Instrument Assembly and Packaging Flashcards
6 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 6 Instrument Assembly and Packaging flashcards as text
What is the significance of a 'wet pack' following steam sterilization, and how should it be managed?
Answer: A wet pack indicates a sterility compromise event; the package must be rejected, not used, and the cause investigated
A wet pack — moisture on or inside the packaging after sterilization — indicates a sterility maintenance failure. The wet pack must be rejected, the contents reprocessed, and the cause of the wet pack investigated.
Which packaging material is NOT compatible with steam sterilization?
Answer: Polyethylene (standard plastic bags)
Standard polyethylene plastic bags are not steam-permeable and cannot be used for steam sterilization. Steam must be able to penetrate the packaging to contact and sterilize the enclosed instruments.
How should box-lock (ratcheted) instruments such as haemostats and needle holders be positioned during packaging for sterilization?
Answer: Partially open (in the first ratchet position) to allow steam to penetrate joint surfaces and interior channels
Box-lock instruments must be open (minimally in the first ratchet position) during sterilization to allow steam contact with all metal surfaces in the joint area where bioburden can accumulate.
What is the purpose of chemical indicators (CIs) placed inside sterilized packages?
Answer: To provide visual evidence that the contents of the package have been exposed to the sterilization process
Internal chemical indicators (placed inside each package) provide visible evidence that sterilization conditions were reached inside the specific package, supplementing external CIs that only show the outside was processed.
What is the maximum recommended interval for changing the water in ultrasonic cleaners used during instrument preparation?
Answer: Every shift or more frequently if visibly contaminated
Ultrasonic cleaner solution should be changed at minimum every shift (every 8 hours) or more frequently when visibly contaminated, as used solutions become loaded with bioburden and lose cleaning effectiveness.
When preparing a set that includes instruments with both concave and convex surfaces, how should items be positioned in the tray to facilitate steam sterilization and drying?
Answer: Position concave items facing downward to prevent condensate pooling and facilitate drainage and drying
Concave instrument surfaces (bowls, basins, cups) should be positioned face-down or tilted in trays to prevent condensate (water) from pooling and creating wet packs or areas of inadequate steam contact.