Sterilization MCQ Quiz With Answers

Steam sterilization requires three parameters to effectively kill microorganisms: steam under pressure, time, and temperature. Steam under pressure ensures that the steam reaches all areas of the sterilization chamber, ensuring thorough sterilization. Time is necessary to allow the steam to penetrate and kill the microorganisms. Temperature is crucial as it determines the speed and effectiveness of the sterilization process. These three parameters work together to achieve proper sterilization and ensure the safety of the sterilized items.

Sterility refers to the complete absence of all forms of microbial life, including spores. It is the highest level of microbial control and is typically achieved through processes such as sterilization or autoclaving. Sanitization, disinfection, and decontamination all involve reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but they do not guarantee the complete elimination of all microbial life. Therefore, sterility is the correct answer in this context.

Flash sterilization may be necessary when a one of a kind instrument is dropped. This is because when a unique instrument is dropped, it may not be possible to replace it quickly enough through regular sterilization processes. Flash sterilization allows for a rapid sterilization of the instrument, ensuring that it can be used safely without delay.

Steam must make direct contact with all surfaces in order for sterilization to occur. This is because steam carries heat, and heat is the main agent that kills microorganisms. By making direct contact with all surfaces, steam can effectively transfer heat and kill any microorganisms present. If steam does not make direct contact with all surfaces, there is a risk that some areas may not reach the required temperature for sterilization, leaving behind potential contaminants. Therefore, ensuring direct contact with all surfaces is crucial for effective sterilization.

Biological monitoring methods are used to verify that conditions within the load were adequate to kill bacterial spores. These methods involve the use of biological indicators, such as spore strips or vials, which contain a known number of bacterial spores. These indicators are placed within the load during sterilization and then incubated to see if any spores survive. If no spores grow, it indicates that the conditions were sufficient to kill the spores and achieve sterilization.

Moist packages at the end of the steam cycle can create a favorable environment for bacteria to wick into the package. Moisture provides the necessary conditions for bacterial growth and can facilitate their movement into the package. This can lead to contamination of the product inside and pose a potential health risk. It is important to ensure that packages are adequately dried after the steam cycle to prevent bacterial contamination.

The dynamic air removal test is used to verify that the sterilizer air removal mechanism is functioning properly. This test involves removing air from the sterilizer chamber and replacing it with steam, ensuring that all air pockets are eliminated. This is important because the presence of air can hinder the sterilization process and lead to ineffective sterilization. By conducting the dynamic air removal test, healthcare professionals can ensure that the sterilizer is capable of effectively removing air and achieving proper sterilization.

If the dynamic air removal test fails the first time, it is recommended to repeat the test one more time. This is because the failure could be due to some temporary issue or error during the first test. By repeating the test, it allows for a second chance to ensure accurate results and to rule out any potential errors or issues that may have occurred during the initial test.

The correct answer is "dynamic air removal test". The Bowie Dick test is a type of test used to assess the effectiveness of air removal in steam sterilizers. It is designed to detect air leaks, inadequate air removal, or poor steam penetration in the sterilization process. The test involves placing a specific test pack in the sterilizer and running a specific cycle. The term "dynamic air removal test" accurately describes the purpose and nature of the Bowie Dick test, as it focuses on evaluating the dynamic process of air removal during sterilization.

The stacking of rigid sterilization containers on the autoclave rack is allowed when the manufacturer provides technical data stating that it is acceptable. This means that the manufacturer has conducted tests and provided evidence that stacking the containers in this manner will not compromise the sterilization process or the integrity of the containers. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the sterilization process.

To ensure proper sterilization, paper-plastic peel packages should be placed on their edge. This positioning allows for better circulation of steam or gas during the sterilization process, ensuring that all surfaces of the package are adequately sterilized. Placing the packages on their edge also helps prevent condensation from collecting on the package, which could compromise the sterility of the contents.

The correct sterilizer setting for the dynamic air removal test is 3 1/2 to 4 minutes at 270 degrees Fahrenheit (134 degrees Celsius) using the prevac (pre-vacuum) method. This method is preferred for sterilization as it allows for better air removal from the sterilization chamber, ensuring more effective sterilization of the items being processed. The time and temperature parameters specified are also crucial for achieving the desired level of sterilization.

Placing test packs over the drain presents the greatest challenge to the steam sterilizer because the drain area is typically the coolest part of the sterilizer. Steam may not reach this area effectively, leading to inadequate sterilization. This can result in the test packs not achieving the desired sterilization parameters, potentially compromising the overall effectiveness of the sterilization process.

