High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers Flashcards
7 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 7 High-Level Disinfection Processes Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A facility switches from glutaraldehyde to OPA. Which patient population requires special precaution with OPA due to risk of hypersensitivity?
Answer: Patients with bladder cancer treated with BCG therapy
OPA has been associated with severe anaphylactic reactions in bladder cancer patients who have received multiple BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guérin) instillation treatments.
What is the maximum reuse life (in days) typically stated on glutaraldehyde product labels for a 2.4–2.65% activated solution?
Answer: 14 days
Most activated glutaraldehyde products (e.g., Cidex) are labeled for a maximum of 14 days reuse life, provided MEC testing confirms adequate concentration throughout.
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically required when handling glutaraldehyde or OPA?
Answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and liquid-resistant gown
Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or thicker), splash-proof eye protection, and a liquid-resistant gown are required when handling HLD chemicals to prevent skin, eye, and respiratory exposure.
If an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) cycle is interrupted before completion, what must be done?
Answer: The scope must be manually reprocessed from the beginning
An incomplete AER cycle invalidates the reprocessing; the entire manual or automated process must restart from the cleaning step to ensure patient safety.
Which of the following is the correct order for manual high-level disinfection of a flexible endoscope?
Answer: Precleaning → leak test → manual cleaning → HLD soak → rinse → dry → store
The validated sequence begins with point-of-use precleaning, followed by leak testing, manual cleaning, HLD soak, rinsing, drying, and then proper storage.
What is the significance of maintaining adequate ventilation (minimum 10 ACH) in an endoscope reprocessing room?
Answer: To reduce staff exposure to toxic chemical vapors from HLD agents
HLD chemicals like glutaraldehyde release toxic fumes; OSHA and AORN require a minimum of 10 air changes per hour in reprocessing rooms to protect staff from vapor inhalation.
A colonoscope is visually clean after manual cleaning but cannot be submerged in HLD due to a failed leak test. What is the appropriate next step?
Answer: Remove the scope from service and send it for repair
A scope that fails leak testing must be removed from service immediately and sent for manufacturer repair before it can be safely reprocessed and used on patients.