Principles and Maintenance 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 Principles and Maintenance Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the primary goal of endoscope reprocessing in the context of patient safety?
Answer: To reduce microbial contamination on endoscopes to a level that prevents transmission of infection to subsequent patients
The fundamental goal of reprocessing is to eliminate pathogens from the endoscope to prevent patient-to-patient transmission of infection.
What is the role of 'manufacturer Instructions for Use' (IFU) in the reprocessing of flexible endoscopes?
Answer: IFU are the legally required, validated reprocessing guidance for each specific endoscope model and must be followed to ensure safety and maintain regulatory compliance
Manufacturer IFU are validated, legally binding instructions that must be followed exactly to ensure endoscope reprocessing is effective and to maintain regulatory compliance.
What is 'occupational exposure' in the context of endoscope reprocessing, and how is it prevented?
Answer: Contact with patient's blood, body fluids, or chemical agents used in reprocessing through mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or inhalation
Reprocessing technicians face biological (bloodborne pathogens) and chemical (HLD agents) occupational exposures managed through PPE, engineering controls, and safe practices.
What does 'reprocessing between patients' mean and why is it required for all reusable endoscopes?
Answer: Every reusable endoscope must undergo complete reprocessing after every patient use, regardless of how 'clean' the procedure appeared
All reusable endoscopes must be reprocessed after every patient use — no exceptions — because all patient secretions are potentially infectious.
What is the recommended approach for endoscopes that are infrequently used and may have been stored for extended periods?
Answer: Reprocess the scope before first use if the storage duration has exceeded the facility's established hang time
Scopes stored beyond established hang times must be reprocessed before use, regardless of how well they were stored.
What is the importance of understanding the 'Spaulding classification' for CER-certified professionals?
Answer: It provides a scientific framework for selecting the appropriate level of disinfection or sterilization based on the type of patient contact an item will have
The Spaulding classification guides the selection of appropriate reprocessing levels — HLD for semi-critical items, sterilization for critical items — based on infection risk.