CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A flexible endoscope's biopsy port cover is found cracked after a procedure. The correct action is to:
- Cover it with medical tape and continue use until end of shift
- Replace the cover before the next reprocessing cycle (Correct answer)
- Discard the entire endoscope immediately
- Report it only if the patient had a biopsy performed
Correct answer: Replace the cover before the next reprocessing cycle
A cracked biopsy port cover must be replaced immediately because it can harbor microorganisms and compromise the waterproof seal of the endoscope.
Question 2: Which component of a video endoscope is MOST susceptible to damage from contact with disinfectants that are not compatible with the scope?
- The insertion tube braid
- The CCD or CMOS image sensor (Correct answer)
- The angulation wire
- The umbilical cord sheath
Correct answer: The CCD or CMOS image sensor
Chemical incompatibility can damage the delicate CCD or CMOS image sensor and associated circuitry, leading to image degradation or total failure.
Question 3: The term 'scope creep' in the context of endoscope maintenance refers to:
- Gradual scope migration during a procedure
- Accumulation of deferred repairs leading to increased breakdown rates (Correct answer)
- Slow infiltration of disinfectant into scope channels
- Progressive image quality degradation due to fiber loss
Correct answer: Accumulation of deferred repairs leading to increased breakdown rates
In maintenance management, 'scope creep' refers to neglecting minor repairs that accumulate and result in more costly breakdowns over time.
Question 4: Which finding during a post-procedure visual inspection would indicate the endoscope requires immediate removal from service?
- Minor surface scuffing on the insertion tube
- Fluid visible inside the distal tip under the lens (Correct answer)
- Slight discoloration of the insertion tube outer sheath
- A small label partially peeling from the control body
Correct answer: Fluid visible inside the distal tip under the lens
Fluid visible inside the distal tip indicates lens seal failure and internal contamination, requiring immediate removal from service and repair.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of applying endoscope-compatible lubricant to the angulation mechanism?
- To enhance disinfectant penetration into the control body
- To reduce friction and prevent premature wear of internal components (Correct answer)
- To waterproof the control body during immersion
- To improve grip for the endoscopist during procedures
Correct answer: To reduce friction and prevent premature wear of internal components
Approved lubricants reduce mechanical friction in the angulation controls, extending the life of wires, chains, and brake components.
Question 6: An endoscope fails a leak test only when the angulation controls are fully deflected. This pattern suggests:
- A pinhole defect in the bending section that opens under flexion (Correct answer)
- A faulty leak tester gauge
- Contamination in the suction channel
- Normal pressure variation due to scope expansion
Correct answer: A pinhole defect in the bending section that opens under flexion
A defect that is apparent only under full angulation indicates a small breach in the bending rubber that opens when the scope is maximally flexed.
Question 7: According to AAMI ST91, what information should be documented when a flexible endoscope is sent out for repair?
- Only the repair technician's name and cost estimate
- Scope serial number, nature of damage, date sent, and reprocessing status before transport (Correct answer)
- Patient census data from the scope's last use only
- The physician's preferred repair vendor contact information
Correct answer: Scope serial number, nature of damage, date sent, and reprocessing status before transport
AAMI ST91 requires documenting the scope's serial number, damage description, date sent for repair, and confirmation that it was properly reprocessed before transport.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance Questions and Answers 4
A flexible endoscope's biopsy port cover is found cracked after a procedure.
The correct action is to: