Equipment Maintenance Flashcards

Which lubricant type is recommended for most surgical instrument box locks during maintenance?

Answer: Water-soluble instrument lubricant

Water-soluble instrument lubricants are compatible with sterilization processes and do not leave residues that interfere with steam penetration.

A power drill used in the OR is returned with a cracked housing. What is the correct first step?

Answer: Remove it from service and tag it for repair

Damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately and tagged out-of-service to prevent patient harm until repaired.

What is the purpose of annual preventive maintenance (PM) on sterilizers?

Answer: To identify and correct potential failures before they occur

Preventive maintenance identifies worn or failing components before they cause sterilization failures or equipment breakdowns.

Which test verifies that a steam sterilizer is removing air effectively from the chamber?

Answer: Bowie-Dick test

The Bowie-Dick test detects air leaks and inadequate air removal in pre-vacuum steam sterilizers, which is essential for steam penetration.

A rigid sterilization container is returned with a cracked latch. What action should the CS technician take?

Answer: Retire the container from service and document the damage

Cracked or broken container components compromise the sterility barrier and the container must be removed from service.

How often should washer-disinfector spray arm nozzles be inspected and cleaned?

Answer: Per manufacturer's IFU and facility policy, typically daily or weekly

Clogged spray arm nozzles reduce cleaning efficacy; inspection frequency should follow manufacturer instructions and facility policy.

Which document provides the most authoritative guidance on maintaining a specific surgical instrument?

Answer: Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU)

The manufacturer's IFU contains validated cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization instructions specific to each device.