern.
Patient care equipment should be stored at which time?
Correct Answer:when it is ready to use Patient care equipment should only be stored when it is ready to use. This means that it has been inspected, cleared of defect, cleaned, sterilized (when necessary), and packaged.
You will have your CS team monitor water temperature carefully when cleaning instruments, etc. Temperatures above which temperature can affect the chemical reaction of enzymatic detergents?
Correct Answer:140 degrees F The manufacturer's recommendations for the proper amount and temperature of water should always be used. Temperatures above 140 degrees F can affect the chemical reaction, and cool temperatures may not activate the enzyme. Therefore, it is important to monitor water temperature.
OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) standard for ethylene oxide over any 15-minute period. The PEL is
Correct Answer:5 ppm Several Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations relate to sterilants and disinfectants. The PEL standard for ethylene oxide is 5 ppm over any 15-minute period, or 1 ppm in air as an 8-hour time weighted average.
The temperature of the decontamination area should be between
Correct Answer:60-65° F The temperature of the decontamination area should be between 60-65° F. The reason for this is that this temperature range promotes the comfort of staff wearing PPE, and it also minimizes the growth of microorganisms.
All packaging materials should be at what temperature for at least two hours before use?
Correct Answer:68° F - 73° F All packaging materials should be at room temperature (68°F to 73ºF/20°C-23°C) for at least two hours before use. Packaging materials should be routinely examined for any holes, defects and inappropriate extraneous material.
The class of chemical indicator (CI) that is designed to react to all critical parameters over a specified range of sterilization cycles is which of the following?
Correct Answer:Class 5 Chemical indicators are designed to detect potential sterilization failures that could occur from improper packaging, incorrect loading, or sterilizer malfunctions. Class 5 indicators are integrating indicators designed to react to all critical parameters over a specified range of sterilization cycles.
An autoclave tape would be which type of chemical indicator?
Correct Answer:Class I An autoclave tape is an example of a Class I chemical indicator. Class I or process indicators, respond to only one parameter of the sterilization process.
The amount of time required to kill 90% of microorganisms present at the beginning of the sterilization process is called the
Correct Answer:D-value Sterilization time is measured in D-values. This is the time required to kill 90% of the microorganisms present. Each kind of microorganism has a different set of D-values which depends on the temperature.
Which of the following regulates infectious medical waste management?
Correct Answer:EPA The Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) regulates infectious medical waste management. Medical waste is a solid or liquid waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings of animals, in applicable research, or in the production or testing of biologicals.
Central Service Technicians should be familiar with which entity's regulations on how to handle medical waste?
Correct Answer:Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Central Service Technicians should be especially concerned about handling regulated medical waste, and they should be familiar with their state and local requirements to do so. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates infectious medical waste management.
Rigid container systems are regulated by which of the following?
Correct Answer:FDA Rigid container systems are regulated by the FDA, and containers are required to have a 510k certification that they will perform as an effective packaging material. Rigid containers consist of an inner basket to hold instruments and an outer container that acts as a protective barrier.
All sterilization packaging systems used by healthcare facilities to package and sterilize surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment are regulated by
Correct Answer:FDA The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all sterilization packaging systems used by healthcare facilities to package and sterilize surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment. These include wraps, pouches, rigid containers, trays, and cassettes.
Which of the following is a law administered by the EPA which impacts all anti-microbial products including disinfectants and sanitizers?
Correct Answer:Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) regulates pesticide safety and effectiveness, and it impacts all anti-microbial products including disinfectants and sanitizers. Every disinfectant and sanitizer manufacturer must obtain an EPA registration number for every covered product.
Which of the following requires that the healthcare facility report malfunctions of medical devices that have contributed to patient injury, illness, or death to the manufacturer and the FDA?
Correct Answer:Federal Safe Medical Devices Act The Federal Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 requires that the healthcare facility report malfunctions of medical devices that have contributed to patient injury, illness, or death to the manufacturer and the FDA. Although the act broadly defines a device, movable patient care equipment is included within this legislation.
Which of the following statements pertains to the hydrogen peroxide gas plasma method of sterilization as a low-temperature sterilization method?
Correct Answer:It is reactive and unstable in its liquid state. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma is reactive and unstable in its liquid state. It is a powerful oxidizer which safely converts to H2O and O2, however it has material and lumen size limitations.
The concentration at which a chemical meets all label claims for activity against specific microorganisms is which of the following?
