Certified Gastroenterology RN Infection Control and Safety Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse observes a technician open a package of sterile, single-use biopsy forceps and place them on the procedure cart's work surface 30 minutes before the patient is brought into the room.
What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Accepted Answer

Remove the forceps, discard them, and obtain a new sterile package just before use.

Answer

Cover the forceps with a sterile drape until they are needed.

Answer

Wipe the forceps with a high-level disinfectant before the procedure begins.

Answer

Proceed with using the forceps since the work surface was clean.

Question 2

According to the Spaulding classification system, flexible GI endoscopes that contact intact mucous membranes are categorized as which type of device, and what is the minimum required level of reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical; High-level disinfection

Answer

Critical; Sterilization

Answer

Non-critical; Low-level disinfection

Answer

Semi-critical; Sterilization

Question 3

A nurse is preparing for a colonoscopy on a patient with a confirmed Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. In addition to standard and contact precautions, which infection control measure is most critical for the staff and environment?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene with soap and water and cleaning the room with a sporicidal disinfectant.

Answer

Ensuring the procedure room has negative air pressure.

Answer

Using an alcohol-based hand rub for all hand hygiene.

Answer

Wearing an N95 respirator during the procedure.

Question 4

When using a 0.55% ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) solution for manual high-level disinfection of a flexible endoscope, which parameters are most commonly cited in manufacturer and professional guidelines for efficacy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

A minimum soak time of 12 minutes at or above 20°C (68°F).

Answer

A minimum soak time of 20 minutes at or above 25°C (77°F).

Answer

A minimum soak time of 5 minutes at any room temperature.

Answer

A minimum soak time of 10 minutes, with the solution heated to 30°C (86°F).

Question 5

An endoscope is tested with an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay after manual cleaning but before high-level disinfection. The result is a 'FAIL,' indicating a high level of residual organic material. What is the priority action for the reprocessing technician?

Accepted Answer

Reclean the endoscope manually and repeat the ATP test to verify cleanliness before proceeding.

Answer

Proceed directly to high-level disinfection, as this step will eliminate any remaining bioburden.

Answer

Document the failed result and send the endoscope for ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization.

Answer

Rinse the endoscope with sterile water and re-test immediately.

Question 6

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient who underwent a colonoscopy with polypectomy. Which symptoms should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately as potential signs of a post-procedure infection or perforation?

Accepted Answer

Severe abdominal pain, fever, and chills.

Answer

Significant abdominal bloating and gas for up to 24 hours.

Answer

A small amount of blood on the toilet tissue after the first bowel movement.

Answer

Mild cramping that is relieved by passing gas.