CIC Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization 2

Question 1

Which Spaulding classification applies to endoscopes that contact only intact mucous membranes?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical

Answer

Semi-critical items contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin and require at minimum high-level disinfection.

Question 2

What is the primary reason organic matter must be removed before disinfection?

Accepted Answer

It can inactivate or reduce disinfectant efficacy

Answer

Organic matter such as blood and tissue can bind to and neutralize disinfectants, significantly reducing their effectiveness.

Question 3

Steam sterilization is NOT suitable for which type of item?

Accepted Answer

Moisture-sensitive electronic components

Answer

Heat- and moisture-sensitive items such as electronics require low-temperature sterilization methods like ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide plasma.

Question 4

A biological indicator (BI) used in steam sterilization contains spores of which organism?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance.

Question 5

Which action should be taken when a wet pack is discovered after steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Consider the pack non-sterile and reprocess it

Answer

Wet packs are considered compromised because moisture can allow microbial wicking through packaging materials, rendering the contents non-sterile.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test