CSFA CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology 5

Question 1

Which biological indicator organism is used to verify steam sterilization cycles?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to moist heat and are the standard steam and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma challenge.

Question 2

For immediate-use steam sterilization of an unwrapped, nonporous metal instrument in a gravity-displacement sterilizer, the minimum exposure is:

Accepted Answer

132°C (270°F) for 3 minutes

Answer

Nonporous, unwrapped items in a gravity cycle require at least 3 minutes at 132°C (270°F).

Question 3

During laser surgery of the airway, the endotracheal tube cuff should be inflated with:

Accepted Answer

Saline tinted with methylene blue

Answer

Saline absorbs laser energy and the dye makes a cuff puncture immediately visible, reducing airway fire risk.

Question 4

While the surgeon changes instruments, the fiberoptic light cable is disconnected from the laparoscope and left on the drapes. The best action is to:

Accepted Answer

Place the light source in standby mode

Answer

An active light cable tip can reach temperatures high enough to ignite drapes or burn the patient, so it must be in standby when not connected.

Question 5

An argon beam coagulator is especially useful for diffuse bleeding from the liver surface, but it carries an increased risk of:

Accepted Answer

Gas embolism

Answer

Pressurized argon gas can enter open venous channels, so flow and tip-to-tissue distance must be controlled.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test