CSFA Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) undergoes a brain biopsy.
According to CDC and WHO guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate method for handling the involved surgical instruments?

Accepted Answer

Segregation, followed by either incineration or a combination of chemical soaking and extended steam sterilization cycles.

Answer

Standard steam sterilization followed by immediate reuse.

Answer

Low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization.

Answer

Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) in the sub-sterile room.

Question 2

Which of the following microorganisms is a gram-positive coccus, commonly found on the skin, and is the most frequent cause of surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Escherichia coli

Answer

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Answer

Candida albicans

Question 3

A CSFA is assisting with an emergency exploratory laparotomy for a perforated duodenal ulcer with established peritonitis. How would this surgical wound be classified?

Accepted Answer

Class IV: Dirty/Infected

Answer

Class I: Clean

Answer

Class II: Clean-Contaminated

Answer

Class III: Contaminated

Question 4

During a procedure, the circulating nurse accidentally touches the sterile back table with their non-sterile scrubs. The contact was brief but definite. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Consider the entire sterile field contaminated and replace it.

Answer

Place a sterile towel over the contaminated area.

Answer

Ignore the contact as it was minor.

Answer

Move sterile items away from the point of contact.

Question 5

A biological indicator (BI) is used to verify the efficacy of a prevacuum steam sterilization cycle. Which spore-forming microorganism is the standard for this testing method?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Clostridium difficile

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Question 6

To maximize effectiveness in preventing surgical site infections, when should the initial dose of a prophylactic intravenous antibiotic like cefazolin be administered?

Accepted Answer

Within 60 minutes prior to the surgical incision.

Answer

Within 2 hours after the surgical incision.

Answer

As the final surgical dressing is being applied.

Answer

In the preoperative holding area, at least 3 hours before surgery.

A patient with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) undergoes a brain biopsy.According to CDC and WHO guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate method for handling the involved surgical instruments?

A patient with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) undergoes a brain biopsy.
According to CDC and WHO guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate method for handling the involved surgical instruments?