CABT Sterilization and Infection Control

Question 1

What is the most widely used sterilization method for heat-stable medical instruments in healthcare facilities?

Accepted Answer

Steam autoclave (moist heat sterilization)

Answer

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization

Answer

Dry heat oven sterilization

Answer

Gamma radiation sterilization

Question 2

What temperature and pressure are maintained during a standard gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

121°C (250°F) at 15 psi

Answer

100°C (212°F) at standard atmospheric pressure

Answer

110°C (230°F) at 5 psi

Answer

134°C (273°F) at 30 psi

Question 3

According to the Spaulding Classification System, surgical instruments that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system are classified as:

Accepted Answer

Critical items

Answer

Non-critical items

Answer

Semi-critical items

Answer

High-risk environmental items

Question 4

Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is best suited for which type of medical equipment?

Accepted Answer

Heat and moisture-sensitive devices that cannot withstand steam

Answer

Metal surgical instruments requiring rapid turnaround

Answer

Implants requiring ionizing radiation processing

Answer

Liquid medications needing aseptic filtration

Question 5

Which biological indicator organism is the standard for testing the efficacy of steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus spores

Answer

Clostridium difficile spores

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus cultures

Question 6

The Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) required for medical devices labeled as 'sterile' is:

Accepted Answer

10⁻⁶ (1 in 1,000,000)

Answer

10⁻³ (1 in 1,000)

Answer

10⁻⁴ (1 in 10,000)

Answer

10⁻⁵ (1 in 100,000)

Question 7

Why is thorough cleaning performed before sterilization or disinfection of medical instruments?

Accepted Answer

Organic debris can shield microorganisms and impair sterilant penetration

Answer

Cleaning alone achieves sterilization for most instruments

Answer

It neutralizes chemical residues from previous procedures

Answer

It activates the germicidal properties of the sterilizing agent