The correct action to take if a written item needs to be removed from the load record is to draw a line through the item and initial it. This ensures that the removed item is still visible in the record, but clearly marked as no longer valid. Rewriting the entire record would be unnecessary and time-consuming, while crossing off the item with a black sharpie could make the record messy and difficult to read. Drawing a line through the item and initialing it is a simple and effective way to indicate that the item has been removed.

Basin sets should be positioned tilted on their side for sterilization. This position allows proper drainage of water and steam during the sterilization process, ensuring effective sterilization of the instruments within the basin sets. Placing them under a rigid container or facing up may hinder the proper flow of steam and water, compromising the sterilization process.

The sterilizer heat sensing thermometer is located in the drain line. This is because the drain line is responsible for carrying out the sterilized waste material from the chamber. By placing the thermometer in the drain line, it allows for accurate monitoring of the temperature of the waste material being removed from the sterilizer. This ensures that the waste material is being properly sterilized and eliminates any potential risk of contamination.

Mixing EO (ethylene oxide) with HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) can help minimize the risk of fire. HCFC is a halogenated compound that acts as a fire suppressant, while CO2 is a non-flammable gas that can displace oxygen and reduce the availability of fuel for combustion. By combining these substances with EO, the likelihood of a fire occurring can be significantly reduced.

Gauze sponges should not be processed in a low temperature gas plasma sterilizer because they can absorb the gas and prevent it from effectively penetrating the material and sterilizing it.

Preconditioning of the sterilizer load is the process of preparing the load before starting the sterilization cycle. In this case, the correct answer suggests that the load should be placed in the sterilizer and the door should be closed for 15 minutes. This allows the load to reach the desired temperature and ensures that the sterilization process is effective. Running the sterilizer for 1 minute and then restarting the load or letting the load come to room temperature and then starting the cycle are not appropriate methods for preconditioning the sterilizer load.

An indicator in class 5 is referred to as an "integrator".

Implantable devices are critical medical devices that are inserted into a patient's body. Monitoring these devices with a Biological Indicator (BI) is essential to ensure their sterility. BIs contain spores that are resistant to sterilization processes, and if the sterilization cycle is successful, these spores should be killed. By monitoring implantable device loads with a BI, healthcare professionals can verify that the sterilization process has effectively eliminated any potential pathogens, ensuring the safety of the patient.

The dynamic air removal test is considered a mechanical monitoring process because it involves the use of mechanical equipment, such as a vacuum pump, to remove air from a system. This test is commonly used in sterilization processes to ensure the removal of air, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the sterilization method. By using mechanical means to remove air, the test helps to ensure that the sterilization process is carried out properly and that the desired level of sterility is achieved.

In the event of a positive BI, all loads should be recalled back to the last negative BI. This means that any load that has been processed after the last negative BI should be recalled. This is done to ensure that any potential contamination or issues are identified and resolved, and to prevent any further distribution of potentially compromised loads. By recalling all loads back to the last negative BI, the company can take necessary actions to address the issue and ensure the safety and quality of their products.

In a prevac steam cycle at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C), the minimum exposure time for wrapped goods is 3 minutes. This means that the wrapped goods need to be exposed to the steam at this temperature for at least 3 minutes to ensure proper sterilization.

The recommended cycle for processing decontaminated instruments from a suspected CJD case is 18 minutes, 273°F (133°C), prevac cycle. This cycle ensures that the instruments are thoroughly decontaminated and eliminates any potential risk of transmitting the CJD infection. The prevac cycle is preferred as it allows for better penetration of the sterilizing agent, ensuring that all areas of the instruments are properly sterilized. The temperature and time parameters specified in this cycle are specifically chosen to effectively kill any prions that may be present on the instruments.

In an EO sterilizer, the cycle phase where the temperature and concentration are maintained for a specific duration is known as the exposure phase. During this phase, the items being sterilized are exposed to the ethylene oxide gas, allowing it to penetrate and kill any microorganisms present. This phase is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

Microbial kill in the ozone sterilizer is achieved through a process called oxidation. Ozone, a highly reactive form of oxygen, is used in the sterilizer to kill microorganisms by oxidizing their cell walls and enzymes. This process disrupts the structure and function of the microorganisms, leading to their death.