Correct Answer:MEC The MEC is the minimum effective concentration. It is the percentage concentration of the active ingredient in a disinfectant or chemical sterilant that is the minimum concentration at which the chemical meets all label claims for activity against specific microorganisms. The MRC is short for minimum recommended concentration; minimum concentration at which the manufacturer tested the product and validated its performance.
What is required to be readily available for review or reference when working with chemicals?
Correct Answer:Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be readily available for review or reference. OSHA's hazard communication standard regulates workers must be informed of the hazards of the chemicals with which they work.
To properly care for and handle battery-powered instruments you would follow all but which recommendation?
Correct Answer:Never immerse handpieces, attachments, or batteries in any solution except pure water. You would not immerse handpieces, attachments, or batteries even in pure water. A primary reason that batteries do not hold a charge relates to steam damage of the battery cells. always check the manufacturer's instructions for battery sterilization guidelines.
All of the following are appropriate guidelines for package labeling EXCEPT:
Correct Answer:Package labeling must be done by the Biomed Department. Package labeling is done by the Central Service Department (not the Biomed Dept.). Central Service technicians with the responsibility for labeling packages must use clear, legible handwriting and accurate descriptions. confusion caused by an illegible or inaccurate package label can compromise patient safety because items may be misplaced, or the label may be misread and incorrectly dispensed.
The employee's exposure to an air contaminant which should not be exceeded during any part of the work day (according to OSHA) is called the
Correct Answer:ceiling limit According to OSHA, the ceiling limit is "the employee's exposure (to an air contaminant) which shall not be exceeded during any part of the work day. If instantaneous monitoring is not feasible, then the ceiling shall be assessed as a 15-minute time-weighted average exposure which shall not be exceeded at any time over a working day."
Chemicals that hold hard water minerals in solution are known as
Correct Answer:chelating agents Chemicals that hold hard water minerals in solution are known as chelating agents. They prevent soaps or detergents from reacting with the minerals. Sequestering agents are the chemicals that remove or inactivate hard water minerals.
The type of communication which uses positive reinforcement to encourage someone to follow proper work practices, and negative reinforcement to discourage inappropriate work practices is:
Correct Answer:coaching Coaching is the type of communication which uses positive reinforcement to encourage someone to follow proper work practices, and negative reinforcement to discourage inappropriate work practices. coaching is a type of formal communication undertaken by managers and supervisors.
If a new staff member professes pleasure at being part of your team, but draws back when a hand of greeting is extended this is which of the following negative communication techniques?
Correct Answer:conflicting message Conflicting messages occur when the nonverbal message speaks more loudly than the words spoken. Double messages like this can leave a person confused, frustrated, or angry.
Which of the following statements about steam-flush pressure cycles is least accurate?
Correct Answer: A vacuum is required for this cycle. A vacuum is NOT required for this cycle. Cycle phases and parameters are based on the materials being processed.
The agency of the federal government that is organized within the Department of Health and Human Services and that works to promote the health and quality of life by responding to health care emergencies is which of the following?
Correct Answer: Centers for Disease Control The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) works to promote the health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability, and by responding to health emergencies. CDC personnel developed the first practical guidelines for isolation techniques, and guidelines for infection control are established based on this data.
Only three classes of the six available chemical indicators are used for low-temperature sterilization. They are:
Correct Answer: Class 1, 4, and 5 The three classes of the six available chemical indicators used for low-temperature sterilization are Class 1, 4, and 5. Internal and external chemical indicators are required for all packages regardless of the sterilization method selected. However, indicators must be specific to the sterilization method and chemical and must be used according to IFU developed by the manufacturer of the chemical indicator.
The guidelines for handling contaminated items set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is which of the following?
Correct Answer:Standard Precautions The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed guidelines for handling contaminated items. They are known as "Standard Precautions," and address the concern that all body fluids and items that have contacted body fluids are potentially infectious. These guidelines should be used as a basis for the safe handling and cleaning of all medical devices entering the decontamination area.
The Central Service staff must know the common abbreviations for surgical procedures. Surgical removal of part of the prostate gland by inserting instruments across the urethra to reach the prostate internally is known by which of the following abbreviations?
Correct Answer:TURP Surgical removal of part of the prostate gland by inserting instruments across the urethra to reach the prostate internally is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). THA stands for total hip arthroplasty; CABG stands for coronary artery bypass graft; and BKA stands for below the knee amputation.
Which of the following is a leading principle in terms of adaptability of packaging material?
