Deck 17: Decontamination and Disinfection

Question 1

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

A)Iodophors
B)Phenolic compounds
C)Quaternary ammonium compounds
D)Enzymatic detergent

Answer 1

C
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?

A)The rays can kill selective vegetative bacteria, fungi, and lipoprotein viruses.
B)UV rays may cause skin burns.
C)UV rays produce nonionizing radiant energy.
D)Pathogens have effective contact with the UV rays for destruction.

Answer 2

B
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?

A)Sterilization
B)Distillation
C)Neutral rinsing
D)Inspection

Answer 3

C
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?

A)Low items, intermediate level items, high-level items
B)Intact items, noncritical items, critical items
C)Critical items, semi-critical items, noncritical items
D)Dirty, sterile, contaminated

Question 5

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

A)Identification codes or numbers are etched into the instrument handle.
B)Names or numbers are engraved in the handles or teeth.
C)Numbers or codes can be imprinted with a laser onto an instrument.
D)Names or numbers are carved into an instrument handle.

Question 6

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

A)Disposable products are used once with an assurance of safety and effectiveness.
B)Disposable products decrease the amount of biodegradable waste produced by the OR.
C)Cross-contamination is inevitable.
D)A defect in one may mean the entire lot is defective.

Question 7

What is glutaraldehyde used for?

A)Disinfectant for endoscopes and lensed instruments
B)Housekeeping
C)Low-level disinfectant
D)Used on wet instruments for cleaning

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.

Question 9

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

A)Washer-sterilizer, manual cleaning, sterilization
B)Precleaning, washer-sterilizer, sterilization
C)Disinfection, manual cleaning, washer-sterilizer
D)Manual cleaning, sterilization, rinsing

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.

Question 11

What are the levels of disinfection?

A)High level, medium level, end level
B)High level, intermediate level, low level
C)High level, semi-high, low level
D)High level, medium level, low level

Question 12

Which disinfectant is safe to use for housekeeping purposes?

A)Formaldehyde
B)Alcohol and chlorine compounds
C)Glutaraldehyde
D)Ethylene oxide

Question 13

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

A)Storing
B)Ionizing
C)Distilling
D)Rinsing

Question 14

Instruments may be immersed in which of the following solutions?

A)Ethyl alcohol
B)Distilled water
C)Saline solution
D)Chlorhexidine

Question 15

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

A)To prevent blood and debris from drying on instruments
B)To prevent the instruments from rusting
C)To soften and remove dried blood and debris
D)To eliminate the need for cleaning them before sterilization

Question 16

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

A)110° F (43.3° C)
B)250° F to 280° F (121° C to 138° C)
C)140° F (60° C)
D)180° F (82° C)

Question 17

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

Question 18

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

A)Viruses
B)Pseudomonas
C)Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and salmonella
D)Gram negative bacteria only

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.

Question 20

Name a method of surgical instrument disinfection.

A)Manual wiping with a chemical-impregnated cloth or sponge
B)Soaking by total immersion in betadine solution
C)Soaking tips of used instruments in saline solution
D)Rinsing in tap water

Question 21

Disinfection is the same as sterilization.

Question 22

High-level disinfection is not effective against Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Question 23

Pasteurization is a commonly used method to sterilize critical and surgical instrumentation.

Question 24

Boiling water is an effective physical disinfectant used to kill spores.

Question 25

Critical disposable items should not be reprocessed for use in a surgical procedure.

Question 26

When instruments need repairing,OR personnel may sharpen or repair surgical instruments as needed.

Question 27

All instruments with moving parts should just be opened and closed to see if they still work after cleaning.