Disinfection & Sterilization Knowledge Self Assessment
Added 2024-12-13 00:19:49 +0000 UTCNote:
T/F = True/False
MC = Multiple Choice
Some questions may overlap in theme to ensure coverage and reinforce core concepts.
Answers are not provided, allowing you to research and verify, as well as use these as conversation tools.
Disinfection & Sterilization (50 Questions)
(T/F) Sterilization is the process of destroying all microbial life, including spores.
(MC) Which method is considered the gold standard for sterilizing metal instruments?
A. Autoclave (steam under pressure)
B. Boiling water
C. Wiping with alcohol
D. UV light exposure(T/F) Disinfection reduces the number of pathogenic organisms but may not kill spores.
(MC) High-level disinfection is best described as:
A. Complete elimination of all forms of microbial life
B. Significant reduction of microbial load including some spores
C. Reduction of pathogens to safe levels, but not all spores
D. Simple removal of dirt and debris(T/F) According to the best practices and the Spaulding Classification Model, items that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system require sterilization rather than disinfection.
(MC) Before sterilizing instruments, you must:
A. Skip cleaning and place them directly in the autoclave
B. Thoroughly clean to remove debris
C. Rely only on chemical wipes
D. Use dry heat without cleaning(T/F) An autoclave typically runs at 121°C for at least 15–20 minutes under pressure.
(MC) Chemical indicators in sterilization pouches:
A. Confirm that sterilization conditions were met
B. Guarantee sterility of the item
C. Are optional and rarely helpful
D. Only test for high-level disinfection(T/F) Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is used for heat-sensitive medical equipment.
(MC) Instruments requiring sterilization in sharps play would include:
A. Non-invasive surfaces only
B. Needles and scalpels
C. Gloves and gauze
D. Floors and walls(T/F) Boiling instruments for a few minutes provides reliable sterilization.
(MC) If a tool is visibly soiled with blood, the first step is:
A. Immediate sterilization in the autoclave
B. Thorough cleaning to remove blood and debris before disinfection/sterilization
C. Just spray with disinfectant and reuse
D. Wipe it with a dry towel(T/F) Alcohol alone is generally considered a disinfectant, not a sterilant.
(MC) After proper autoclave sterilization, packages should be:
A. Opened immediately to cool
B. Allowed to dry completely before handling
C. Stored near contaminants
D. Tossed on the floor(T/F) Sterile packaging must remain intact and dry to maintain sterility.
(MC) A chemical sterilant like glutaraldehyde:
A. Works instantly
B. Requires a specific soak time to achieve sterilization
C. Is less toxic and requires no precautions
D. Is only a surface cleaner(T/F) Sterilization logs or records help verify that proper cycles and conditions are met.
(MC) Flash sterilization is:
A. A quick method used in emergencies, but not ideal for routine use
B. A recommended standard method for all instruments
C. Sterilization using cold water only
D. Non-existent(T/F) Disinfectants have recommended contact times that must be followed for effectiveness.
(MC) Instruments that only touch intact skin typically require:
A. Sterilization
B. High-level disinfection
C. Intermediate or low-level disinfection
D. No cleaning at all(T/F) Ultrasonic cleaners help remove debris but do not disinfect or sterilize on their own.
(MC) The choice between chemical sterilants and autoclaving depends on:
A. The instrument’s heat sensitivity
B. Personal preference only
C. Which is faster
D. The room’s temperature(T/F) You must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilization of a specific device.
(MC) A spore test (biological indicator) in sterilization:
A. Tests whether the sterilization truly kills spores
B. Is unnecessary if using chemical indicators
C. Only checks for visible soil
D. Is replaced by looking at the tool’s shine(T/F) Reusable metal instruments should be inspected for damage before sterilization.
(MC) If a sterile package is found torn or wet:
A. The contents are still sterile
B. Consider it contaminated and reprocess
C. Use it quickly before it dries
D. Tape it closed and trust it(T/F) Disinfectants vary in their spectrum; some kill viruses, some kill bacteria, some kill fungi.
(MC) An autoclave cycle that fails (e.g., due to mechanical error) means:
A. Instruments inside must be reprocessed
B. Instruments are probably fine
C. Just let them air dry
D. Use them as is(T/F) Non-critical items (contacting only unbroken skin) can often be safely disinfected instead of sterilized.
(MC) For sterilization pouches, you should:
A. Overfill them for efficiency
B. Allow proper spacing to ensure steam penetration
C. Stack them too tightly
D. Never use indicators(T/F) Some chemical disinfectants require proper dilution for effectiveness.
(MC) Dry heat sterilization requires:
A. Lower temperatures than steam sterilization
B. Longer exposure times at higher temperatures
C. No specific time or temperature
D. Immersion in liquid chemicals(T/F) Disinfection can be performed using EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants.
(MC) After sterilization, proper storage is:
A. In a clean, dry, closed cabinet to maintain sterility
B. On a dirty countertop
C. In direct sunlight
D. Inside a refrigerator(T/F) The term “sterile” means free of all microbial life, including spores.
(MC) The purpose of mechanical indicators (time, temperature, pressure gauges) in an autoclave is:
A. To confirm parameter achievement
B. Just a decoration
C. To replace biological testing
D. Irrelevant to quality control(T/F) Disinfectants like bleach must be prepared fresh and at proper concentration to be effective.
(MC) A 70% isopropyl alcohol solution:
A. Is considered a high-level disinfectant
B. Is a sterilant
C. Primarily a low-to-intermediate-level disinfectant
D. Useless for disinfection(T/F) The integrity of the sterilization wrapper or pouch ensures the sterility of the contents.
(MC) “Cold sterilization” using chemical soaks typically:
A. Requires several hours of immersion
B. Works instantly
C. Is actually just disinfection
D. Is unaffected by organic matter(T/F) Organic matter (blood, tissue) can reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants and sterilants.
(MC) The frequency of sterilizer maintenance and testing should be:
A. According to the manufacturer’s and regulatory guidelines
B. Randomly decided
C. Never needed
D. Only after an infection occurs(T/F) Heat-sensitive items may require chemical sterilants or high-level disinfection methods.
(MC) If an instrument cannot be sterilized or high-level disinfected, you should:
A. Not use it for invasive procedures
B. Use it anyway
C. Just wipe it with water
D. Ignore professional guidelines(T/F) Sterilization pouches often have external and internal chemical indicators.
(MC) When selecting a disinfectant, consider:
A. Its spectrum of activity, contact time, compatibility with materials
B. Only its color and smell
C. The cheapest option available
D. Using random household cleaners(T/F) Reusable needles in sharps play are generally not recommended due to sterilization challenges.
(MC) If a disinfectant label states a 10-minute contact time:
A. The surface must remain wet for 10 minutes
B. Wiping immediately is enough
C. 1 minute is the same as 10
D. Diluting it shortens the required time(T/F) Periodic review of sterilization and disinfection protocols ensures ongoing compliance.
(MC) After sterilization, if you are unsure of the sterility of an item:
A. Consider it non-sterile and reprocess
B. Use it anyway
C. Spray with alcohol as a backup
D. Trust guesswork
