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Microbiology and Infection Control 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 Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers flashcards as text

  1. Which reprocessing step has been identified as the single most critical factor in preventing endoscope-related infection transmission?

    Answer: Manual cleaning performed immediately after the procedure

    Manual cleaning reduces bioburden by up to 4 log10, and inadequate cleaning is the root cause identified in most endoscope-related outbreak investigations.

  2. Which of the following organisms requires PRION decontamination protocols rather than standard high-level disinfection?

    Answer: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) prion

    CJD prions are not inactivated by standard HLD; dedicated equipment and specific decontamination protocols (e.g., extended autoclaving at 134°C) or instrument destruction are required.

  3. An endoscope reprocessing technician notices the MEC test strip for glutaraldehyde solution shows the color is lighter than the reference standard. The correct action is to:

    Answer: Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch

    A MEC test showing concentration below the minimum effective concentration means the solution cannot provide reliable HLD and must be discarded.

  4. What is the primary purpose of flushing all endoscope channels with 70% isopropyl alcohol followed by forced air during the drying step?

    Answer: To remove residual water that supports microbial growth during storage

    Residual moisture in stored endoscope channels supports rapid microbial proliferation, including Pseudomonas; alcohol aids water displacement and evaporation.

  5. Standard precautions in an endoscopy reprocessing area require that staff wear PPE that includes, at minimum:

    Answer: Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection, and appropriate gloves

    OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards and SGNA guidelines require gloves, fluid-resistant gown, and face/eye protection due to splash risk from contaminated scopes and chemicals.

  6. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to most standard disinfectants. Which agent is effective for environmental surface decontamination in areas with C. diff outbreaks?

    Answer: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at appropriate concentration

    Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is sporicidal and effective against C. difficile spores; quats and alcohols do not kill spores.

  7. Which factor MOST directly determines whether an organism is classified as a 'high-level disinfection-resistant' pathogen?

    Answer: Its ability to form spores or highly resistant cellular structures

    Spore formation (e.g., bacterial endospores) confers extreme resistance to chemical disinfectants, placing spore-formers beyond the kill range of HLD agents.