CNOR - Certification Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment Flashcards

Which solution is recommended for processing flexible endoscopes classified as semi-critical items?

Answer: High-level disinfection (HLD) using a chemical such as glutaraldehyde or peracetic acid

Semi-critical items that contact mucous membranes require high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms except high numbers of bacterial spores.

The term 'flash sterilization' (now called immediate-use steam sterilization, IUSS) should be used:

Answer: Only in urgent situations when there is no time to wrap and fully sterilize an item

IUSS is intended only for urgent, unplanned situations and should not replace standard packaged sterilization cycles.

A Bovie scratch pad on the sterile field is used to:

Answer: Clean dried eschar from the active electrosurgical electrode tip

The scratch pad removes carbonized tissue (eschar) from the ESU tip to maintain efficient electrical conduction during surgery.

Which instrument count discrepancy action is required if counts do not reconcile before wound closure?

Answer: Notify the surgeon immediately and search the field, drapes, floor, and trash before closing

An unresolved count discrepancy requires immediate notification of the surgeon and a thorough search of all potential locations before wound closure.

Bipolar electrosurgery differs from monopolar in that current travels:

Answer: Only between the two tips of the forceps, limiting spread

In bipolar electrosurgery, current travels only between the two forceps tips, greatly reducing the risk of unintended tissue damage.

Which principle guides the correct use of loupe magnification or surgical microscopes in the OR?

Answer: They must be properly focused and positioned before the sterile field is established

Microscopes and loupes must be set up and focused before the sterile field is created to avoid contamination during repositioning.