Certified Gastroenterology RN Endoscopic Procedures and Equipment 3

Question 1

According to reprocessing standards, flexible endoscopes used for colonoscopy require at least which level of disinfection?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Wipe the insertion tube and suction detergent through the channels (point-of-use precleaning)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Remove the scope from service and send it for repair

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Residual moisture promotes biofilm and waterborne organism growth

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Duodenoscope

Answer

Duodenoscope elevator channels are difficult to clean and have been linked to CRE outbreaks.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test