CIC Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization 5

Question 1

Which packaging material is NOT compatible with ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Nylon pouches

Answer

Nylon is impermeable to EtO gas and is therefore not a suitable packaging material for EtO sterilization.

Question 2

When preparing a diluted bleach solution for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with C. difficile spores, the recommended concentration is:

Accepted Answer

1,000–5,000 ppm (1:50 to 1:10 dilution)

Answer

EPA-registered bleach solutions at 1,000–5,000 ppm (approximately 1:10 dilution of household bleach) are required for C. difficile spore inactivation.

Question 3

Which statement best describes the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores; disinfection reduces but may not eliminate spores

Answer

Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life including bacterial spores, while disinfection reduces microbial load but typically does not reliably eliminate spores.

Question 4

A surgical instrument set is found to contain a used instrument that was mistakenly included in a sterile wrapped tray. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Consider the entire tray contaminated and return it for reprocessing

Answer

Sterility is package-based; any breach of tray integrity — including inclusion of a used item — renders the entire tray non-sterile and requires reprocessing.

Question 5

The Bowie-Dick test is used specifically to detect failures in which component of a prevacuum steam sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

Air removal and steam penetration

Answer

The Bowie-Dick test detects air pockets and inadequate steam penetration in prevacuum (dynamic-air-removal) steam sterilizers.

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC - Certification in Infection Prevention and Control Practice Test

CIC Cleaning, Disinfection, & Sterilization 5