Free MDRAO Microbiology and Infection Control Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following microorganisms is the most resistant to sterilization processes?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial spores.

Answer

Viruses.

Answer

Fungi.

Answer

Vegetative bacteria.

Question 2

In the chain of infection, what is the role of a contaminated surgical instrument?

Accepted Answer

A mode of transmission (fomite).

Answer

A susceptible host.

Answer

A portal of entry.

Answer

An infectious agent.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of cleaning medical devices prior to sterilization?

Accepted Answer

To remove soil and bioburden, which can shield microbes from the sterilant.

Answer

To make the instruments shiny.

Answer

To remove all microorganisms, including spores.

Answer

To cool the instruments down after use.

Question 4

When working in the decontamination area, what is the minimum required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

Accepted Answer

Fluid-resistant gown, gloves, face shield or goggles/mask, and shoe covers.

Answer

A lab coat and safety glasses.

Answer

A simple surgical mask and gloves.

Answer

Scrubs and a hair cover.

Question 5

A semi-critical medical device, such as a flexible endoscope, requires what minimum level of reprocessing?

Accepted Answer

High-level disinfection.

Answer

Low-level disinfection.

Answer

Sterilization.

Answer

Simple cleaning with soap and water.

Question 6

Prions, the causative agent for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), are exceptionally resistant to:

Accepted Answer

Standard steam sterilization cycles.

Answer

Manual washing with detergents.

Answer

Cool temperatures.

Answer

Air drying.

Question 7

What is a biofilm?

Accepted Answer

A community of microorganisms attached to a surface and encased in a protective slime layer.

Answer

A type of wrapping material used for sterilization.

Answer

The report generated by a biological indicator.

Answer

A thin, transparent plastic film used to cover instrument trays.