Correct Answer:The package should not extend beyond the actual size of the contents. The only valid principle of the choices is that the package should not extend beyond the actual size of the contents. it should be adaptable to the size, shape, and nature of the item to be packaged. Excessive packaging material can inhibit sterilant penetration and create the potential for contamination.
Passivation is best described as which of the following?
Correct Answer:a chemical process that provides a corrosion-resistant finish to an instrument Passivation is best described as a chemical process that provides a corrosion-resistant finish to an instrument. It is applied during instrument manufacture. It gives the instrument a thin and transparent chromium oxide film.
Inspection of a sample from a larger lot to decide whether the lot should be received is called
Correct Answer:acceptance sampling Acceptance sampling is inspection of a sample from a larger lot to decide whether the lot should be received (accepted). A predetermined number of defective samples from a particular lot size will require rejection of the total lot.
The process by which ethylene oxide destroys microorganisms is which of the following?
Correct Answer:alkylation Alkylation is the process by which ethylene oxide destroys microorganisms. This results in the inability of the cell to normally metabolize, reproduce, or both.
Packaging material must allow the package to be opened in a manner that will permit it to be free from germs, infection, or infectious material. This is known as
Correct Answer:aseptic transfer Packaging material must allow the package to be opened in a manner that will permit it to be free from germs, infection, or infectious material, which is known as aseptic transfer. In some cases, the packaging material may also serve as a drape to establish a sterile field.
Instruments for large sets are placed in which of the following types of packaging?
Correct Answer:basket of appropriate size with a perforated bottom Instruments for large sets are placed in a stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or heat-tolerant plastic basket of appropriate size and with a wire-mesh or perforated bottom. The container manufacturer should provide written documentation as to the devices the manufacturer has validated for use inside their containers.
Sterilizer qualification testing should be conducted in cooperation with the sterilizer manufacturer, and performed in all of the following situations EXCEPT:
Correct Answer:before sterilizer major repairs Sterilizer qualification testing should be conducted in cooperation with the sterilizer manufacturer, and performed: after sterilizer installation or relocation; after sterilizer malfunctions; after sterilizer major repairs; after sterilization process failures; and after major repairs to the utilities connected to the sterilizer.
Instruments to be cleaned should never be left to stand without doing which of the following?
Correct Answer:being covered with a moistened towel Prolonged delays in cleaning can have detrimental effects on the instrumentation. Sets can begin to stain, pit, rust, and become dull. Dried blood becomes more difficult to remove. Instruments to be cleaned should never be left to stand without being covered with a moistened towel. Some devices cannot be submerged and must be clean manually.
In terms of steam sterilization, the combination of time, temperature, and steam quality can be measured by which of the following?
Correct Answer:biological indicators The combination of time, temperature, and steam quality can be measured by biological indicators. These indicators use live bacterial spores to test the specific cycle's ability to kill spores.
Which of the following channels of communication is the LEAST effective?
Correct Answer:bulletins Bulletins are the least effective channel of communication of the choices listed. Face-to-face communication is the most effective way to communicate.
Assets that require significant advance planning for their purchase and are relatively expensive are considered
Correct Answer:capital equipment Capital equipment includes assets that are relatively expensive such as sterilizers or washers. They usually require significant advance planning for their purchase since money must be set aside in the budget for purchase.
In terms of sterilization, which of the following is considered a critical device based on the degree of possible infection?
Correct Answer:cardiac catheter Critical devices are instruments or objects introduced directly into the bloodstream or other normally sterile areas of the body. Cardiac catheters are considered critical devices and should undergo a sterilization procedure before each use that is recommended by the device's original equipment manufacturer.
There are six links in the chain of infection. Which of the following is the first link?
Correct Answer:causative agent The causative agent or pathogenic microorganism is the first link in the chain of infection. Infections are caused by a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and parasites.
If you wish to control inefficiencies in the consumption of services due to higher-than-necessary costs, you would implement which of the following?
Correct Answer:cost containment Cost containment is the control of inefficiencies in the consumption, allocation, or production of services that contribute to higher-than-necessary costs. In other words, cost containment is the practice of maintaining expense levels to prevent unnecessary spending or thoughtfully reducing expenses to improve profitability without long-term damage to the company.
Which inventory distribution system involves the nursing staff or the various customers within the health care facility being responsible for maintaining an adequate level of supplies for use in that department?
Correct Answer:demand distribution system In the demand distribution system, the nursing staff or the various customers within the health care facility are responsible for maintaining an adequate level of supplies for use in that department. When these supplies must be replenished or when an individual item is needed, customers request the necessary items from the CSD. The CSD staff fills the order and delivers it to the requesting department, where the customer is responsible for storing the items or transferring them to the point of use.
