Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam

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• What type of device is a sonic Irrigator specifically designed to process?
• Which process is not recommended for instruments suspected of Prion exposure?
• A mixed load of implants, OB sets, and general sets was processed in a steam sterilizer. What should the technician do after checking the printout which read 4 min, 270 F and 30 min dry time?
• Which type of infection is primarily a result of healthcare settings?
• What is the purpose of the Biological Indicator in sterilization processes?
• What is the recommended temperature range for water in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
• Which sterilization process is suitable for heat and moisture tolerant instruments?
• What is the purpose of mechanical cleaning in sterile processing?
• A sterile processing technician received an orthopedic set from the OR. What type of detergent should be used by the technician?
• What is the only organ system that can be surgically removed without impeding one's activities of daily living?
• What does a positive BI Test result indicate?
• Which chemical is known to leave a residual film after use?
• Which of the following organisms replicates only inside a living host?
• What can be seen if the glass rods of a fiber optic light cable are broken?
• Which component of an endoscope is typically the most expensive part?
• What is essential to do with instruments before placing them in a sterilizer?
• What role does the first rinse play in the decontamination process?
• How many Ethylene Oxide cartridges are allowed to be stored outside a flammable cabinet in the Sterilization Area?
• What is the largest organ system in the body?
• When loading items for LTGP, what surface do the items usually have contact with?
• In the context of surgical instruments, what is the purpose of a “jaw”?
• When transporting soiled instruments, they must be placed:
• What should be done with equipment that has a cracked or broken electrical cord?
• An Automated Endoscopic Reprocessor is specifically designed to reprocess which kind of instruments?
• What should be done if a sterilizer fails a biological indicator test?
• Which marking method cannot be performed on surgical instruments?
• What is the primary action responsible for killing microorganisms during the steam sterilization process?
• After lubrication, what is the next step to be performed by the technician?
• How should sterilized items be stored to maintain sterility?
• Which of the following is a critical step in the reprocessing of medical instruments?
• What is the most important element of the Distribution System?
• Why is it important to ensure proper rinsing after disinfection?
• What is an essential part of quality assurance in sterilization processes?
• What type of detergent is typically used for cleaning delicate instruments?
• How is CS/SPD commonly referred to in terms of its function in the hospital?
• A newly restored pre-vacuum steam sterilizer has to be tested before use. How many PCDs are required for Qualification Testing before the machine can be used?
• Which method should be used for sterilizing heat-sensitive medical instruments?
• The Hazard Communication standard is also known as:
• What term refers to how work progresses through each department?
• Which is NOT an example of a Specialty Cart System?
• Which of the following is not an appropriate method for cleaning surgical instruments?
• What is the first step in the decontamination process?
• Which distribution system requires supplies to be duplicated?
• What is the function of a hyperthermia machine?
• The concept of shelf-life in Sterile Storage is primarily related to?
• What is the appropriate method for reprocessing instruments with organic matter?
• Employee nails in the CS/SPD area must be trimmed by how much from the tip of the finger?
• Which microorganism requires a living host to survive and is smaller than bacteria?
• Which type of PCE is used to administer the flow of IV fluids?
• When should a technician sterilize a case cart?
• Which agency prohibits personnel from using their hands when sorting instruments inside a bin?
• What is the most important factor for Ethylene Oxide penetration into the cell?
• What is the minimum temperature required for steam sterilization?
• What is the primary use of a laparoscope?
• Which statement regarding glutaraldehyde is false?
• Which of the following is not a treated water used for the rinsing process?
• What is the most common formulation of chlorine used in sterile processing?
• Which type of bacteria are known for their ability to form spores?
• What is the action level set by OSHA for Ethylene Oxide exposure to employees?
• What is the biological indicator of choice for Peracetic acid sterilization?
• Which sterilization process kills via oxidation?
• What is the primary purpose of using a Biological Indicator (BI) in sterilization?
• What is the most important step in the cleaning process?
• What does the term 'nosocomial infection' refer to?
• All of the following are samples of rigid endoscopes except:
• Healthcare facilities have their own regulations, these regulations are known as:
• The suffix "-itis" means?
