CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals Questions and Answers 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization publishes the primary guidelines for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?
- AAMI
- SGNA (Correct answer)
- CDC
- AORN
Correct answer: SGNA
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) publishes the primary evidence-based standards for endoscope reprocessing.
Question 2: What is the minimum number of channels that must be flushed with enzymatic detergent during manual cleaning of a flexible endoscope?
- Only the biopsy channel
- All accessible channels (Correct answer)
- Only channels visibly soiled
- Only the air/water channel
Correct answer: All accessible channels
All accessible channels must be flushed with enzymatic detergent to ensure thorough removal of bioburden from every lumen.
Question 3: What is the primary reason endoscopes must be transported in a closed, leak-proof container after use?
- To prevent physical damage
- To prevent cross-contamination and exposure risk (Correct answer)
- To maintain moisture on the scope
- To keep the scope warm
Correct answer: To prevent cross-contamination and exposure risk
Closed, leak-proof containers prevent cross-contamination and protect staff from exposure to potentially infectious material.
Question 4: Which of the following is a characteristic of a high-level disinfectant (HLD) used for endoscope reprocessing?
- Kills only vegetative bacteria
- Kills all microbial life except high numbers of bacterial spores (Correct answer)
- Sterilizes the endoscope completely
- Eliminates only fungi and viruses
Correct answer: Kills all microbial life except high numbers of bacterial spores
High-level disinfectants kill all microbial life including mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses, but may not eliminate high concentrations of bacterial spores.
Question 5: How should reprocessing personnel verify that an enzymatic detergent solution has been diluted correctly?
- By observing suds formation
- By following manufacturer's instructions for concentration testing (Correct answer)
- By smelling the solution
- By checking water temperature only
Correct answer: By following manufacturer's instructions for concentration testing
Manufacturer's instructions must be followed for concentration testing, which may include test strips or titration methods specific to the product.
Question 6: What does 'OPA' stand for in the context of endoscope high-level disinfection?
- Orthophthalaldehyde (Correct answer)
- Ortho-peroxyacetic acid
- Organic peracid agent
- Oxidizing peroxide additive
Correct answer: Orthophthalaldehyde
OPA stands for orthophthalaldehyde, a high-level disinfectant commonly used as an alternative to glutaraldehyde for endoscope reprocessing.
Question 7: When performing a leak test on a flexible endoscope, what should be done if a leak is detected?
- Continue reprocessing and document the finding
- Remove the scope from service and send for repair (Correct answer)
- Patch the leak and continue use
- Increase disinfectant contact time to compensate
Correct answer: Remove the scope from service and send for repair
A scope with a confirmed leak must be removed from service immediately and sent for repair to prevent patient injury and disinfectant damage to internal components.
CER Endoscope Reprocessing Fundamentals Questions and Answers 3
Which organization publishes the primary guidelines for endoscope reprocessing in the United States?