CSSD - Central Sterile Services Department Documentation and Regulatory Compliance Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real CSSD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CSSD - Central Sterile Services Department Documentation and Regulatory Compliance Questions and Answers flashcards as text
What is the significance of a 'sterilization load record' in CSSD documentation?
Answer: It documents cycle parameters, BI results, and contents of each sterilizer load for traceability
A sterilization load record captures cycle parameters (time, temperature, pressure), biological and chemical indicator results, and load contents, providing traceability for patient safety and recall purposes.
Which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines address disinfection and sterilization practices in healthcare settings?
Answer: CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities
The CDC's Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities provides evidence-based recommendations for all aspects of instrument reprocessing, including Spaulding classification and sterilization methods.
What is the Spaulding classification, and why is it important for CSSD documentation?
Answer: A risk-based framework classifying medical devices as critical, semi-critical, or non-critical to determine the required level of reprocessing
The Spaulding classification categorizes medical devices based on infection risk — critical items require sterilization, semi-critical items require high-level disinfection, and non-critical items require low-level disinfection.
What must CSSD staff do before using a chemical sterilant or high-level disinfectant to ensure it is still effective?
Answer: Test the solution's concentration with the appropriate chemical test strip or monitoring device
Chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants must be tested with the appropriate chemical test strips (e.g., OPA test strips, glutaraldehyde test strips) each day of use to confirm minimum effective concentration (MEC).
Which infection control concept requires that every patient be treated as potentially infectious regardless of known diagnosis?
Answer: Standard precautions
Standard precautions require treating all patients as potentially infectious at all times, guiding CSSD staff to consistently use appropriate PPE and safe handling practices regardless of a patient's known status.
What is required when a CSSD employee has an exposure incident involving blood or OPIM?
Answer: Immediately report the exposure, receive post-exposure evaluation, and document the incident per OSHA and facility policy
OSHA requires that exposure incidents be immediately reported and documented, that the employee receive a confidential medical evaluation and follow-up, and that the incident be recorded per the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.