CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which component of a flexible endoscope is most commonly damaged by improper angulation during use?
- Biopsy channel liner
- Angulation wires (Correct answer)
- Light guide bundle
- Air/water channel
Correct answer: Angulation wires
Angulation wires are highly susceptible to kinking or breaking when the endoscope is bent beyond its designed range of motion.
Question 2: A reprocessor notices the endoscope tip will not deflect fully in one direction. What is the MOST likely cause?
- Contaminated biopsy port
- Broken or stretched angulation wire (Correct answer)
- Clogged air/water channel
- Damaged video chip
Correct answer: Broken or stretched angulation wire
Broken or stretched angulation wires are the primary cause of limited or asymmetric tip deflection.
Question 3: What type of damage does prolonged exposure to aldehydes cause to endoscope insertion tube sheaths?
- Discoloration only
- Softening and swelling of the polymer sheath (Correct answer)
- Crystalline deposits on the surface
- Increased flexibility
Correct answer: Softening and swelling of the polymer sheath
Extended aldehyde exposure can degrade polymer materials, causing swelling and loss of structural integrity in the insertion tube sheath.
Question 4: When performing a leak test, steady bubbling from the biopsy channel opening most likely indicates:
- Normal air purging
- A perforation in the biopsy channel (Correct answer)
- Inadequate air pressure
- A faulty leak tester connection
Correct answer: A perforation in the biopsy channel
Steady bubbling from the biopsy port during leak testing indicates a breach in the biopsy channel wall.
Question 5: Which maintenance task should be performed on endoscope light guide connectors to prevent damage?
- Soaking in enzymatic solution daily
- Inspecting and cleaning the optical surfaces with approved wipes (Correct answer)
- Autoclaving after every use
- Lubricating with mineral oil
Correct answer: Inspecting and cleaning the optical surfaces with approved wipes
Light guide connector optical surfaces should be regularly inspected and cleaned with lint-free, approved wipes to maintain image quality and prevent damage.
Question 6: An endoscope's biopsy channel shows resistance when passing a cleaning brush. What should the reprocessor do FIRST?
- Increase brush force to clear the blockage
- Remove the brush and inspect the channel for damage (Correct answer)
- Soak the scope in enzymatic cleaner for 24 hours
- Proceed with disinfection and note the issue later
Correct answer: Remove the brush and inspect the channel for damage
Forcing a brush through resistance can cause further damage; the channel should be inspected immediately to identify the obstruction or damage.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the endoscope control body's rubber exterior during transport?
- Provides antimicrobial protection
- Protects internal components from impact and moisture ingress (Correct answer)
- Aids in grip during procedures only
- Indicates sterilization status
Correct answer: Protects internal components from impact and moisture ingress
The rubber exterior of the control body protects delicate internal mechanisms from physical impact and helps prevent moisture from entering during handling.
CER Endoscope Repair and Maintenance 2
Which component of a flexible endoscope is most commonly damaged by improper angulation during use?