Certified Gastroenterology RN Endoscopic Procedures and Equipment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to reprocessing standards, flexible endoscopes used for colonoscopy require at least which level of disinfection?
- High-level disinfection (Correct answer)
- Intermediate-level disinfection
- Low-level disinfection
- Sterilization with dry heat
Correct answer: High-level disinfection
Endoscopes are semi-critical devices contacting mucous membranes and require high-level disinfection at minimum.
Question 2: What is the most important first step in endoscope reprocessing immediately after the procedure at bedside?
- Wipe the insertion tube and suction detergent through the channels (point-of-use precleaning) (Correct answer)
- Place the scope directly into the automated reprocessor
- Hang the scope vertically to dry
- Perform leak testing
Correct answer: Wipe the insertion tube and suction detergent through the channels (point-of-use precleaning)
Point-of-use precleaning prevents bioburden from drying inside channels, which would compromise all later disinfection steps.
Question 3: During leak testing, bubbles emerge continuously from the distal bending section of an endoscope. What should the technician do?
- Remove the scope from service and send it for repair (Correct answer)
- Proceed with manual cleaning as usual
- Seal the leak with waterproof tape
- Run it through the automated reprocessor twice
Correct answer: Remove the scope from service and send it for repair
A failed leak test indicates a breach that allows fluid invasion and infection risk, so the scope must be removed from service.
Question 4: Why must endoscope channels be dried with forced air and stored hanging in a ventilated cabinet?
- Residual moisture promotes biofilm and waterborne organism growth (Correct answer)
- Drying prevents lens fogging during the next case
- Wet channels corrode the light source
- Moisture interferes with leak testing
Correct answer: Residual moisture promotes biofilm and waterborne organism growth
Retained moisture in channels supports growth of organisms such as Pseudomonas and biofilm formation between uses.
Question 5: Which endoscope has been most associated with multidrug-resistant organism transmission due to its complex elevator mechanism?
- Duodenoscope (Correct answer)
- Standard gastroscope
- Pediatric colonoscope
- Rigid sigmoidoscope
Correct answer: Duodenoscope
Duodenoscope elevator channels are difficult to clean and have been linked to CRE outbreaks.
Question 6: A staff member splashes glutaraldehyde disinfectant into their eyes during manual reprocessing. What is the immediate action?
- Flush the eyes with copious water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply a neutralizing ointment
- Cover the eyes and wait for symptoms to resolve
- Rinse briefly and return to work
Correct answer: Flush the eyes with copious water for at least 15 minutes
Chemical eye exposure requires immediate prolonged water irrigation to limit tissue damage.
Question 7: Before high-level disinfectant reuse, what must be checked each day or cycle?
- Minimum effective concentration with a test strip (Correct answer)
- Solution color change
- Solution temperature only
- The manufacturer's expiration date alone
Correct answer: Minimum effective concentration with a test strip
Reused high-level disinfectants must be verified with MEC test strips because dilution degrades potency before the labeled expiration.
Certified Gastroenterology RN Endoscopic Procedures and Equipment 3
According to reprocessing standards, flexible endoscopes used for colonoscopy require at least which level of disinfection?