Sterile Processing Quiz

Wipe only the exterior because detergent will diffuse through the channel

Soak the instrument without flushing so loosened debris stays contained

Use the specified flushing method and a correctly sized channel-cleaning device according to the instructions for use

Pass any available wire through the channel until it emerges from the other end

Cover the defect with sterilization indicator tape

Place the damaged area beneath another instrument in the tray

Continue using it for procedures that require lower power settings

Remove the instrument from service and route it for evaluation, repair, or replacement

Lubricate it before removing visible soil

Keep it closed to protect its alignment during cleaning

Wrap delicate joints before placing it in detergent

Open, unlock, and disassemble it as directed by its instructions for use

Cleaning alone guarantees that all microorganisms have been destroyed

Residual soil can interfere with the effectiveness of later processing steps

Cleaning replaces the need to inspect instruments for damage

Sterilization is intended only to remove visible organic material

Place it on an open shelf until the wrapper looks dry

Do not release it for use; handle and investigate it according to facility policy, including reprocessing when required

Use it first because moisture shortens its acceptable storage time

Add an external chemical indicator and return it to storage

Lift the instrument above the solution so the brush strokes are visible

Use rapid back-and-forth strokes at the surface of the solution

Keep the instrument and brush below the solution surface while cleaning, when permitted

Use compressed air to loosen soil before brushing

Apply lubricant over the material so the joint can move freely

Return the instrument for appropriate recleaning and repeat inspection before further processing

Wipe the outside and release it if the jaws appear clean

Package the instrument separately and increase sterilization exposure

Inspect it under appropriate lighting and magnification, following the facility’s inspection process

Close the joint and assume normal resistance indicates it is intact

Sterilize it first because heat will make the crack easier to see

Apply extra lubricant and return it to the set if movement improves

Clean and contaminated items share a counter if they are placed on different towels

Finished sets return through decontamination so staff can maintain visual control

Work progresses from contaminated areas toward clean preparation and sterilization areas without backtracking

All processing activities occur in one room, with cleaning performed at the end of each shift

Use an appropriate tool, such as forceps, to retrieve it without reaching into the basin by hand

Reach in slowly with two pairs of gloves to improve puncture protection

Send the full basin into automated equipment without identifying its contents

Drain the basin and feel for the instrument through a utility glove

That another instrument of similar size has previously tolerated the cycle

That the instrument can rest directly on the bottom of the ultrasonic chamber

That ultrasonic cleaning is permitted by the instrument’s instructions and the selected cycle is compatible

That the longest available cycle is selected for the first cleaning

Place it in an unrestricted hallway to air-dry quickly

Seal it in a pouch while wet to prevent airborne contamination

Use instrument lubricant as a substitute for drying

Dry it thoroughly using a method allowed by its instructions for use

Use the same basic gloves for every task because all decontamination work has similar hazards

Wear sterile gloves so the cleaning solution remains uncontaminated

Choose PPE according to whether the instruments look heavily contaminated

Select PPE for the anticipated exposure, applicable requirements, and facility and equipment instructions

Whether a stronger household cleaner can be added to improve performance

Whether concentration, water quality or temperature, exposure time, and preparation match the applicable instructions

Whether hotter water can be used regardless of the detergent label

Whether the instruments can remain in the solution overnight

A biological indicator uses resistant microorganisms or spores to assess whether lethal process conditions were achieved

A biological indicator shows only that a package was exposed to the process

A biological indicator confirms that every instrument was cleaned before packaging

A biological indicator measures whether package seals are strong enough for storage

Keep soil from drying with an approved point-of-use pretreatment or moistening method permitted by the instruments’ instructions for use

Immerse the entire set in saline until it can be transported

Allow the set to dry so staff can handle it more easily

Place the set directly into sterilization packaging to contain contamination