CER High-Level Disinfection Processes 5

Question 1

When using an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), which action is the technician's responsibility after the cycle ends?

Accepted Answer

Verify cycle completion, document results, and dry the scope per protocol

Answer

The scope is ready for patient use directly from the AER

Answer

Send the scope immediately to sterilization for a safety cycle

Answer

Soak the scope in OPA for an additional 12 minutes as backup

Question 2

Which scenario represents a break in the HLD process that requires the scope to be reprocessed from the beginning?

Accepted Answer

The scope was fully immersed but the channel ports were not connected to the HLD flow

Answer

The soak timer was paused for 2 minutes during a power fluctuation

Answer

The HLD solution was 1°C above the minimum temperature recommendation

Answer

The scope was rinsed with filtered water instead of sterile water

Question 3

What is the significance of the 'reuse life' versus 'shelf life' of an HLD solution?

Accepted Answer

Shelf life is before opening; reuse life is how long the opened solution remains effective

Answer

They are interchangeable terms meaning the same thing

Answer

Reuse life applies only to single-use products

Answer

Shelf life determines when to test MRC; reuse life does not require testing

Question 4

A CER technician is asked to reprocess a bronchoscope used in a suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) patient. What should the technician know about HLD and C. diff?

Accepted Answer

C. diff spores resist HLD; sterilization or sporicidal agents are required for critical items

Answer

Standard HLD is sufficient because C. diff vegetative cells are killed by HLD

Answer

HLD reliably kills C. diff spores, so no additional steps are needed

Answer

Bronchoscopes require only low-level disinfection after C. diff cases

Question 5

Which of the following practices is required to prevent aerosolization of HLD chemicals during manual reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the HLD basin covered when the scope is soaking

Answer

Agitating the solution vigorously to release trapped air

Answer

Pouring HLD from a height to improve mixing

Answer

Using a fan to disperse fumes away from the work area

Question 6

What information must be recorded in the HLD processing log for each scope reprocessed?

Accepted Answer

Patient name, scope ID, HLD lot number, MRC test result, technician ID, and date/time

Answer

Scope model number only

Answer

Only the technician's initials and the date

Answer

The attending physician's name and procedure type

Question 7

Which factor determines whether an endoscope requires high-level disinfection versus sterilization?

Accepted Answer

The Spaulding classification of the body cavity or tissue the scope contacts

Answer

The age of the endoscope and number of prior uses

Answer

Whether the scope is flexible or rigid

Answer

The nationality of the disinfectant manufacturer