CRCST Quiz Chapter 9

Personal Protective Equipment refers to specialized clothing or equipment that is worn by employees to protect themselves against hazards. This can include items such as helmets, gloves, goggles, masks, and safety shoes. The purpose of Personal Protective Equipment is to minimize the risk of injury or illness in the workplace by providing a physical barrier between the employee and the hazard. It is essential for employers to provide and enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.

Detergents used for most cleaning processes prefer a neutral pH. This is because a neutral pH is neither too acidic nor too alkaline, making it safe and effective for various surfaces and materials. A neutral pH ensures that the detergent can effectively remove dirt and stains without causing damage or leaving residue. It also helps to maintain the pH balance of the cleaning solution, ensuring its stability and effectiveness.

Detergents used in mechanical cleaners should be low foaming because excessive foam can interfere with the cleaning process and reduce the effectiveness of the cleaner. Low foaming detergents allow the mechanical cleaner to work efficiently by preventing the formation of excessive foam that could potentially overflow and cause damage to the machine. Additionally, low foaming detergents are easier to rinse off, ensuring that no residue is left behind on the surfaces being cleaned.

Lipase enzymes are used to breakdown fatty tissue on instruments. Lipase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down lipids or fats. When used as a cleaner, lipase enzymes can effectively remove fatty deposits from instruments, making them clean and ready for use.

It is not true that all items should be washed on the same cycle. Different items may require different cycles based on their material, level of dirtiness, and sensitivity to certain cleaning agents or temperatures. Therefore, it is important to separate items and wash them on appropriate cycles to ensure effective and safe cleaning.

Instrument lubrication is performed after cleaning because cleaning removes any debris, dirt, or contaminants from the instrument's surface. Lubrication is then applied to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement of the instrument's parts. If lubrication is applied before cleaning, it may trap or spread the debris, compromising the cleanliness of the instrument. Similarly, lubrication after sterilization is not necessary as sterilization processes can remove any lubricant applied prior. Therefore, the most appropriate time to perform instrument lubrication is after cleaning, ensuring optimal functionality and cleanliness.

Powered surgical instruments cannot be immersed because they contain electronic components and mechanisms that can be damaged by exposure to water. Immersing them in water can cause malfunctioning or even permanent damage to the instrument. Therefore, alternative cleaning methods should be used, such as wiping with disinfectant solutions or using specialized cleaning devices that can clean the instrument without immersing it in water.

The instrument manufacturer should provide written cleaning instructions for surgical instruments because they are the ones who have the most knowledge and expertise about their specific instruments. They understand the materials used, the design, and any specific cleaning requirements that may be necessary to maintain the instruments' effectiveness and longevity. The instrument manufacturer's instructions will ensure that the cleaning process is done correctly and safely, reducing the risk of damage or contamination to the instruments.

Blood-soaked sponges are an example of regulated medical waste because they are contaminated with potentially infectious materials. Regulated medical waste refers to any waste generated in healthcare facilities that may pose a risk of infection or injury. Blood-soaked sponges fall under this category as they can contain bloodborne pathogens and need to be properly disposed of to prevent the spread of infections. General trash from the surgery department, used copier toner cartridges, and discarded sterilization wraps may not pose the same level of risk and may be disposed of differently.

When cleaning aluminum items, it is recommended to use a to and fro motion with the grain. This means moving the cleaning tool back and forth in the same direction as the natural grain of the aluminum. This method helps to remove dirt and grime effectively without causing any damage or scratches to the surface. Using a circular motion or a water spray may not provide the same level of thorough cleaning, while using a stiff metal brush can potentially scratch the aluminum surface.

When the ultrasonic cleaner's tank is changed, the water needs to be degassed because excess bubbles from filling reduce the energy of the cavitation process. Cavitation is the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles in the water caused by the ultrasonic waves. These bubbles create high-pressure waves that help in the cleaning process. However, if there are already excess bubbles in the water, they will interfere with the formation of new bubbles and reduce the energy of the cavitation process, making the cleaning less effective.

A detergent is the desired solution for cleaning instruments because it is specifically designed to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants from surfaces. Unlike soap, which is primarily used for personal hygiene, detergents are formulated to be more effective in breaking down and removing stubborn stains and debris. Steam and disinfectants may have their own purposes in the cleaning process, but a detergent is the most suitable option for thorough and efficient cleaning of instruments.

Softened water decreases the likelihood of mineral scale deposits. When water is softened, the minerals that cause scale, such as calcium and magnesium, are removed or reduced. This prevents the minerals from building up and forming deposits on surfaces like pipes, appliances, and fixtures. As a result, softened water helps to maintain the efficiency and longevity of these systems by minimizing the formation of scale.

Pyrogens are substances that can cause fever in the body. When these substances enter the body, they stimulate the immune system to release chemicals that raise the body's temperature, resulting in fever. Pyrogens can be produced by both microorganisms and certain non-living substances. They can be found in bacterial toxins, viruses, and some medications. Pyrogens play a role in the body's defense against infection by creating an inhospitable environment for pathogens.

To prevent coagulation of proteins, water temperature should be below 43°C (110°F). Higher temperatures can cause the proteins to denature and form clumps, leading to coagulation. By keeping the temperature below this threshold, the proteins can remain in their natural, dispersed state without clumping together.