CST Sterilization & Infection Control 3

Question 1

Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS), formerly called 'flash sterilization,' should be performed:

Accepted Answer

Only as a last resort when no other option exists for an urgently needed item

Answer

IUSS should be reserved for emergency situations when no other sterile option is available, not as a routine time-saving shortcut.

Question 2

What is the minimum exposure time for a gravity displacement steam sterilizer operating at 250°F (121°C) for a wrapped instrument set?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes

Answer

Wrapped instrument sets in a gravity displacement cycle at 121°C require a minimum of 30 minutes exposure time.

Question 3

The Spaulding classification system categorizes medical devices based on:

Accepted Answer

The risk of infection associated with their intended use

Answer

The Spaulding classification (critical, semi-critical, non-critical) categorizes devices by infection risk related to their intended use site.

Question 4

Which action by the surgical technologist maintains sterility when opening a sterile peel-pack onto the sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Dropping the item onto the field after peeling the package open away from the body

Answer

The circulator peels the package apart and flips or drops the sterile item onto the sterile field without reaching over it.

Question 5

Chemical class indicators (Class 2 indicators) such as the Bowie-Dick test are used to:

Accepted Answer

Verify steam penetration in dynamic-air-removal sterilizers

Answer

The Bowie-Dick test (a Class 2 indicator) specifically verifies adequate air removal and steam penetration in prevacuum sterilizers.

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test