• Why are corrugated cardboard materials not allowed in the Sterile Storage area?
• What should a technician do if co-workers are fighting when the supervisor is not around?
• All are environmental factors for a cell to exist except?
• What is considered as the "brain" of the cell because it consists of the DNA and chromosomes?
• Which of the following practices can lead to the contamination of a sterile field?
• What is the primary purpose of a case cart in sterile processing?
• What kind of instrument grade is used for operations?
• How many bacterial spores are commonly included in a chemical indicator?
• In manual cleaning, how are items cleaned or brushed?
• Which distribution system eliminates the need for a distribution department?
• What is the primary function of a capsule in bacteria?
• What part of a hand-held instrument is considered the weakest?
• What does the FDA not regulate among the following?
• After sterilization, if the technician finds the temperature of the sets to be 74 F, what should be the next step?
• What is a critical step before distributing a sterilized instrument set?
• Which process is used to minimize outdates of surgical supplies?
• Which of the following is not part of the routine inspection of handheld instruments?
• How many times should a sterile item be handled to maintain its integrity?
• What is the main objective of handwashing?
• How can supersharps be identified by their instrument handles?
• The root word "hemo" means?
• What is an essential condition for steam sterilization to be effective?
• What is the effective minimum time for hand washing?
• Deoxygenated blood will enter the right atrium and will be forced into the right ventricle, in order for it to be oxygenated, what vessel will the blood pass by to enter the lungs?
• Which sterilization monitoring device verifies the effectiveness of an extended sterilization cycle?
• When heat is added to steam without increasing the moisture content, what is the steam called?
• Which body poses the standard for surgical instruments?
• What is a key benefit of a par level inventory system?
• What is the other term for an ongoing management inventory?
• A Dynamic Air Removal Test is categorized under which class of Chemical Indicator?
• A rod-shaped microorganism that stains blue is considered as a?
• Which method requires all items to be counted and compared to the number on hand?
• All are packaging material of choice for Steam sterilization with the exception of?
• Who is responsible for writing the standards for CS/SPD?
• In what setting is the temperature maintained during sterilization processes to ensure effective performance?
• What percentage of a facility's entire budget typically represents surgical and medical devices?
• Which of the following is a protozoan disease?
• The soaking time needed to kill spores by a glutaraldehyde 2% extended sterilization is:
• What is a critical consideration when handling sterile instruments?
• What is the primary function of an ultrasonic cleaner in sterile processing?
• Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?
• Why is a High Alkaline Detergent recommended for Mechanical Cleaning?
• What should be done after cleaning instruments to maintain sterility?
• Which procedure is essential for preventing cross-contamination in medical settings?
• Which parameter is not directly measured in a steam sterilization process?
• Which sterilization process requires items to be completely dry before sterilization?
• In surgical settings, why is it essential to inspect instruments regularly?
• What is the primary reason for using FIFO in inventory management?
• If a Bowie Dick test shows a positive result, what should the technician do with the load?
• What is a highly durable bacteria that can remain dormant for many years and can survive in a hostile environment?
• What is often recommended to adjust the pH level of detergent when processing a rigid sterilization container?
• What is the only instrument that you can clean using a metal bristle brush?
• Which of the following packaging materials cannot be used for low-temperature gas plasma (LTGP)?
• It is the microorganism that is responsible for causing more illnesses or diseases than any other group of microorganisms:
• Which is not true of a chemical indicator?
• What device is used to inspect the insulation of a laparoscope?
• What is the primary function of a Sequential Compression Device?
• Which items must be sterilized with an accompanying biological indicator (BI)?
• Which disease is caused by droplet transmission?
• After processing instruments in an Ultrasonic Cleaner, what is the next step?
• Which part of a hand-held instrument provides the necessary closing force?
• Which area in CS/SPD mimics the environmental conditions of the sterilization area?
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidelines and recommendations for which of the following?
• What is another term for Nosocomial Infection?
• What is the main function of a retractor during surgery?
• What is the main purpose of avoiding temperature and humidity extremes in sterile processing?
• What is considered the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms?
• Which of the following are the three smallest bones located in the middle ear?
