Deck 3: Disinfection

Question 1

Which of the following items is considered to be a category I-Critical surgical item?

A)ECG electrodes
B)Cystoscope
C)Internal defibrillator paddles
D)Grounding pads

Answer 1

Internal defibrillator paddles

Question 2

When sending items on a case cart for sterilization, which of the following is true about unused, sterile items left on the cart?

A)Unused, sterile items should sent back to processing with contaminated items.
B)Unused, sterile items can be used for another surgical process right away.
C)Unused, sterile items should be opened and integrated with the contaminated items.
D)Unused, sterile items should remain on the case cart, with a second cart needed for contaminated items.

Answer 2

Unused, sterile items can be used for another surgical process right away.

Question 3

When using steam sterilization, which of the following is necessary to properly remove microorganisms through the steam autoclave process?

A)Steam, high temperature, and ethylene oxide gas
B)Steam, high temperature, and pressure
C)Steam, low temperature, and hydrogen peroxide
D)Steam only

Answer 3

Steam, high temperature, and pressure

Question 4

Which of the following devices may need chemical sterilization, rather than steam sterilization?

A)Fiberoptic endoscope
B)Blood pressure cuff
C)Laparoscope
D)Respiratory therapy devices

Question 5

For what length of time should cryosurgical instruments be sterilized to ensure adequate elimination of all microorganisms?

A)5 minutes
B)12 minutes
C)30 minutes
D)It depends on the manufacturer's instructions.

Question 6

Which of the following describes the action of a gravity air displacement sterilizer?

A)Pressurized steam pushes air out of the sterilizing chamber, and high-pressure steam sterilizes the instruments.
B)Air is removed from the sterilizing chamber through a vacuum, and steam replaces the air to sterilize the instruments.
C)Pressurized gas is pushed into the chamber to circulate with high levels of humidity, which sterilizes the instruments.
D)Instruments are immersed in fluid, followed by humidified air that circulates at extremely high temperatures.

Question 7

What is the purpose of aeration for items undergoing gas sterilization?

A)To air-dry the materials and make sure they do not contain moisture before use.
B)To allow for the release of toxic substances from the surface of the instruments.
C)To replace the gas at the end of the cycle with humidified air, saturating the instruments before drying.
D)To instill a protective covering over the instruments, rendering them safe to use in the next procedure.

Question 8

Which of the following are important considerations when packaging instrument trays for sterilization?

A)Put instrument sets together in closed, covered trays.
B)Instrument sets should be strung in a closed loop for sterilization, since it keeps all items together.
C)Nesting instruments or basin sets keeps them too close together and prevents adequate sterilization of all surfaces.
D)All trays should have a worksheet that outlines the number of instruments being sterilized.