CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization Questions and Answers

Question 1

A flexible bronchoscope, which contacts mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, is used on a patient.
According to Spaulding's classification, what is the minimum level of reprocessing required for this instrument before its next use?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

Cleaning with a detergent followed by air drying

Answer

Low-level disinfection

Answer

Sterilization

Question 2

A sterile processing technician tests the ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) solution used for high-level disinfection and finds the concentration is below the minimum effective concentration (MEC). What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Discard the solution and prepare a fresh batch according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Answer

Extend the immersion time of the instruments to compensate for the lower concentration.

Answer

Add more concentrated OPA to the existing solution to increase its potency.

Answer

Document the finding and continue using the solution until the manufacturer's expiration date.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator (BI) in a steam sterilization load?

Accepted Answer

To directly measure the lethality of the sterilization process by challenging it with highly resistant microorganisms.

Answer

To verify that the sterilizer reached the correct temperature, pressure, and time parameters during the cycle.

Answer

To provide a visual confirmation that a package has been exposed to the steam sterilization process.

Answer

To serve as a packaging material that absorbs excess condensation and prevents wet packs.

Question 4

An Infection Preventionist is advising the Environmental Services department on the terminal cleaning protocol for a room previously occupied by a patient with a confirmed *Clostridioides difficile* infection (CDI). Which instruction is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Clean and disinfect the room using an EPA-registered sporicidal agent.

Answer

Use a quaternary ammonium-based disinfectant on all high-touch surfaces.

Answer

Ensure the room's air is exchanged at least 12 times before admitting a new patient.

Answer

Utilize a UV-C light device as the sole method of room decontamination.

Question 5

Which of the following pieces of non-critical patient care equipment requires, at a minimum, low-level disinfection between patient uses?

Accepted Answer

A blood pressure cuff used on a patient's intact skin

Answer

Surgical forceps used for wound debridement

Answer

A laryngoscope blade used for intubation

Answer

A vaginal speculum used during a pelvic exam

Question 6

A sterile processing department staff member discovers a wrapped instrument set is damp after being removed from a steam sterilizer and allowed to cool. What is the most significant patient safety concern associated with this 'wet pack'?

Accepted Answer

The moisture provides a pathway for microorganisms to wick through the packaging, compromising sterility.

Answer

The dampness can cause corrosion and rust on the surgical instruments, reducing their lifespan.

Answer

The water droplets may interfere with the color change of the external chemical indicator.

Answer

The pack is too heavy to be transported safely, creating an ergonomic risk for staff.