Air samples representing a full shift exposure to EO are taken to comply with OSHA permissible exposure limits. Permissible exposure limits (PELs) are the maximum allowable concentration of a hazardous substance in the air that an employee can be exposed to over a specific time period. By taking air samples and comparing them to the PELs, employers can ensure that their workers are not being exposed to excessive levels of EO, which can help protect their health and safety.

Sterilized packs are most likely to become contaminated within the first hour of sterilization. This is because during the sterilization process, any microorganisms present on the packs should be killed. However, if the packs are not handled properly or if there are any issues with the sterilization equipment, contamination can occur shortly after the sterilization process is completed. It is crucial to maintain proper sterilization protocols and handle the packs with care to minimize the risk of contamination.

Items to be sterilized in low temperature gas plasma must be packaged in non-cellulose based material because cellulose-based materials, such as kraft paper and paper plastic pouches, can release hydrogen peroxide during the sterilization process. This can lead to incomplete sterilization or damage to the items being sterilized. Therefore, using non-cellulose based materials ensures the effectiveness of the sterilization process and prevents any potential harm to the items.

Aluminum foil is the packaging of choice for dry heat sterilization because it is able to withstand high temperatures without melting or releasing harmful substances. It provides a barrier against moisture and contaminants, ensuring that the sterilization process is effective. Additionally, aluminum foil is flexible and can easily conform to the shape of the item being sterilized, allowing for thorough heat penetration.

Instruments used on patients with known or suspected CJD should be decontaminated as usual. This means following the standard decontamination procedures that are typically used for all instruments. It is important to note that unless the device manufacturer specifies otherwise, sterilizing and then decontaminating the instruments or throwing them away is not necessary. Decontaminating the instruments as usual helps to ensure that any potential infectious agents are properly removed, reducing the risk of transmission to other patients.

Textile packs should be placed alternately on each rack in a mixed load of textile and metal goods. This ensures an even distribution of weight and prevents excessive strain on any one rack. Placing all the textile packs on the bottom rack could overload it, while placing them all on the top rack could make the load top-heavy and unstable. Alternating the placement of textile packs on each rack helps maintain balance and stability in the load.

If a biological test is performed daily, it is necessary to incubate a control biological indicator once a day. Additionally, if a new lot number of the biological indicator is used, it is also necessary to incubate it.

When unloading items from a steam sterilizer, it is crucial to prioritize safety and maintain sterility. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as heat-resistant gloves and potentially a face shield, should be worn. Allow for sufficient cooling time to prevent burns, and handle items carefully to avoid contamination or damage. 

The minimum air exchanges to be maintained in an area where 100% EO cartridges or EO mixture cylinders are stored is 10 per hour. This is necessary to ensure proper ventilation and prevent the accumulation of hazardous levels of ethylene oxide gas. Adequate air exchanges help to dilute the gas and maintain a safe environment for storage and handling of these materials.

Nylon is not recommended for EO sterilization because it is not compatible with ethylene oxide gas. EO sterilization requires materials that are permeable to the gas in order to effectively sterilize the contents. Nylon is not permeable to EO gas, so it would not allow for proper sterilization.

Routine Bi testing for steam sterilizers should be performed weekly to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the sterilization process. Weekly testing allows for regular monitoring of the sterilizer's performance and helps identify any potential issues or malfunctions before they can compromise patient safety. This frequency strikes a balance between frequent enough testing to catch any problems and not overly burdening the facility with excessive testing requirements.

At the end of the sterilization cycle, the EO cartridges and the gloves used to handle them should be aerated. Aeration is the process of allowing air to circulate and remove any remaining traces of ethylene oxide (EO) gas, which is used in the sterilization process. This step is crucial to ensure that the sterilized items are safe for use and free from any potential harmful residues. Disinfection, washing, and irradiation are not specifically mentioned or required for the EO cartridges and gloves in this context.

The action level for EO exposure is 0.5 ppm. This means that if the concentration of EO in the air reaches or exceeds 0.5 parts per million, action must be taken to reduce the exposure and ensure the safety of individuals. This level is set based on the potential health risks associated with EO exposure, and exceeding this level may lead to adverse effects on health.

Humidity is critical to EO (ethylene oxide) penetration of bacterial cell because EO is a gas that requires a certain level of moisture in the environment to effectively penetrate the cell wall of bacteria. Without sufficient humidity, EO may not be able to fully penetrate the bacterial cell and exert its antimicrobial effects. Temperature, hydrogen, and chlorofluorocarbons do not play a direct role in EO penetration of bacterial cells.

