Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real CER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the Spaulding classification for a flexible gastroscope used to examine the stomach?
Answer: Semi-critical — requires high-level disinfection
Flexible gastroscopes contact intact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical, requiring HLD as the minimum reprocessing standard.
Which route of transmission is most commonly associated with endoscope-related infections?
Answer: Contact transmission via the contaminated endoscope's channels and surfaces
Endoscope-related infections are transmitted via direct contact of the patient's tissue with contaminated endoscope surfaces or channel contents.
What is 'reprocessing failure attribution analysis' used for after an endoscope-associated infection outbreak?
Answer: Systematically identifying where in the reprocessing chain the failure occurred to prevent recurrence
Attribution analysis systematically evaluates each reprocessing step to identify failures that allowed pathogens to survive and cause patient infections.
How does Mycobacterium species present a unique challenge for endoscope disinfection?
Answer: Mycobacteria have a waxy cell wall (mycolic acid) that makes them more resistant to disinfectants than vegetative bacteria
The thick, waxy mycolic acid cell wall of mycobacteria makes them significantly more resistant to chemical disinfection than typical vegetative bacteria.
What is the significance of the 'reprocessing chain' concept in endoscope infection prevention?
Answer: Every step must be performed correctly — a failure at any single step can result in patient infection, regardless of how well other steps are done
The reprocessing chain concept states that all steps are interdependent and a failure at any single step can compromise patient safety regardless of downstream steps.
What role does the infection prevention practitioner (IPP) play in an endoscopy reprocessing program?
Answer: The IPP provides oversight, conducts risk assessments, monitors outcomes, trains staff, and investigates potential infection events related to reprocessing
The IPP is an active partner in endoscopy programs, providing expertise, education, surveillance, and investigation support for reprocessing practices.