MDRAO Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended relative humidity range for sterile storage areas in a healthcare facility?
- 30–60% (Correct answer)
- 10–20%
- 70–80%
- 60–90%
Correct answer: 30–60%
Sterile storage areas should maintain relative humidity between 30% and 60% to prevent condensation and packaging degradation.
Question 2: When a sterile package is found with a hole or tear, what is the correct action?
- Remove it from service and reprocess (Correct answer)
- Re-wrap it with a new outer wrap
- Apply tape to seal the breach and continue use
- Inspect internally and use if contents appear intact
Correct answer: Remove it from service and reprocess
Any breach in a sterile package compromises sterility, requiring removal from service and complete reprocessing.
Question 3: Which principle best describes the concept of 'event-related sterility' in modern sterile storage?
- Sterility is maintained until the package is compromised by an event (Correct answer)
- All items expire based solely on a printed date
- UV light exposure determines when a package becomes unsterile
- Items in closed cabinets remain sterile indefinitely
Correct answer: Sterility is maintained until the package is compromised by an event
Event-related sterility holds that a properly packaged item remains sterile until a specific event (handling damage, moisture) compromises the package.
Question 4: What is the minimum distance sterile packages should be stored from the floor?
- 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) (Correct answer)
- 5 cm (2 inches)
- 50 cm (20 inches)
- No specific distance is required
Correct answer: 20–25 cm (8–10 inches)
Sterile items must be stored at least 20–25 cm off the floor to prevent contamination from cleaning activities and moisture.
Question 5: Which type of shelving is preferred for sterile storage to facilitate air circulation and visibility?
- Open wire shelving (Correct answer)
- Solid metal shelving
- Wooden shelving
- Cardboard-lined shelving
Correct answer: Open wire shelving
Open wire shelving allows air circulation around packages and permits visual inspection without moving items.
Question 6: During distribution, sterile items transported through soiled corridors should be:
- Covered or enclosed in a closed cart (Correct answer)
- Transported quickly to minimize exposure time
- Double-wrapped before transport
- Carried by gloved personnel only
Correct answer: Covered or enclosed in a closed cart
Sterile items must be covered or enclosed in a closed cart when transported through potentially contaminated areas.
Question 7: What temperature range is recommended for sterile storage rooms?
- 18–22°C (64–72°F) (Correct answer)
- 4–8°C (39–46°F)
- 25–30°C (77–86°F)
- 10–15°C (50–59°F)
Correct answer: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
Sterile storage areas should be maintained at 18–22°C to prevent condensation, packaging stress, and microbial growth.
MDRAO Sterile Storage, Handling, and Distribution 2
What is the recommended relative humidity range for sterile storage areas in a healthcare facility?