IAHCSMM Infection Prevention and Microbiology

Question 1

Which microorganism is used as the biological indicator challenge organism for steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Clostridium difficile spores

Answer

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 2

The chain of infection model is important to CS professionals because:

Accepted Answer

It identifies transmission routes that proper instrument reprocessing interrupts, preventing healthcare-associated infections

Answer

It describes how instruments are assembled into surgical sets

Answer

It explains how to diagnose infections in CS staff

Answer

It describes the sterilization cycle parameters

Question 3

Which cleaning agent is specifically formulated to break down protein-based soil (blood, tissue) and is most effective when used within its recommended temperature range?

Accepted Answer

Multi-enzyme detergent cleaners

Answer

Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats)

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol

Answer

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)

Question 4

Biofilm formation on inadequately cleaned medical instruments is dangerous because:

Accepted Answer

Biofilms protect embedded microorganisms from detergents, disinfectants, and sterilants, potentially surviving reprocessing

Answer

Biofilms make instruments more flexible and easier to bend

Answer

Biofilms only form on non-metal instruments

Answer

Biofilms are killed by all standard sterilization methods without exception

Question 5

Which type of hepatitis is most commonly associated with occupational exposure in CS workers handling contaminated sharps?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B

Answer

Hepatitis A

Answer

Hepatitis C

Answer

Hepatitis E

Question 6

Standard precautions in the CS decontamination area require CS workers to treat ALL items as if they are:

Accepted Answer

Potentially infectious regardless of the patient known infection status

Answer

Sterile until proven otherwise

Answer

Safe to handle with bare hands after visual inspection

Answer

Non-infectious if the patient had a negative MRSA screen