CSFA Microbiology and Infection Control 2

Question 1

Which class of microorganism is MOST resistant to standard sterilization methods and requires extended exposure times or special agents to destroy?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial endospores

Answer

Bacterial endospores (e.g., from Clostridium and Bacillus species) are the most resistant life forms and require sporicidal conditions such as autoclaving at 121°C for ≥15 minutes.

Question 2

A surgical site infection (SSI) occurring within 30 days of a procedure, involving only skin and subcutaneous tissue, is classified as:

Accepted Answer

Superficial incisional SSI

Answer

CDC defines a superficial incisional SSI as one occurring within 30 days, involving only skin or subcutaneous tissue at the incision site.

Question 3

When should the surgical hand antisepsis (surgical scrub) be performed?

Accepted Answer

Before every surgical procedure, prior to gowning and gloving

Answer

Surgical hand antisepsis must be performed before every procedure and before gowning and gloving to reduce transient and resident flora.

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a prion-related disease relevant to surgical infection control?

Accepted Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)

Answer

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is caused by prions — misfolded proteins that are resistant to standard sterilization — requiring special instrument handling protocols.

Question 5

In the OR, the zone considered the area of greatest microbial risk to an open wound is:

Accepted Answer

Directly over and around the operative site

Answer

The area directly over and around the operative site is most critical because airborne or contact contamination here directly threatens the open wound.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Microbiology and Infection Control 2