The process to determine the value of a fixed asset during a specific accounting period that is assumed to have been "used up" during the period is which of the following?
Correct Answer:depreciation The process to determine the value of a fixed asset during a specific accounting period that is assumed to have been "used up" during the period is depreciation. Depreciation is a systematic and rational process of distributing the cost of tangible assets over the life of assets.
A variety of methods and types of equipment are used for the transport, delivery, and storage of items. The most common means of transport and storage is which of the following?
Correct Answer:distribution carts The most common means of transport and storage is a distribution cart. Dumbwaiters and pneumatic tubes are mechanical devices used to transport, upon request, small quantities of items to customers. Nurse servers are personal cupboards in patient rooms that are stocked with basic items.
Which of the following methods of sterilization has the ability to penetrate oils and closed containers not permeable to steam?
Correct Answer:dry heat Dry heat has the advantage of being able to penetrate a variety of materials, including oils and closed containers not permeable to steam. Dry heat is a relatively slow-acting sterilizing agent, and generally requires higher temperatures than other sterilization methods.
One way to help determine the difference between staining and rusting on patient care instruments is which of the following?
Correct Answer:eraser test Something that looks like rust on an instrument is likely to be a stain. A pencil eraser can be used for an eraser test to help determine the difference between staining and rusting. After a stain is discovered, use the eraser to remove the discoloration.
Changing working conditions to reduce employee physical stress is called:
Correct Answer:ergonomics Ergonomics means finding ways to change work or working conditions to reduce employee physical stress. The primary goal is to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders by adapting the work to fit the employee rather than by forcing the staff member to adapt to the workstation and equipment.
Which of the following is the date calculated by adding a specific period of time to the date of manufacture or sterilization of a device?
Correct Answer:expiration date The expiration date is the date calculated by adding a specific period of time to the date of manufacture or sterilization of a device. It defines the estimated useful life of the device or component of the device.
Dry heat sterilization cannot be used with which of the following materials?
Correct Answer:fabrics Dry heat cannot be used with fabrics or rubber since it will deteriorate these materials. When sterilizing powders, the temperature must be maintained below the point at which the substance may undergo physical or chemical change.
Response from the receiver of a message is known as which of the following?
Correct Answer:feedback Feedback is the response from the receiver. It can be verbal or nonverbal. As the receiver interprets and responds to the original message, the sender begins the same process of feedback to the receiver.
Central service technicians must understand all of the following aspects of patient care equipment EXCEPT:
Correct Answer:financing Central service technicians must understand all of these requirements except for financing of the equipment. They must also understand requirements for preparing, dispensing, and tracking patient care equipment. Each step in the patient care equipment process is an important component of a comprehensive patient care equipment program.
Once instruments have been properly decontaminated, which of the following is important to help assure surgeon satisfaction and patient safety?
Correct Answer:functional checks Dull instruments may tear delicate tissue during a procedure. Functional checks are important and include visual checks. The instruments should be clean, smooth, and free of corrosion that can harbor harmful bacteria.
The two basic types of dry-heat sterilizers are:
Correct Answer:gravity convection and mechanical convection The two basic types of dry-heat sterilizers are gravity convection and mechanical convection. In the gravity convection sterilizer, air passively circulates according to the temperature differential in the chamber. Mechanical convection sterilizers provide forced air circulation.
The glassware washers use an automatically or manually fed detergent of:
Correct Answer:high pH The glassware washer or laboratory dishwasher uses an automatically or manually fed detergent of high pH, which is very effective for cleaning glassware. The glassware is placed on special racks that securely hold it upside down. The items are then washed with sprayer arms and then rinsed thoroughly.
Which of the following requires that it has a label with a registration number and information that identifies the organism against which it is effective?
Correct Answer:high-level disinfectants Verifying EPA registration and FDA cleared high-level disinfection solutions is critical. All products must have labels.
The percentage of items unavailable when an order is placed for sterile items is known by which of the following terms?
Correct Answer:inventory stock out rate Inventory stock out rate is the percentage of items unavailable when an order is placed for sterile items. Inventory turnover rate is the number of times per year that inventory is purchased, consumed, and replaced. Inventory service level is the percentage of items available when an order is placed. Inventory acquisition cost is all costs incurred to purchase a specific item from point of authorization through its disposal.
Which chemical is used primarily as an antiseptic on the skin?