• The Bowie Dick test can be run under the following times at 270 F for larger sterilizers except:
• Which of the following is true about glutaraldehyde?
• Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease is caused by which agent?
• Which item is most likely to be affected by a biofilm?
• Which sterilization method is effective in killing spores and is commonly used in healthcare settings?
• How long will a sterile item remain sterile if environmental conditions are controlled?
• How often should an organization conduct a yearly physical inventory?
• What is the final step in handwashing?
• Water hardness is primarily determined by the presence of which substances?
• What is the major cause of nosocomial infections that naturally resides on the skin?
• Which of the following is not one of the three most common blood-borne pathogens?
• A wrapped set of an orthopedic implant set to be sterilized must have at least how many sterilization monitoring devices?
• The prefix A or An means?
• Prions have an affinity to these areas except:
• What is the main purpose of using personal protective equipment (PPE) in sterile processing?
• It is one of the microorganisms that is the leading cause of nosocomial infection. It could proliferate if the person is abusing taking antibiotics, thus destroying the normal flora of the intestines.
• What should a technician do if the tamper-evident seal is missing from a rigid sterilization container?
• What type of sanitizer is often recommended for effective hand hygiene in healthcare settings?
• Contamination of sterilized sets typically occurs within how many minutes after sterilization?
• Which system is responsible for protecting the body from external harm?
• What is the incubation temperature range for biological testing under steam sterilization?
• Which system is an efficiently organized, cost-effective process for maintaining optimum levels of inventory?
• What is the largest organ in the body?
• Which blood component is primarily responsible for oxygen transport?
• Which classification of medical devices must undergo sterilization after each use?
• A bacteria that does not need any oxygen to survive is known as?
• Which substance is primarily absorbed in the large intestine?
• Which bacterium is associated with Anthrax?
• Which machine is typically utilized in the post-operative care environment to support patient movement?
• Which parameter is not a requirement for an Emergency Eyewash Station?
• What is the chemical indicator of choice for Low Temperature Gas Plasma sterilization?
• Which of the following is a key role of a Sterile Processing Technician?
• Which term describes a microorganism found on a contaminated item?
• Which of the following instruments is classified as a 400 series stainless steel instrument?
• Which of these is NOT a characteristic of skeletal muscle?
• What is the effective concentration range of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?
• Hysterectomy means?
• Which part of scissors is checked for sharpness?
• What is the abnormal protein located in the brain that can cause brain damage and is always fatal?
• Which type of sterilization uses chemical vapor instead of steam?
• What organ controls the rate of metabolism?
• What is the primary role of a chemical indicator in sterilization?
• What device is commonly used to check if the ultrasonic cleaner is functioning properly?
• What type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for use on combustible metals?
• Which agency regulates health care facility?
• What infection control measure is essential for sterile processing technicians?
• Which type of set is at risk to acquire prions?
• How should fiber optic light cables be stored?
• A laparoscope is an instrument used in what part of the body?
• All are items that are best cleaned by manual cleaning except:
• The term 'hemostasis' primarily refers to which of the following?
• According to Spaulding's Classification of Medical Devices, which type comes into contact with normal sterile areas of the body?
• What is the minimum temperature a steam sterilizer must reach to effectively sterilize instruments?
• The suffix "lysis" means?
• Which option correctly lists the cycle parameters of steam sterilization?
• Which term best describes items that are needed immediately and can be replenished later?
• What is the first step when processing flexible endoscopes?
• Which part of the nervous system controls involuntary actions?
• What type of cleaning solution is most commonly used for sterilization of instruments?
• Which condition can decrease the effectiveness of a detergent?
• The cavitation process involves the transmitting of sound waves that creates what?
• Which two gases are involved in the respiratory system's gas exchange?
• Bradycardia means?
• Where should a PCD (biological indicator) be placed in a low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (LTHP) sterilizer?
• In sterile processing, what is the significance of the term 'turnaround time'?
• What are the two types of nerves that carry messages to and from the brain?
• Which type of cleaner is specifically designed to clean devices with lumens?
• What is the next step after a gravity displacement steam sterilizer gives a printout reading of 23 min at 270 F at 27 psi?
