IAHCSMM OR Liaison and Surgical Instrument Specialties 3

Question 1

What is the primary reason robotic surgical instruments require specialized reprocessing protocols?

Accepted Answer

They contain complex lumens, joints, and electronics requiring manufacturer-specific cleaning procedures

Answer

They are made of titanium and cannot be steam sterilized

Answer

They must be processed using ethylene oxide only

Answer

They are single-use and cannot be reprocessed

Question 2

An OR liaison discovers a set of laparoscopic instruments with residual bioburden in the jaw housing. This MOST likely indicates a failure in:

Accepted Answer

Mechanical cleaning of lumens and hinged areas

Answer

High-level disinfection

Answer

Sterilization wrap selection

Answer

Biological indicator incubation

Question 3

Which surgical instrument is BEST suited for grasping delicate tissue such as the peritoneum during laparoscopic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Atraumatic grasper

Answer

Kocher clamp

Answer

Towel clamp

Answer

Allis forceps

Question 4

A CS technician assembling an orthopedic trauma set finds that a drill bit tip is visibly chipped. The CORRECT action is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove it from the set and send it for repair or replacement

Answer

Include it and note the defect on the instrument count sheet

Answer

Sterilize it and flag it for the surgeon to decide intraoperatively

Answer

Use it only for non-critical drilling tasks

Question 5

The OR liaison role includes communicating case changes to CS. Which situation would require the MOST urgent notification?

Accepted Answer

An emergency trauma case is added requiring an immediate instrument set

Answer

A surgeon adds an elective case two weeks from now

Answer

A preference card update is submitted by a resident

Answer

A routine case is rescheduled to the following day

Question 6

When disassembling multi-part laparoscopic instruments for reprocessing, why must all components be separated?

Accepted Answer

To allow cleaning solution to reach all surfaces and internal channels

Answer

To reduce the weight load on ultrasonic cleaners

Answer

To simplify inventory tracking

Answer

To comply with fire safety regulations

Question 7

Which term describes the process of confirming that a surgical instrument set contains all items listed on the count sheet before a case?

Accepted Answer

Tray audit

Answer

Decontamination verification

Answer

Instrument reconciliation

Answer

Preference confirmation