Question 1

Which disinfectant contains detergent properties and causes the gradual alteration of cell membranes to produce leakage of protoplasm of some microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Quaternary compounds alter the cell membrane and cause protoplasm leakage in some microorganisms,primarily vegetative bacteria.These compounds possess detergent properties and are used to sanitize noncritical surfaces.

Question 2

Which is a disadvantage of using ultraviolet (UV)irradiation as a means of disinfection?

Accepted Answer

UV rays can cause burns similar to sunburns,and thus skin covering and protective goggles must be worn when exposed to them.Pathogens moving across the ray of UV light may not be exposed to radiant energy long enough for effective contact and destruction to occur.

Question 3

The washer-decontaminator goes through which of these phases?

Accepted Answer

The phases of the washer-decontaminator are cold water prerinse,alkaline detergent wash,neutral rinse,steam,and heat.The washer-decontaminator cleans with a spray force action and is similar to the washer-sterilizer with its cold water rinse to loosen blood and protein,an alkaline detergent with low suds,and a neutral rinse to prevent staining or corrosion,and steam and heat to render the instruments safe to handle at the end of the cycle.

Question 4

Which are the three levels of Spaulding's classification of patient care items?

Accepted Answer

The critical items must be sterile; semi-critical items can be sterilized and/or require high-level disinfection; noncritical items come into contact with intact skin and not sterile tissue.

Question 5

Which is one proper way to mark an instrument for identification before being put into service?

Accepted Answer

New instruments may be marked with bar codes done with a laser when purchased.Some facilities use a special heat-stable tape to color code instruments by sets.This tape can withstand cleaning and sterilizing,but must be replaced if it starts to peel.The surface of the instrument should not be etched or engraved because these processes can destroy the surface and permit trapped microorganisms and spores.

Question 6

Which is an advantage of using disposable products in the OR?

Accepted Answer

Because the product has not been used on other patients,the possibility of infection is reduced and a savings may be noted because the cost of having central services personnel reprocess the item is eliminated.

Question 7

What is glutaraldehyde used for?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde is a solution that kills microorganisms by denaturing protein.It is used as a high-level disinfectant on endoscopes and lensed instruments.

Question 8

The surgical services central processing department (CPD or SPD)is usually located close to the main OR to minimize the potential for cross-contamination of soiled and clean instruments and supplies.

Accepted Answer

The CPD should be located in close proximity to the main surgical suites.This helps prevent cross-contamination of soiled and clean supplies.The CPD is comprised of the decontamination area,set assembly room,sterile processing,sterile storage,and case cart packing room.

Question 9

Which is the proper order of the steps involved in cleaning instruments after they are used?

Accepted Answer

Precleaning occurs first to remove gross blood or debris.The washer-sterilizer is used next after bioburden is removed; sterilization needs to occur next to prepare the instruments for their next use.

Question 10

Personal protective equipment must be worn when cleaning instruments to prevent contact with accidental spray from contaminated body fluids and chemical cleaning solutions.

Accepted Answer

Caps,gloves,waterproof aprons,and face shields must be worn when cleaning instruments.

Question 11

What are the levels of disinfection?

Accepted Answer

The disinfection levels are classified by the effectiveness of the process.High level kills all bacteria,viruses,and fungi.Intermediate level kills most bacteria,viruses,and fungi.Low level kills most vegetative bacteria,fungi,and the least resistant viruses.

Question 12

Which disinfectant is safe to use for housekeeping purposes?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol can be used as a housekeeping disinfectant for damp-dusting furniture and lights or wiping electrical cords.Chlorine compounds are also housekeeping disinfectants for cleaning bodily fluids.They are bactericidal,fungicidal,and tuberculocidal and have a virucidal effect on HIV,HBV,and other viruses.

Question 13

Which one is an action completed in an OR's processing department to ensure that instruments are safe to handle?

Accepted Answer

Prerinsing,washing,rinsing,and disinfecting/sterilizing are four processes that must be completed to ensure safe handling of the instruments by the central services personnel before being assembled into sets.

Question 14

Instruments may be immersed in which of the following solutions?

Accepted Answer

Plain,clean demineralized distilled water or an enzymatic may be used.Instruments soaked in an enzymatic soak solution make processing more efficient.

Question 15

What is the purpose of prerinsing or presoaking instruments after use?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of prerinsing or presoaking instruments is to soften or remove the blood and debris from instruments.This also prevents debris from drying on instruments making it harder to remove.

Question 16

At what temperature does the washer-sterilizer reach to ensure safe handling for employees?

Accepted Answer

The temperature of the washer sterilizer ranges from 250° F to 280° F (121° C to 138° C).

Question 17

An ultrasonic cleaner sterilizes the instruments placed in it similar to a washer-sterilizer.

Accepted Answer

The ultrasonic process uses mechanical and chemical actions to process the instruments but does not go through a sterilization process.The terminal sterilization process is done separately.

Question 18

For a chemical disinfectant to be labeled for use in a hospital,it should be effective against which organisms?

Accepted Answer

Chemical disinfectants should be effective against gram negative and gram positive organisms such as staphylococci,salmonella,and pseudomonas species.

Question 19

When cleaning instrument surfaces,it is acceptable to use wire brushes or scouring pads in order to thoroughly clean the debris from the instrument.

Accepted Answer

Steel wool,wire brushes,scouring pads,or powders can scratch or remove the protective finish on metal and cause corrosion.

Question 20

Name a method of surgical instrument disinfection.

Accepted Answer

Manual wiping with a chemical-impregnated cloth or sponge,soaking by total immersion,and processing by flush through machinery are three methods of disinfection.The method employed depends on the desired resultant level of disinfection.

Quiz 17: Decontamination and Disinfection