• What is the primary method used to kill spores?
• Which organ is responsible for secreting insulin and glucagon?
• What should be done before an item can be reprocessed following a contamination?
• What are the cycle parameters for LTGP?
• What best describes the overall role of the CS/SPD?
• How often should a technician perform biological monitoring tests in steam sterilization?
• Which of the following parameters is NOT a set environmental parameter for Sterile Storage?
• Which distribution system is based on a using department's actual use?
• What is the intended function of the ratchet on a hand-held instrument?
• A colonoscope is an instrument used to view what part of the body?
• What type of water should be used when rinsing instruments after processing under peracetic acid?
• How far should sterile instruments be stored from the floor?
• What is necessary for maintaining hygiene in a sterile processing environment?
• What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
• How does the body primarily regulate temperature?
• What type of patient care equipment is specifically requested for a patient suffering from hyperthermia?
• Which statement about Nosocomial Infection is false?
• In sterile processing, what does the term "event-related shelf-life" mean?
• Which type of detergent is specifically designed to work in high alkaline pH levels?
• What is a key characteristic of Clostridia bacteria?
• Which gland in the human body is responsible for regulating metabolism?
• What is the primary function of the Muscular System?
• What type of residual is often a concern when using phenolic disinfectants?
• Ebonized finished instruments are typically used for what type of procedure?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of a Periodic inventory system?
• What are the most common portals of exit?
• What type of patient care equipment is employed to drain fluids from the chest?
• Why is it important to keep sterilized items in a controlled environment?
• Which area in the distribution department is the first to receive responsibility?
• Which substances are regulated by the EPA?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a microorganism?
• Which of the following conditions is important for proper equipment reprocessing?
• Which device is used to prevent blood clot formation, particularly post-surgery?
• Which of the following is true regarding moisture content in sterilization?
• What is the primary function of the Digestive System?
• An otoscope is an instrument used to view what part of the body?
• Which chemical compound is commonly used in low-level disinfection?
• What structure is primarily responsible for the exchange of gases in the lungs?
• What is the primary objective of sterilization?
• Which body system plays a crucial role in the innate immune response?
• Which sterilization process can effectively sterilize liquids?
• In proper stock rotation, which of the following dates should be placed in the front?
• What is defined as to treat everything as if it were infectious?
• Which distribution system requires the using department to perform its own inventory?
• In a hand-held instrument, which part comes into direct contact with the patient?
• An IV pump was dropped while being distributed. What should be the next step of the technician?
• What is the main goal of sterile processing?
• What is the most common injury in CS/SPD?
• Which of the following is NOT considered a cleaning agent?
• In the event of a positive biological indicator (BI) test, how many loads should be recalled?
• Which type of stainless steel do basins, bowls, and trays belong to?
• CS/SPD should be capable of planning how many percent of a facility's entire needs?
• Which item type is least likely to be included in a steam sterilization cycle?
• The anopheles mosquito is known as a carrier of malaria. This transmission mode is classified as a:
• Which of the following should never be used to clean a surgical instrument?
• In preparing instruments for sterilization, what is most critical to ensure?
• What is the largest part of the brain and is the center of consciousness?
• What device is used to measure the humidity level?
• Which is NOT an element of the Distribution System?
• Which of the following is considered a fungal infection?
• Which sterilization process is considered the gold standard of sterilization because of its good material compatibility?
• What infection is commonly associated with Staphylococcus bacteria?
• Which type of medical device requires sterilization, but is not classified as critical?
• What is the primary purpose of an Emergency Eyewash Station?
• Where are frequently used sets placed in Sterile Storage?
• How often should cleaning and sterilization instructions be requested from the device manufacturer?
• Quaternary ammonium compounds are ineffective when they come in contact with:
• How often should a technician inspect the integrity of a sterile set?
• What is the major contributor for mechanical washer failure?
• The ribs are an example of which type of bone?
• Which statement about Cidex - OPA is true?
• What is the unique characteristic of an ortho-phthalaldehyde?
• This distribution system is also known as "stockless distribution":
• What is the role of red blood cells in the circulatory system?
• A round-shaped microorganism that stains a red color is a?
