Decontamination Processes and Equipment Flashcards
7 cards from real MDRAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Decontamination Processes and Equipment flashcards as text
Which water quality is recommended for the final rinse cycle in an automated instrument washer to prevent spotting and residue?
Answer: Softened or deionized/purified water
Softened, deionized, or purified water is used in the final rinse to minimize mineral deposits, spotting, and residue on instruments.
When should the ultrasonic cleaner solution be changed during a work shift?
Answer: When visibly soiled or at regular intervals per facility protocol
Ultrasonic cleaner solution should be changed when visibly soiled or at regular intervals per the facility's infection control policy to maintain cleaning efficacy.
A technician is cleaning a flexible endoscope channel with a channel brush. The brush emerges visibly soiled after the first pass. What is the correct next step?
Answer: Repeat brushing with a clean brush until the brush emerges clean
Channels must be brushed repeatedly with a clean brush until no visible soil is present, as incomplete mechanical cleaning compromises subsequent disinfection.
Which hazard is specifically associated with glutaraldehyde use in the decontamination area?
Answer: Respiratory sensitization and mucous membrane irritation
Glutaraldehyde is a known respiratory sensitizer and mucous membrane irritant; staff must use appropriate ventilation and PPE, including respirators, when handling it.
Which instrument defect should be identified during visual inspection in the decontamination area and reported immediately?
Answer: Cracked insulation on electrosurgical instruments
Cracked or damaged insulation on electrosurgical instruments is a patient safety hazard that must be identified, removed from service, and reported for repair.
What is the role of an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) in the decontamination workflow?
Answer: It automates the high-level disinfection process after manual cleaning
An AER automates the high-level disinfection cycle (chemical exposure, rinse, and sometimes drying) but always requires thorough manual cleaning first.
Which action best prevents biofilm formation in ultrasonic cleaner baths and washer-disinfector sumps?
Answer: Draining, cleaning, and disinfecting the equipment at regular scheduled intervals
Regular draining, cleaning, and disinfection of sumps and baths at scheduled intervals prevents biofilm accumulation that would recontaminate instruments.