CST Chapter 9 Quiz

PPE (personal protective equipment) should be changed immediately if it becomes soaked with blood or other infectious material to prevent the spread of infection. Soaking of PPE indicates that it has been compromised and may no longer provide adequate protection. Changing the PPE promptly ensures the safety of the wearer and helps to minimize the risk of contamination.

The correct answer is "personel protective equipment". This term refers to specialized clothing or equipment that is worn by employees to protect them from potential hazards in the workplace. This can include items such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and safety shoes. The purpose of personal protective equipment is to minimize the risk of injury or illness to the employee while performing their job duties.

The statement is false because instruments received from surgery and tagged for repair should be cleaned before sending them for repair. Cleaning the instruments is an essential step to remove any biological or organic material that may be present, preventing the spread of infection or contamination. Failure to clean the instruments before repair could lead to ineffective repairs or the spread of pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the instruments before they are sent for repair.

The explanation for the correct answer is that cavitation is indeed the mechanical process by which an ultrasonic cleaner works. Cavitation refers to the formation and implosion of tiny bubbles in a liquid due to the rapid changes in pressure caused by the ultrasonic waves. These collapsing bubbles create intense shockwaves that help to dislodge dirt and contaminants from the surfaces being cleaned. Therefore, it is true that cavitation is the mechanism behind the functioning of an ultrasonic cleaner.

Brushing items below the surface of the water helps to prevent aerosols. When items are brushed below the water's surface, any potential aerosols or particles that may be present are less likely to become airborne. This reduces the risk of inhaling these particles, which can potentially contain harmful substances or pathogens. By keeping items submerged, the chances of aerosol transmission are minimized, making it an effective preventive measure.

Lipase enzymes are used to breakdown fatty tissue on instruments. Lipase is an enzyme that specifically targets and breaks down lipids or fats. This enzyme is effective in removing fatty residues from instruments, ensuring their cleanliness and proper functioning. Other enzymes like protease and amylase are not specifically designed to break down fats, and neutral pH cleaners may not be as effective in removing fatty tissue as lipase enzymes. Therefore, lipase enzymes are the most suitable option for this purpose.

It is not true that all items should be washed on the same cycle. Different items may have different cleaning requirements, and washing them together on the same cycle may not effectively clean all items. It is important to separate multi-level trays, open trays with lids, and disassemble and open instruments to ensure thorough cleaning.

Automatic washers clean using a spray force action called impingement. This means that the water is sprayed with high pressure onto the clothes, creating a forceful impact that helps to remove dirt and stains. This process is effective in cleaning clothes thoroughly and is a common feature in most modern washing machines.

The statement is false because there are methods available to verify cleaning process outcomes. These methods may include visual inspection, testing the cleanliness of surfaces using swab or ATP testing, or using specialized equipment to measure the effectiveness of cleaning agents. By using these methods, one can determine whether the cleaning process has been successful in removing dirt, germs, or other contaminants.

Blood soaked sponges are an example of regulated medical waste because they are contaminated with blood and other potentially infectious materials. Regulated medical waste refers to any waste generated in healthcare facilities that may pose a risk of infection or injury to healthcare workers, patients, or the general public. Blood soaked sponges fall under this category as they can potentially transmit bloodborne pathogens and require special handling, storage, and disposal procedures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The instrument manufacturer should provide the written cleaning instructions for surgical instruments because they are the ones who have the most knowledge and expertise about the specific instruments they produce. They understand the materials used, the design, and any special considerations that need to be taken into account during the cleaning process. Therefore, they are in the best position to provide accurate and comprehensive instructions to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the instruments, which is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance.

Infectious medical waste refers to waste that is capable of causing an infectious disease. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating the management and disposal of such waste to ensure that it is handled safely and does not pose a risk to public health or the environment. Therefore, the statement that infectious medical waste is regulated by the EPA is true.

The preferred pH for detergents used for most cleaning processes is neutral pH. This is because a neutral pH is neither too acidic nor too alkaline, making it safe and effective for cleaning various surfaces and materials. Detergents with a neutral pH help to break down dirt, grease, and stains without causing damage or leaving residue. Additionally, a neutral pH ensures that the detergent is compatible with different water temperatures and exposure times, making it a versatile choice for cleaning purposes.

