CER Microbiology and Infection Control 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which glutaraldehyde achieves high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Alkylates proteins and nucleic acids, cross-linking cellular components

Answer

Glutaraldehyde is an alkylating agent that cross-links proteins and nucleic acids within microbial cells, leading to irreversible cellular damage.

Question 2

Standard precautions (formerly universal precautions) require treating blood and body fluids from ALL patients as if they are:

Accepted Answer

Potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of known diagnosis, treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

Question 3

What is the significance of a 'D-value' (decimal reduction time) in microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (1 log)

Answer

The D-value is the time required to reduce the number of viable microorganisms by 90% (one log10 reduction) under specified conditions.

Question 4

Which component of the endoscope reprocessing environment presents the greatest ongoing biofilm contamination risk if not properly controlled?

Accepted Answer

Automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) interior

Answer

The interior chambers and tubing of AERs can harbor biofilm if not regularly cleaned, tested, and maintained, potentially recontaminating processed endoscopes.

Question 5

A technician notices that the minimum effective concentration (MEC) test strip result is below the required threshold for the glutaraldehyde solution in use. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch

Answer

When MEC testing shows the disinfectant is below effective concentration, it must be discarded immediately and replaced with fresh solution — there is no approved remediation.

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER - Certified Endoscope Reprocessor Practice Test

CER Microbiology and Infection Control 3