California State Biology Exam Practice Test!

The correct answer is 250 and 270-275. Steam sterilization is a common method used to kill microorganisms and sterilize equipment. The temperature range of 250 and 270-275 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly used in steam sterilization processes. These temperatures are effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms and ensuring proper sterilization of the equipment.

Sterilizer recording charts and printouts should be checked during and at the end of each cycle. This is necessary to ensure that the sterilization process is functioning effectively and that the equipment is working properly. Checking the charts and printouts allows the supervisor to monitor the sterilization parameters, such as temperature and pressure, and verify that they are within the required range. Regular checks during each cycle help identify any potential issues or deviations from the desired sterilization conditions, allowing for prompt corrective action to be taken.

In the event of a load recall, information about specific load contents can be obtained from the sterilization log. The sterilization log is a record that documents the details of each sterilization cycle, including the items that were included in the load. This log provides a comprehensive record of the sterilization process, ensuring that the specific contents of each load can be easily traced and identified in case of a recall. The central service supervisor, procedure manual, and hospital safety director may provide valuable information in other aspects of sterilization, but the sterilization log is the most reliable source for specific load contents.

The correct answer is daily. Sterilizers strainers should be removed and cleaned daily to ensure proper functioning and prevent any buildup or clogging that may affect the sterilization process. Regular cleaning helps maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the sterilizer, ensuring that it operates at its optimal level and reduces the risk of contamination.

The higher the bioburden on an object, the more difficult it will be to sterilize. This is because bioburden refers to the number of microorganisms present on the object, and a higher bioburden means a larger population of microorganisms that need to be eliminated. Sterilization processes, such as heat or chemical treatments, aim to kill or remove all microorganisms on the object. Therefore, a higher bioburden requires more rigorous and prolonged sterilization methods to ensure complete elimination of the microorganisms, making the sterilization process more difficult.

If a sterilizer has successfully killed all the bacterial spores in a biological test, it is called a negative test. This means that the sterilizer is functioning properly and effectively eliminating the spores, indicating that it is suitable for use.

Biological tests are used to assess the effectiveness of sterilization processes by using live bacterial spores. These tests directly measure the lethality of the process by challenging the spores with the sterilization method. Chemical indicator tests, chemical integrator tests, and ampulization tests do not involve live bacterial spores and are not specifically designed to measure the sterilization process's efficacy. Therefore, the correct answer is biological tests.

Bowie Dick tests are designed to evaluate the air removal capability of steam sterilizers. Dynamic air removal steam sterilizers are specifically designed to remove air from the sterilization chamber, ensuring effective sterilization. Other types of sterilizers, such as downward displacement sterilizers, ethylene oxide sterilizers, and washer/sterilizers, may not have the same level of air removal capability as dynamic air removal steam sterilizers. Therefore, Bowie Dick tests should be run in dynamic air removal steam sterilizers to ensure proper sterilization procedures are being followed.

Mechanical recording charts/printouts are designed to provide a written record of sterilizer cycle activity. These charts or printouts typically include information such as the time, temperature, pressure, and duration of the sterilization cycle. This documentation is important for quality assurance purposes as it allows healthcare professionals to track and monitor the effectiveness of the sterilization process. By reviewing the mechanical recording charts/printouts, any deviations or abnormalities in the sterilization cycle can be identified and addressed promptly to ensure the safety and efficacy of the sterilization process.

Superheated steam refers to steam that has been heated to a temperature above its boiling point at a given pressure. This steam does not contain any moisture or water droplets, making it "dry." It is commonly used in industrial processes where high temperatures are required, such as in power generation or heating applications. Superheated steam is different from moist steam, which contains some water droplets, and it does not involve the addition of chemicals to increase its temperature. Therefore, the correct answer is dry steam.

To elevate the temperature in a steam sterilizer, increasing the steam pressure is necessary. This is because temperature and pressure are directly proportional in a closed system like a steam sterilizer. By increasing the steam pressure, the temperature inside the sterilizer will also increase, which is crucial for effective sterilization. Decreasing the steam pressure or achieving ambient pressure would not provide the necessary temperature for sterilization. Injecting boiler amines is unrelated to elevating the temperature in a steam sterilizer.

Chemical indicators are used to provide a visual indication that an item was exposed to a sterilization process. These indicators contain chemicals that undergo a color change when exposed to specific sterilization conditions, such as heat or steam. This allows healthcare professionals to easily identify if an item has been properly sterilized and is safe for use. By using chemical indicators, they can ensure that the sterilization process has been effective in killing any potential bacteria or pathogens on the item, providing an important measure of safety in medical settings.

The recommended exposure time for a dry heat sterilization load that was run at an exposure temperature of 320 would be 2 hours. Dry heat sterilization is a process that uses high temperatures to kill microorganisms. The exposure time is necessary to ensure that all microorganisms are effectively destroyed. In this case, a temperature of 320 is relatively high, so a longer exposure time of 2 hours is needed to achieve sterilization.

The correct answer is geobacillus stearothermophilus because it is commonly used as a biological indicator in steam sterilization testing. This spore-forming bacterium is highly resistant to heat and is able to survive the sterilization process, making it an ideal indicator to ensure the effectiveness of steam sterilization. Bacillus atrophaeus, bacillus subtillus, and pseudomonas aeruginosa are not commonly used in steam sterilization testing.

The correct answer is "a d value". The d value is the amount of time required to kill 90% of microorganisms on an object during a sterilization process. It is a measure of the effectiveness of a sterilization cycle and is commonly used in microbiology and sterilization practices. The d value helps determine the appropriate exposure time needed to achieve the desired level of sterilization.

When loading a steam sterilizer, items with solid bottoms should be placed on edge. Placing them on edge allows for better steam circulation and penetration, ensuring effective sterilization. This position also helps to prevent the items from touching each other, reducing the risk of contamination. Additionally, placing items on edge allows for better drainage of condensate, which can help prevent moisture buildup and potential damage to the sterilizer.

The given correct answer states that paper/plastic sterilization pouches should not be placed inside of wrapped sets or containers. This is because the steam sterilization process requires direct contact between the steam and the items being sterilized. Placing the pouches inside wrapped sets or containers would hinder the steam from reaching the items inside, compromising the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

Instrument washer sterilizers provide a decontamination process. This means that they are designed to remove or reduce the level of contaminants, such as dirt, bacteria, and other microorganisms, from instruments. Decontamination is an essential step in ensuring that instruments are safe for use on patients. It helps to prevent the spread of infections and ensures that the instruments are properly cleaned before they are used again. Terminal sterilization, dry heat sterilization, and flash sterilization are different processes that may be used for other purposes, but the primary function of instrument washer sterilizers is decontamination.

Dry heat sterilization is a method used to sterilize impregnated gauze strips. This process involves subjecting the gauze strips to high temperatures for a specified period of time, which effectively kills microorganisms and spores. Dry heat sterilization is commonly used for items that are sensitive to moisture or cannot withstand the high temperatures of steam sterilization. It is a reliable method for achieving sterility and ensuring the safety of medical supplies.

The most efficient type of dry heat sterilizer is the mechanical convection sterilizer. This type of sterilizer uses a fan to circulate the hot air evenly throughout the chamber, ensuring uniform heat distribution and faster sterilization. The mechanical convection sterilizer is more efficient compared to the gravity convection sterilizer, which relies on natural air convection, and the dynamic air removal sterilizer, which uses forced air to remove moisture. The special purpose dry heat oven may have specific applications but is not necessarily the most efficient type of dry heat sterilizer.