Instrument lubrication is performed after cleaning to ensure that the instrument is properly cleaned and free from any debris or residue. Lubrication helps to maintain the functionality and smooth operation of the instrument by reducing friction between moving parts. Performing lubrication after cleaning also helps to prevent any contamination or buildup of dirt or bacteria on the instrument, ensuring its effectiveness and longevity. Sterilization is typically done after cleaning and lubrication to further ensure the instrument's cleanliness and safety for use.

Mechanical cleaners, such as washing machines or dishwashers, often require detergents that do not produce excessive foam. This is because excessive foam can interfere with the mechanical cleaning process and may cause the machine to malfunction. Therefore, detergents used in mechanical cleaners should be low foaming to ensure effective cleaning without causing any operational issues.

Powered surgical instruments cannot be immersed because they contain electrical components that can be damaged by water. Immersing these instruments in water can lead to malfunction or electrical hazards. Therefore, it is important to avoid immersing powered surgical instruments in order to maintain their functionality and safety.

A detergent is the desired solution for cleaning instruments because it is specifically designed to remove dirt, grease, and stains from surfaces. Detergents contain surfactants that help to break down and remove organic and inorganic contaminants effectively. They are also capable of emulsifying oils and suspending particles, making them an ideal choice for cleaning instruments. Soap, steam, and disinfectants may have their own cleaning properties, but a detergent is specifically formulated for thorough and effective cleaning of instruments.

To clean aluminum items effectively, it is recommended to use a to and fro motion with the grain. This means moving the cleaning tool back and forth in the direction of the grain or texture of the aluminum surface. This technique helps to remove dirt and grime more efficiently while minimizing the risk of scratching or damaging the metal. Using circular motion or a stiff metal brush may cause scratches or marks on the aluminum surface, while using a water spray alone may not be sufficient to remove stubborn stains or debris.

Pyrogens are substances that can induce fever in the body. They can be either produced by microorganisms or released by the body's own immune system in response to infection or inflammation. Pyrogens work by stimulating the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature, to increase the body's temperature set point. This leads to a rise in body temperature, resulting in fever. Pyrogens can be endogenous (produced by the body) or exogenous (produced by microorganisms or other foreign substances). Therefore, the correct answer is that pyrogens are fever producing substances.

When the ultrasonic cleaner's tank is changed, it is necessary to degas the water because excess bubbles from filling the tank can reduce the energy of the cavitation process. Cavitation is the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles in the water due to the ultrasonic waves. These collapsing bubbles create shockwaves that help in the cleaning process. However, if there are excess bubbles present, they can interfere with the formation and collapse of new bubbles, reducing the overall energy and effectiveness of the cavitation process.

The correct answer is False. The statement suggests that horizontal work surfaces in the decontamination area should be cleaned and disinfected once per day. However, this is not accurate. In reality, horizontal work surfaces in the decontamination area should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently, ideally after each use or at least multiple times throughout the day. This is crucial to maintain a clean and safe environment in the decontamination area and prevent the spread of contaminants.

Softened water is water that has had its mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, removed. These minerals are responsible for the formation of mineral scale deposits, which can clog pipes, appliances, and other water-using devices. Therefore, when water is softened, it decreases the likelihood of mineral scale deposits forming.

Coagulation of proteins refers to the denaturation or solidification of proteins, which can occur at high temperatures. To prevent coagulation, the water temperature should be kept below a certain threshold. The correct answer, "below 110," suggests that a temperature below 110 degrees Fahrenheit (or 43 degrees Celsius) is necessary to prevent protein coagulation.

The statement is false because powered surgical instruments should not be cleaned using a mechanical cleaning process. Instead, they should be manually cleaned using a combination of detergent, water, and a brush to remove any debris or organic material. Mechanical cleaning processes can potentially damage the instruments and may not effectively remove all contaminants. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended manual cleaning process for powered surgical instruments.

The statement is false because instruments with lumens should be soaked in a vertical position, not a horizontal one. This is because soaking them horizontally can lead to the pooling of fluid in the lumens, making it difficult to effectively clean and disinfect them. Soaking the instruments vertically allows for proper drainage and ensures thorough cleaning and disinfection of the lumens.