CSPT CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Infection Control and Microbiology Questions and Answers 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organism is most commonly associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients receiving compounded parenteral nutrition?
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Candida albicans (Correct answer)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Escherichia coli
Correct answer: Candida albicans
Candida albicans is the leading fungal pathogen in catheter-related bloodstream infections, especially in immunocompromised patients on parenteral nutrition.
Question 2: When performing environmental monitoring in a cleanroom, what is the primary purpose of viable air sampling using an active air sampler?
- To measure particulate counts above 5 microns
- To quantify airborne microbial contamination in colony-forming units per cubic meter (Correct answer)
- To determine the HEPA filter efficiency percentage
- To assess surface cleanliness of ISO classification areas
Correct answer: To quantify airborne microbial contamination in colony-forming units per cubic meter
Active air sampling with devices like the RCS or MAS-100 quantifies airborne viable microorganisms expressed as CFU/m³ to confirm ISO class compliance.
Question 3: A compounding technician notices a turbid appearance in a batch of compounded IV bags that were clear at preparation. Which action is the MOST appropriate immediate response?
- Administer the bags immediately before further degradation occurs
- Quarantine the batch and report to the supervising pharmacist for investigation (Correct answer)
- Filter the solution through a 0.22-micron filter to remove contaminants
- Re-sterilize the bags in an autoclave to eliminate microbial growth
Correct answer: Quarantine the batch and report to the supervising pharmacist for investigation
Turbidity is a physical indicator of microbial contamination; the batch must be quarantined and the pharmacist notified before any further action is taken.
Question 4: Which disinfectant class is considered sporicidal and is required for decontaminating surfaces after a spill of a spore-forming organism like Clostridium difficile?
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- 70% isopropyl alcohol
- Chlorine-based agents (bleach) (Correct answer)
- Phenolic compounds
Correct answer: Chlorine-based agents (bleach)
Chlorine-based disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) are among the few agents with proven sporicidal activity against C. difficile spores.
Question 5: Under USP <797>, what is the maximum beyond-use date (BUD) for a Category 2 compounded sterile preparation (CSP) stored at room temperature if sterility testing was not performed?
- 24 hours
- 4 days (Correct answer)
- 14 days
- 30 days
Correct answer: 4 days
USP <797> (2023 revision) assigns a maximum BUD of 4 days at controlled room temperature for Category 2 CSPs without completed sterility testing.
Question 6: Which type of microorganism produces endotoxins that can cause fever and septic shock even after sterilization kills the organism?
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Fungi
- Gram-negative bacteria (Correct answer)
- Mycobacteria
Correct answer: Gram-negative bacteria
Gram-negative bacteria contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their outer membrane; LPS is a heat-stable endotoxin that remains pyrogenic even after the bacteria are killed.
Question 7: In a laminar airflow workbench (LAFW), the first air sweep concept requires that all critical sites be exposed to what type of air to minimize contamination risk?
- Recirculated room air passed through a pre-filter
- Unidirectional HEPA-filtered ISO 5 air (Correct answer)
- Turbulent air from the room HVAC system
- Air that has passed through a UV germicidal irradiation chamber
Correct answer: Unidirectional HEPA-filtered ISO 5 air
The first air sweep principle requires critical sites to receive direct, uninterrupted HEPA-filtered ISO 5 air before any obstructions, preventing room-air contamination.
CSPT CSPT - Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Infection Control and Microbiology Questions and Answers 4
Which organism is most commonly associated with catheter-related bloodstream infections in immunocompromised patients receiving compounded parenteral nutrition?