Infection Prevention and Control Flashcards

After an ERCP on a patient with a known Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infection, which step in reprocessing the duodenoscope is most critical for preventing transmission due to the complex design of the elevator mechanism?

Answer: Manual cleaning, which includes meticulous brushing of the elevator wire channel and elevator recess.

The complex elevator mechanism of a duodenoscope is a known site for harboring biofilm and bacteria like CRE, and has been linked to outbreaks. Manual cleaning is the most essential step in removing the heavy bioburden from these hard-to-reach areas. If manual cleaning is inadequate, the subsequent high-level disinfection or sterilization process can fail. Meticulous brushing of the elevator mechanism and its channels is paramount.

A CGRN is preparing a room for a patient with a confirmed, active *Clostridioides difficile* infection. In addition to standard and contact precautions, which environmental cleaning measure is required?

Answer: Using an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant for daily and terminal cleaning.

*C. difficile* forms spores that are resistant to standard hospital disinfectants, including alcohol and quaternary ammonium compounds. Guidelines from the CDC mandate the use of an EPA-registered sporicidal agent (List K) to effectively kill these spores on environmental surfaces and prevent transmission.

Which of the following describes the best practice for storing a fully reprocessed and dried flexible endoscope to maintain its high-level disinfected status?

Answer: Hung vertically in a closed, well-ventilated cabinet.

According to SGNA and other guidelines, endoscopes should be hung vertically to facilitate continued drainage and drying of any residual moisture, which discourages microbial growth. Storage should be in a closed, dedicated cabinet to protect the scope from environmental contamination.

Immediately following an upper endoscopy, the CGRN begins the first step of endoscope reprocessing at the point of use. Which of the following actions is correct?

Answer: Wiping the insertion tube with a detergent-soaked cloth and flushing air/water and suction channels with an enzymatic solution.

The first and most critical step, known as point-of-use treatment or pre-cleaning, must occur at the bedside immediately after the procedure. This involves wiping the exterior and flushing the channels with a detergent/enzymatic solution to prevent bioburden from drying, which would make subsequent cleaning steps less effective.

To ensure the efficacy of a reusable high-level disinfectant (e.g., glutaraldehyde, peracetic acid) in an Automated Endoscope Reprocessor (AER) or a manual soaking basin, what quality control measure is essential prior to each use?

Answer: Testing the solution for its Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) with a chemical test strip.

High-level disinfectant solutions can be diluted by water or inactivated by organic material over time. Professional guidelines require testing the solution for its Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) before each use or, at a minimum, daily. This ensures the chemical is still potent enough to achieve high-level disinfection.

A CGRN is preparing reusable biopsy forceps for the next procedure. According to the Spaulding classification system, what is the required level of reprocessing for this accessory?

Answer: Sterilization

The Spaulding classification categorizes medical devices based on infection risk. Biopsy forceps are considered 'critical' items because they break the mucosal barrier and enter sterile tissue. Critical items require sterilization, which is the complete destruction of all microbial life, including bacterial spores.