SPD Core Functions 3

Question 1

What role does the SPD technician play in the event of a sterilizer recall or malfunction?

Accepted Answer

Quarantine all items from affected loads and initiate a recall process

Answer

When a sterilizer malfunctions, all items from affected loads must be quarantined immediately and a systematic recall initiated to retrieve any distributed items.

Question 2

How should loaner instruments from external vendors be handled upon arrival at the facility?

Accepted Answer

Process through the complete decontamination and sterilization cycle

Answer

Loaner instruments must go through complete reprocessing regardless of their apparent cleanliness, as their prior handling and sterilization status is unknown.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a count sheet in sterile processing?

Accepted Answer

To document the contents of instrument trays for completeness verification

Answer

Count sheets list every instrument that should be in a tray, allowing technicians to verify completeness during assembly and ensuring nothing is missing before sterilization.

Question 4

Which factor most directly affects the efficiency of the SPD workflow?

Accepted Answer

Proper scheduling and coordination with surgical services

Answer

Coordination with surgical services ensures instruments are processed in priority order and available when needed, directly impacting OR efficiency and patient care timelines.

Question 5

What is the correct sequence of steps in the sterile processing workflow?

Accepted Answer

Receiving, Decontamination, Inspection/Assembly, Packaging, Sterilization, Storage

Answer

The correct workflow follows a logical progression from receiving contaminated items through decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and finally sterile storage.

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD - Sterile Processing Department Technician Certification Practice Test

SPD Core Functions 3