Question 1

Which of the following does OSHA recommend for the decontamination of a blood spill?

Accepted Answer

A) 70% isopropyl alcohol 
B) 10% household bleach in water 
C) 2% glutaraldehyde 
D) Lysol

Question 2

Removing a wet pack from the autoclave results in

Accepted Answer

A) rusting of metal instruments. 
B) dulling of sharp instruments. 
C) contamination of the pack. 
D) invalid results on the sterilization indicator. 
E) all of the above.

Question 3

Which of the following is the best means of determining the effectiveness of the sterilization process?

Accepted Answer

A) The temperature gauge on the autoclave 
B) Biologic indicators 
C) Sterilization strips 
D) Autoclave tape

Question 4

The inside of the autoclave should be wiped every day with a

Accepted Answer

A) damp cloth. 
B) disinfectant. 
C) low-sudsing detergent. 
D) scouring pad.

Question 5

Autoclave tape

Accepted Answer

A) ensures whether sterilization has occurred. 
B) indicates whether the article was in the autoclave. 
C) can be used only to close the pack. 
D) plays "Jingle Bells" when it has been exposed to steam.

Question 6

Which of the following sterilization methods is often used by medical manufacturers to sterilize disposable items?

Accepted Answer

A) Cold sterilization 
B) Dry heat oven 
C) Ethylene oxide gas 
D) Autoclave

Question 7

Which of the following represents an error in technique during the chemical disinfection procedure?

Accepted Answer

A) Sanitizing articles before disinfecting them 
B) Opening hinged instruments before placing them in the disinfectant 
C) Completely immersing articles in the chemical disinfectant 
D) Making sure articles are wet before immersing them in the disinfectant

Question 8

The period of time that a disinfecting solution is effective after it has been activated is known as its

Accepted Answer

A) reuse life. 
B) shelf life. 
C) use life. 
D) expiration date.

Question 9

Utility gloves over clean disposable gloves should be worn during the sanitization procedure to protect the hands from

Accepted Answer

A) bloodborne pathogens. 
B) infectious materials. 
C) irritating chemicals. 
D) cuts or punctures. 
E) all of the above.

Question 10

Which of the following is a characteristic of bacterial spores?

Accepted Answer

A) They consist of a hard, thick-walled capsule. 
B) They represent a resting and protective stage. 
C) They are more resistant to heat. 
D) They usually cannot be killed by disinfectants. 
E) All of the above are characteristics of bacterial spores.

Question 11

According to the Hazard Communications Standard,which of the following must be included on the label of a hazardous chemical?

Accepted Answer

A) Name of the chemical 
B) Physical hazards of the chemical 
C) Health hazards of the chemical 
D) Storing and handling of the chemical 
E) All of the above

Question 12

The proper time for sterilizing an article in the autoclave depends on

Accepted Answer

A) the type of autoclave being used. 
B) what is being sterilized. 
C) the type of sterilization indicator being used. 
D) the intended use of the article.

Question 13

Which of the following concentrations of alcohol is the most effective disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

A) 50% isopropyl alcohol 
B) 60% isopropyl alcohol 
C) 70% isopropyl alcohol 
D) 100% isopropyl alcohol

Question 14

Which of the following items requires high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

A) Stethoscope 
B) Flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscope 
C) Surgical instruments 
D) Examining table

Question 15

The medical assistant should not set the timer on the autoclave until

Accepted Answer

A) the sterilization indicator changes color. 
B) the gauge has reached the desired temperature. 
C) the pressure reaches 15 pounds per square inch. 
D) steam enters the inner sterilization chamber.

Question 16

What is the term for an agent that kills disease-producing microorganisms and that usually is applied to inanimate objects?

Accepted Answer

A) Disinfectant 
B) Antiseptic 
C) Fungicide 
D) Detergent

Question 17

All of the following are true statements regarding sterilization pouches except

Accepted Answer

A) they provide good visibility of the contents. 
B) a sterilization indicator is usually present on the pouch. 
C) they can be labeled. 
D) they are reusable.

Question 18

The purpose of the Hazard Communications Standard (HCS)is to ensure that employees

Accepted Answer

A) do not come in contact with hazardous chemicals. 
B) are protected from bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. 
C) practice quality control when performing laboratory tests. 
D) are informed of the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.

Question 19

Which of the following represents an error in technique during the sanitization procedure?

Accepted Answer

A) Using a low-sudsing detergent 
B) Cleansing the grooves of hinged instruments using a wire brush 
C) Using steel wool to remove stains from instruments 
D) Checking instruments for proper working condition 
E) Lubricating hinged instruments

Question 20

Which of the following is accomplished through sanitization?

Accepted Answer

A) Organic matter is removed from the article. 
B) All microorganisms are removed from the article. 
C) Stains are removed from the article. 
D) Spores are killed. 
E) All of the above are correct.

Exam 3: Sterilization and Disinfection