FREE HSPA Processing of Patient Care Equipment Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the Spaulding Classification system, a flexible endoscope used for a colonoscopy is considered what type of device?

Accepted Answer

Semi-critical

Answer

Non-critical

Answer

Critical

Answer

Low-risk

Question 2

The primary purpose of point-of-use (POU) treatment of soiled instruments is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent the formation of biofilms by keeping instruments moist.

Answer

Completely sterilize the instruments before transport.

Answer

Reduce the number of instruments that need to be processed.

Answer

Calibrate the instruments for the next procedure.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key parameter that must be monitored for an automated washer-disinfector?

Accepted Answer

Water temperature and detergent concentration.

Answer

The brand of instruments being washed.

Answer

The time of day the cycle is run.

Answer

The skill level of the operator loading the machine.

Question 4

Before an item can be high-level disinfected, it must first be:

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

Answer

Wrapped in a sterile towel.

Answer

Exposed to ethylene oxide gas.

Answer

Cooled to room temperature for 24 hours.

Question 5

What is the purpose of testing the Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) of a high-level disinfectant like glutaraldehyde?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the solution is still potent enough to kill microorganisms after repeated use.

Answer

To determine the original concentration of the chemical from the manufacturer.

Answer

To measure the temperature of the disinfecting solution.

Answer

To calculate how many more times the solution can be used before disposal.

Question 6

When receiving a set of loaner instruments from a vendor, what is the first responsibility of the SPD?

Accepted Answer

Perform a complete inventory against the vendor's list and then process it through the full decontamination and sterilization cycle.

Answer

Immediately sterilize the set for the next surgical case.

Answer

Assume the vendor has already cleaned them and place them in sterile storage.

Answer

Contact the surgeon to confirm the set is correct.

Question 7

After manual cleaning, what is a critical step in processing a flexible endoscope before it undergoes high-level disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Leak testing to check for damage to the scope's internal and external surfaces.

Answer

Drying the exterior of the scope with a sterile towel.

Answer

Attaching the light source to ensure the bulb is working.

Answer

Storing it in a carrying case for 30 minutes.