IAHCSMM OR Liaison and Surgical Instrument Specialties 4

Question 1

What is the MAIN purpose of a sterilization log maintained by the CS department?

Accepted Answer

To provide a traceable record linking sterilized items to patients if a recall is needed

Answer

To track overtime hours for CS staff

Answer

To schedule preventive maintenance on autoclaves

Answer

To document instrument purchase dates

Question 2

Powered surgical instruments such as oscillating saws require lubrication as part of their reprocessing because:

Accepted Answer

Moving parts and gears require lubrication to function properly and prevent corrosion

Answer

Lubricants act as a chemical sterilant

Answer

Lubrication prevents static electricity buildup

Answer

Lubricants seal internal channels from moisture

Question 3

A surgeon requests that a specific retractor not used in over a year be added back to their preference card. What should the CS OR liaison do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Locate the instrument, assess its condition, and verify it passes functionality testing before reinstating it

Answer

Add it to the card immediately without inspection

Answer

Order a new replacement without looking for the existing one

Answer

Inform the surgeon that instruments not used for one year are automatically discarded

Question 4

Which cleaning method is MOST effective for removing debris from long, narrow lumens in laparoscopic instruments?

Accepted Answer

Flushing with pressurized water and using a lumen brush

Answer

Dry heat cabinet

Answer

Ultrasonic cleaner alone without pre-rinsing

Answer

Soaking in enzymatic detergent for 30 minutes without mechanical action

Question 5

In the context of surgical instrument sets, what does the term 'count sheet' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A document listing all instruments included in a specific tray by name and quantity

Answer

A list of OR staff assigned to a case

Answer

A record of instrument purchase costs

Answer

A surgeon scheduling log

Question 6

Which statement BEST describes the function of a Bookwalter retractor system?

Accepted Answer

It is a self-retaining retractor system that attaches to the OR table to hold incisions open without assistant support

Answer

It is a laparoscopic clip applier for vessel ligation

Answer

It is an electrosurgical instrument for tissue coagulation

Answer

It is a robotic arm attachment for microsurgery

Question 7

What action must the OR liaison take when a surgeon reports an instrument malfunctioned during a surgical case?

Accepted Answer

Document the malfunction, pull the instrument from service, and report it per the facility's biomedical device event policy

Answer

Replace it immediately without documentation

Answer

Return the instrument to regular service after visual inspection

Answer

Discard the instrument and reorder without filing a report