CRCST Instrument Processing 4

Question 1

Which factor most directly affects the efficacy of low-temperature hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plasma sterilization?

Accepted Answer

The presence of moisture or cellulose materials in the chamber

Answer

The carbon content of the instrument's metal alloy

Answer

The weight of the total instrument load

Answer

The age of the biological indicator used

Question 2

An instrument set is found to have a wet pack after steam sterilization. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Re-wrap and re-sterilize the set before releasing for use

Answer

Allow it to air-dry on the sterilizer cart and then release for use

Answer

Consider it sterile since it was processed in a full sterilization cycle

Answer

Dry it with a sterile towel and reseal the packaging

Question 3

The concept of 'event-related sterility' means that sterility is maintained until:

Accepted Answer

An event occurs that compromises package integrity

Answer

The manufacturer's printed expiration date on the package

Answer

The instrument is removed from storage for 30 days

Answer

The package is opened in the sterile field

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in instrument processing?

Accepted Answer

Decontaminate → Inspect → Package → Sterilize

Answer

Sterilize → Decontaminate → Inspect → Package

Answer

Inspect → Decontaminate → Package → Sterilize

Answer

Package → Decontaminate → Inspect → Sterilize

Question 5

Instrument lubrication with instrument milk (water-soluble lubricant) should be performed:

Accepted Answer

After cleaning but before sterilization

Answer

Before cleaning to protect instruments during washing

Answer

After sterilization and before packaging

Answer

Only on instruments showing signs of rust

Question 6

Which type of water is recommended for the final rinse in automated washers to prevent mineral deposits and spotting on instruments?

Accepted Answer

Distilled or deionized (DI) water

Answer

Tap water filtered through a standard carbon filter

Answer

Sterile water from the facility's water system

Answer

Softened water treated with sodium ion exchange

Question 7

A rigid sterilization container's filter or valve should be inspected before each use to ensure:

Accepted Answer

It is clean, intact, and free from holes or damage that could compromise the sterilization barrier

Answer

The container color code matches the tray contents

Answer

The locking mechanism engages with at least 50 lbs of force

Answer

The container weight does not exceed 25 lbs when fully loaded