FREE RDA Instrument Processing, Sterilization, and Monitoring Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the key biological indicator organism used for spore testing a steam autoclave sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 2

According to the Spaulding Classification system, which of the following is considered a semi-critical instrument?

Accepted Answer

Amalgam condenser

Answer

Surgical scalpel

Answer

Blood pressure cuff

Answer

Dental forceps

Question 3

What is the first step in processing contaminated dental instruments after they are brought to the sterilization center?

Accepted Answer

Placing them in a holding solution

Answer

Placing them in the ultrasonic cleaner

Answer

Packaging them for sterilization

Answer

Running them through the autoclave

Question 4

A significant disadvantage of using a chemical vapor sterilizer is that it:

Accepted Answer

Requires special ventilation

Answer

Causes significant rust and corrosion on instruments

Answer

Requires a very long sterilization cycle time

Answer

Cannot sterilize handpieces

Question 5

What is the primary function of a process indicator, such as autoclave tape or markings on a sterilization pouch?

Accepted Answer

To verify that the instrument package has been exposed to the sterilization process

Answer

To prove that all microorganisms have been killed

Answer

To indicate the expiration date of the sterilized items

Answer

To clean the instruments before sterilization

Question 6

Dry heat sterilization is the most appropriate method for which type of dental instrument?

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic pliers and carbon steel burs

Answer

Plastic impression trays

Answer

Heat-sensitive rubber items

Answer

Wet gauze packs