Correct Answer:iodine Iodine is the heaviest of the commonly occurring halogens. It is used primarily as an antiseptic on skin. They are commonly used as the final preparation of the skin before injections or surgical incisions.
Pouches are often used for which of the following types of items?
Correct Answer:lightweight Pouches are often used to package lightweight individual items, especially when visibility of the item is important. Pouches should not be used for heavy or bulky items because the seals will be stressed and might break open.
Items to be sterilized are completely immersed in which of the following sterilization processes?
Correct Answer:liquid chemical Liquid chemical sterilization is accomplished by the complete immersion of items in a sterilizing solution in the concentration and for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Sterilant disinfectants are capable of killing even highly resistant bacterial spores if contact time is prolonged.
What must precede the use of Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AER)?
Correct Answer:meticulous manual cleaning AER refers to machines designed for the purpose of cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes and accessories. Meticulous manual cleaning must precede the use of AER's.
The 300 series of stainless steel is used for all but which of the following types of patient care instruments?
Correct Answer:needleholders The second most popular steel used to manufacture surgical instruments is 300 series stainless steel. While it offers high corrosion resistance, this material doesn't provide the hardness properties of its 400 series counterpart, so it is more workable and malleable. Instruments produced with 300 series stainless steel include retractors, cannulas, rib spreaders, and suction devices. This softer type of steel is called Austenitic stainless steel. Needleholders are made with 400 series stainless steel (not 300 series)
A control biological indicator (BI) test, with the same lot number as the BI test packs being used must be processed how often?
Correct Answer:once a day A control biological indicator (BI) test, with the same lot number as the BI test packs being used must be processed once a day and whenever a different lot numbered pack will be used during the day. The control BI test is processed without having been through sterilization. The results of the test should be positive according to the color change in the vial or fluorescence detection.
Choosing a cleaning detergent with the proper pH is important. A detergent with a pH of 3 would turn litmus paper to which of the following colors?
Correct Answer:pink The pH level of a detergent measures its acidity or alkalinity. A detergent with a low pH such as 3 is acidic and would turn a litmus paper a shade of red in a lighter shade of pink. Examples of acidic substances include vinegar and lemon juice.
Which of the following materials is suitable for use in a gas plasma sterilization process?
Correct Answer:polypropylene wrappers Polypropylene wrappers can be used in gas plasma sterilization, as can instrument trays designed specifically for this process, or Tyvek pouches. Cellulose-based materials cannot be used due to their propensity for absorbing the sterilant precursor. In addition, items that contain copper or copper alloys should not be used.
Maintaining equipment in proper operating condition is part of which of the following?
Correct Answer:preventive maintenance Preventive maintenance is designed to identify potential problems before they occur. It is serviced provided to equipment to maintain it in proper operating condition b providing planned inspection, and by detecting and correcting failures before they occur.
Instruments contained in small sets are often called
Correct Answer:procedure trays Small sets of instruments are often called procedure trays. Than are typically packaged along with a few needed towels, gauze sponges, and other supplies. These may be placed in an autoclavable mesh tray.
An item designed to simulate product to be sterilized and to constitute a defined challenge to the sterilization process is which of the following?
Correct Answer:process challenge device A process challenge device (PCD) is an item designed to simulate the product to be sterilized. it constitutes a defined challenge to the sterilization process and is used to assess the effective performance of the process. A PCD is a challenge test pack or test tray that contains a biologic indicator, a Class 5 integrating indicator, or an enzyme-only indicator.
Which type of enzyme used in the Central Service Department will breach down blood?
Correct Answer:protease enzymes Protease enzymes break down blood. They also break down mucus, feces, and albumin. Lipase breaks down fatty deposits such as bone marrow and adipose tissue. Amylase catalyzes starch.
The degree or grade of excellence of a product is its
Correct Answer:quality Quality is the consistent delivery of products and services according to established standards. It relates to the degree or grade of excellence of a product or service. The patient is at the center of every quality concern.
There are three categories of quality control indicators. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Correct Answer:random The three categories of quality control indicators are administrative, customer satisfaction, and technical. There is no random category. Administrative quality controls are activities regulated by policies, procedures, and other actions to assure safe and efficient departmental performance. Customer quality control indicators are measured in the eyes of the customer. Technical quality control indicators are utilized in the processes of Central Service.
The cycle parameters for liquid chemical sterilization include all but which of the following?
Correct Answer:relative humidity Relative humidity is not one of the parameters for liquid chemical sterilization. It is, however, a parameter for EtO, vapor phase hydrogen peroxide, and ozone sterilization methods.
