SPD Sterilization Methods and Monitoring 2

Question 1

What are the two main types of steam sterilizers used in healthcare facilities?

Accepted Answer

Gravity-displacement and dynamic-air-removal (pre-vacuum) steam sterilizers

Answer

Microwave and infrared sterilizers

Answer

Dry heat and chemical vapor sterilizers

Answer

Flash and tabletop sterilizers

Question 2

What is ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

A low-temperature gas sterilization method for heat-sensitive and moisture-sensitive devices

Answer

A high-temperature sterilization method for metal instruments

Answer

A chemical cleaning process for endoscopes

Answer

An ultraviolet light sterilization method

Question 3

How does hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization work?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide vapor is injected into a vacuum chamber and energized into a plasma state, then breaks down into water and oxygen

Answer

It uses liquid hydrogen peroxide to soak instruments

Answer

It combines hydrogen peroxide with steam

Answer

It requires high temperatures above 200°F

Question 4

What are the three types of sterilization monitoring and what does each verify?

Accepted Answer

Physical monitoring verifies cycle parameters, chemical monitoring confirms sterilant exposure, and biological monitoring proves lethality to microorganisms

Answer

Visual, audio, and electronic monitoring

Answer

Weekly, monthly, and annual monitoring

Answer

Temperature, pressure, and humidity monitoring

Question 5

What is immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) and when is it appropriate?

Accepted Answer

IUSS is an abbreviated cycle used only in urgent situations when a properly sterilized item is not available and patient safety requires immediate access

Answer

IUSS is the standard sterilization method

Answer

IUSS can replace routine sterilization

Answer

IUSS uses lower temperatures for delicate instruments

Question 6

What is the significance of the D-value in sterilization science?

Accepted Answer

The D-value is the time required at a given temperature to kill 90% of a specific microorganism population

Answer

The D-value measures the sterilizer chamber size

Answer

The D-value is the shelf life of sterile items

Answer

The D-value measures steam penetration depth