Equipment Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real CRCST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Equipment Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the primary reason for performing a daily air-removal (Bowie-Dick) test at the beginning of each day on a pre-vacuum sterilizer?
Answer: To confirm air is being evacuated properly before patient loads are processed
The Bowie-Dick test must be done on an empty chamber at the start of each day to confirm air removal before any patient care items are sterilized.
Which of the following describes a 'flash' or immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) cycle and when it is appropriate?
Answer: A shortened cycle for unwrapped instruments needed urgently during a procedure, when no alternative is available
IUSS is reserved for urgently needed unwrapped instruments when no sterile replacement is available; it should not be used routinely or for implants.
When inspecting a needle holder after decontamination, which finding indicates the instrument should be repaired or replaced?
Answer: Jaw inserts that are worn, pitted, or missing tungsten carbide inserts
Worn or missing tungsten carbide jaw inserts impair the instrument's ability to grip needles securely, creating a surgical hazard.
A ultrasonic cleaner is producing fewer bubbles than normal during operation. What is the most likely problem?
Answer: The transducers may be failing or the solution level is incorrect
Reduced cavitation (bubbling) typically indicates failing transducers or incorrect solution level, both of which reduce cleaning effectiveness.
Which statement about sterilization of implantable devices is correct under AAMI standards?
Answer: A biological indicator must be used for every implant load, and results reviewed before release when possible
AAMI and AORN require BI monitoring with every implant load, and results should be reviewed before release whenever feasible.
What must a CS technician verify when assembling a surgical instrument set before sterilization?
Answer: That all instruments match the set count sheet and are functional
Verification against the count sheet ensures completeness and accountability, while functional inspection confirms instruments are safe for use.
A sterilizer printout shows that the exposure temperature dropped 2°F below the minimum required for 30 seconds during a cycle. What should the CS technician do?
Answer: Quarantine the load, document the failure, and notify a supervisor
Any deviation below required sterilization parameters means the load cannot be assumed sterile and must be quarantined pending investigation.