Certified Gastroenterology RN Infection Control and Safety 5

Question 1

Which multidrug-resistant organism has been linked to contaminated duodenoscopes during ERCP procedures?

Accepted Answer

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

Answer

CRE outbreaks have been associated with the complex elevator mechanism of duodenoscopes that is difficult to clean.

Question 2

Why does the duodenoscope elevator mechanism pose a special reprocessing challenge?

Accepted Answer

Its complex moving parts can harbor debris and resist thorough cleaning

Answer

The intricate elevator mechanism has crevices that trap organic material and are difficult to clean and disinfect fully.

Question 3

What surveillance practice helps detect endoscope reprocessing failures early?

Accepted Answer

Periodic microbiological culturing of endoscope channels

Answer

Routine culturing of scope channels can detect persistent contamination and reprocessing breakdowns before patient harm.

Question 4

A biofilm on an endoscope channel is best described as what?

Accepted Answer

A protective layer of microorganisms adhered to the surface, resistant to disinfection

Answer

Biofilm is a community of microbes embedded in a protective matrix that shields them from disinfectants.

Question 5

If reprocessing documentation for a specific scope is incomplete, what is the appropriate action before patient use?

Accepted Answer

Do not use the scope until reprocessing is verified or repeated

Answer

Without verified reprocessing, the scope must not be used until it is confirmed or reprocessed to ensure patient safety.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test