Stainless steel instruments are compatible with ozone sterilization because ozone is a highly reactive gas that can effectively kill microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses. Stainless steel is a durable and non-reactive material that can withstand the ozone sterilization process without being damaged or corroded. Therefore, it is a suitable material for use in medical instruments that require sterilization to maintain a high level of cleanliness and prevent the spread of infections.

In gas sterilization using 100% EO, apart from concentration exposure time, the basic parameters are humidity and temperature. These factors are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the sterilization process. The humidity level helps to enhance the penetration of the gas into the materials being sterilized, making it more effective. Temperature, on the other hand, affects the rate of the sterilization process and ensures that the required temperature is maintained throughout the process. Therefore, both humidity and temperature are important parameters to consider in gas sterilization using 100% EO.

Gravity steam is the method of sterilization used to sterilize liquids. This process involves exposing the liquid to high temperature and pressure in a steam sterilizer, allowing gravity to remove any air bubbles from the liquid. This method is commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing to ensure that liquids are free from any harmful microorganisms.

Peracetic acid is a wet sterilization system for unwrapped items because it is a powerful oxidizing agent that can effectively kill microorganisms on surfaces. It is commonly used in healthcare facilities and laboratory settings for sterilizing medical instruments, equipment, and surfaces. Peracetic acid works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. Unlike other sterilization methods mentioned, such as hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, ethylene oxide, and ozone sterilization, peracetic acid is specifically designed for wet sterilization and can be used for items that cannot withstand high temperatures or moisture.

The correct answer is 12 min at 122F 131.9F. This is the minimum exposure time and temperature required for sterilization in a peracetic acid sterilizer. The other options either have a longer exposure time or a lower temperature, which would not meet the requirements for effective sterilization.

The correct answer is to place the biological indicator in each corner of the inner basket and under the center of the lid. This placement ensures that the biological indicator is exposed to the most critical areas of the sterilization container, as the corners and the center of the lid are the areas where sterilization may be most challenging to achieve. By placing the biological indicator in these locations, it provides a more accurate assessment of the sterilization process and ensures that all areas of the container are effectively sterilized.

The parameters for low temperature gas plasma sterilization include time, temperature, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma. These three factors are essential for the effectiveness of the sterilization process. Time determines the duration of exposure to the gas plasma, ensuring that all microorganisms are thoroughly destroyed. Temperature plays a role in enhancing the efficiency of the sterilization process by promoting chemical reactions between the gas plasma and the microorganisms. Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma is the sterilizing agent used in this method, which effectively kills microorganisms by damaging their cellular structures. Therefore, the correct answer is time, temperature, and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma.

Bacillus atrophaeus is used to biologically monitor the dry heat sterilizer. This microorganism is commonly used as a biological indicator for dry heat sterilization processes. It is resistant to high temperatures and is used to ensure that the sterilization process is effective in killing all microorganisms present.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) permits the storage of up to 12 cartridges of 100% EO (ethylene oxide) outside a flammable goods cabinet. This regulation ensures that a safe quantity of flammable cartridges is stored outside the cabinet to minimize the risk of accidents or fires.

The EO biological test pack is placed in the geometric center of the load. Placing it in this position ensures that it is exposed to the same conditions as the rest of the load, allowing for accurate and representative sterilization testing. By placing it in the geometric center, it is also less likely to be influenced by any variations in temperature or sterilant distribution within the chamber.

Geobacillus stearothermophilus is used to biologically monitor the peracetic acid sterilization process. This microorganism is commonly used in sterilization validation because it is highly resistant to peracetic acid and can survive the sterilization process. By monitoring the survival or kill rate of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, the effectiveness of the sterilization process can be determined. Bacillus stearothermophilus is a similar microorganism but is not typically used for peracetic acid sterilization monitoring. Bacillus subtilis and Geobacillus subtilis are different species and are not commonly used for this purpose.

The purpose of the diagnostic test in a peracetic acid sterilizer is to check the system mechanics. This means that the test is conducted to ensure that all the mechanical components of the sterilizer are functioning properly and are in good working condition. This is important because any malfunction or failure in the system mechanics can lead to ineffective sterilization, which can compromise the safety and efficacy of the sterilization process. The test helps in identifying any issues or problems with the system mechanics so that they can be addressed and resolved promptly.