Principles and Maintenance 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 Principles and Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the purpose of drying endoscope channels with forced air after the final rinse?
Answer: To prevent residual moisture that supports microbial growth, especially waterborne organisms
Moisture remaining in channels supports rapid growth of waterborne bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, so thorough air drying is critical before storage.
How should a reprocessed flexible endoscope be stored to maintain its disinfected status?
Answer: Vertically hung in a ventilated cabinet with all caps removed and channels open to airflow
Vertical hanging with open channels in a ventilated cabinet promotes continued drying, prevents moisture accumulation, and protects the scope from damage from tight coiling.
Which factor most directly influences the effectiveness of chemical disinfection during AER?
Answer: Contact time between the disinfectant and all endoscope surfaces and channels
Adequate contact time between the disinfectant and every internal and external surface is the primary determinant of whether HLD is achieved.
When performing pre-cleaning at the point of use immediately after a procedure, the reprocessor should:
Answer: Wipe the insertion tube with a detergent-moistened cloth and flush channels with detergent solution before disconnecting
Immediate pre-cleaning removes gross debris and prevents drying of organic material before formal reprocessing, dramatically improving the effectiveness of later cleaning steps.
Manufacturers' reprocessing instructions for endoscopes are considered:
Answer: Validated instructions that must be followed exactly to ensure reprocessing efficacy and device integrity
IFU (Instructions for Use) are validated by the manufacturer to demonstrate that following them achieves the claimed level of reprocessing; deviating can void the validation and compromise safety.
A significant risk associated with inadequate drying of endoscope water bottles is:
Answer: Contamination of the water supply with waterborne pathogens transmitted directly to patients
Water bottles that are not properly cleaned and dried can harbor waterborne organisms such as Legionella or Pseudomonas, which are then instilled directly into the patient.
Which statement about single-use accessories used during endoscopy is correct?
Answer: They must be discarded after a single use; reprocessing is prohibited unless the manufacturer validates it
Single-use devices (SUDs) are labeled for one use only; reprocessing them without regulatory-approved validation is unsafe and legally non-compliant.