• What color change does the chemical indicator of LTHP undergo?
• What type of solution is commonly used for high-level disinfection (HLD)?
• What sterilization process should be used for petroleum gauze requested by a surgeon?
• How does AAMI define the removal of contamination from an item necessary for further processing or intended use?
• Which distribution system is simple but labor-intensive because it requires a requisition before supplies are distributed?
• What is an important factor when assessing a healthcare environment for infection control?
• If a technician drops a dust-covered set with an intact dust cover, what should they do next?
• What is the most appropriate method for measuring sterilization effectiveness?
• Which of the following circumstances can prevent product degradation?
• What is the primary purpose of sterilization in processing surgical instruments?
• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is designed to protect what?
• What do TOSI line of products verify in sterile processing?
• Prolonged soaking of instruments can cause the formation of what?
• All are functions of the skeletal system except?
• All things can cause cycle cancellation in LTGP Sterilization except?
• What is vital between the CS/SPD and the OR department especially when preparing case carts?
• In correct sequence, what are the different layers of the skin?
• The presence of an MSDS folder in the work area complies with which OSHA standard?
• What term describes the transition from clean to dirty areas in a processing facility?
• Which department is responsible for cleaning all patient care equipment before distribution?
• Which of the following methods is most suitable for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments?
• If a facility loses JC's accreditation, what is the immediate consequence?
• A Mycobacterium bacteria can be killed through the process of:
• How many post rinses are required after sterilizing instruments under peracetic acid?
• Which agency recommends personnel not to wear artificial or acrylic nails?
• Which of the following is NOT a reason for sterilizing instruments?
• Which circumstance is classified as a hazard in the decontamination area?
• Quaternary ammonium compounds are appropriate for use in which area of the facility?
• How should fiber optic light cables be cleaned?
• What is the purpose of a hemostat in surgical procedures?
• What is the final manufacturing process to coat instruments with a chromium oxide layer?
• Which lubricant cannot be used for surgical instruments?
• Gross soil on instruments should be removed at:
• When should a technician dust cover an item?
• What is the slimy, waxy covering that protects bacteria called?
• Who is ultimately responsible for infection control in a facility?
• Which sterilization process requires test spores to be activated?
• What must be done prior to the initial use of a sterilization device after it has been repaired?
• Which machine would not typically be found in the decontamination area?
• Why are drains in both pre-vac and gravity displacement sterilizers placed at the bottom front of the sterilizer?
• Which substance is used to decrease Clostridia difficile contamination in the environment?
• Which distribution system uses a computerized locked supply system as one of its variations?
• At what temperature does enzymatic based detergents work effectively?
• Which distribution system acquires its supplies from a primary vendor or distributor?
• Injections and puncture wounds are examples of this portal of entry:
• What is the soaking time required for glutaraldehyde to achieve high level disinfection up to mycobacterium level?
• Which type of sterilization process uses steam under pressure?
• What is the most important factor for a bacteria to survive?
• Which PPE is crucial to wear when working with hazardous materials?
• What is considered as the "Master Gland" in the Endocrine System?
• A Bowie Dick Test checks all of the following in a machine except?
• Prior to using an Ultrasonic Cleaner, which task must a technician perform?
• Which is a recommended storage method for sterilized instruments?
• Which of the following sets is CJD less likely to infect?
• What is defined as the optimum quantity of an item to be ordered?
• What is the role of the Decontamination department within sterile processing?
• What is the general term for any inanimate object that can cause a disease?
• Which type of instrument is used for suturing in surgical procedures?
• What is the coldest part of a steam sterilizer?
• How should powered equipment be processed during cleaning?
• How often are drain baskets checked?
• What should a sterile processing technician do first upon receiving a loaner set from the distributor?
• What is defined as an established norm determined by opinion, authority, and/or research?
• Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of titanium instruments?
• A package is received in CS/SPD, it is processed and dispensed to patient care. This is known as?
• What is the role of the liver in the digestive system?
• Which agency established guidelines for the proper sequence of removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?
• Using biological indicators for monitoring sterilization processes can help with all of the following except:
• What feature differentiates titanium instruments from other materials?