IAHCSMM (MCQ) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct sequence of steps in the decontamination process?
- Inspection, cleaning, disinfection, packaging
- Pre-cleaning, cleaning, rinsing, disinfection or sterilization (Correct answer)
- Sterilization, inspection, packaging, storage
- Disinfection, rinsing, drying, packaging
Correct answer: Pre-cleaning, cleaning, rinsing, disinfection or sterilization
The correct decontamination sequence is pre-cleaning at point of use, thorough cleaning, rinsing, then disinfection or sterilization as appropriate.
Question 2: What does 'D-value' refer to in sterilization science?
- The depth of sterilant penetration in porous loads
- The time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (one log) (Correct answer)
- The dilution ratio of chemical disinfectants
- The drying time after steam sterilization
Correct answer: The time required to reduce a microbial population by 90% (one log)
D-value (decimal reduction value) is the time or dose required to reduce a microbial population by 90%, or one log10 reduction.
Question 3: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working in the decontamination area?
- Gloves and surgical mask only
- Gown, gloves, face shield or goggles, and shoe covers (Correct answer)
- Lab coat and gloves only
- N95 respirator only when handling sharps
Correct answer: Gown, gloves, face shield or goggles, and shoe covers
Full PPE in decontamination includes fluid-resistant gown, heavy-duty gloves, face shield or goggles, and shoe covers to protect from splashes and contamination.
Question 4: What is the function of a chemical indicator (CI) Class 5 integrating indicator?
- Confirms the package has been exposed to a sterilization process
- Reacts to all critical parameters and is correlated to BI performance (Correct answer)
- Tests only temperature during the cycle
- Monitors sterilant concentration in the chamber
Correct answer: Reacts to all critical parameters and is correlated to BI performance
Class 5 integrating indicators react to all critical sterilization parameters and are designed to correlate with biological indicator performance.
Question 5: Which federal agency requires healthcare facilities to follow bloodborne pathogen standards in the CS department?
- FDA
- CDC
- OSHA (Correct answer)
- EPA
Correct answer: OSHA
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) mandates safety practices to protect healthcare workers from exposure to blood and OPIM.
Question 6: What type of packaging is required for items to be sterilized in a gravity displacement steam sterilizer?
- Rigid sealed containers only
- Peel pouches or wrapped packs using steam-permeable materials (Correct answer)
- Aluminum foil wrap
- Non-woven fabric sealed with heat only
Correct answer: Peel pouches or wrapped packs using steam-permeable materials
Gravity displacement steam sterilization requires packaging made of steam-permeable materials such as muslin wraps, SMS nonwoven wraps, or paper/plastic peel pouches.
Question 7: When inspecting a stainless steel instrument after cleaning, a technician notices a black or dark discoloration. This most likely indicates:
- Proper high-temperature steam exposure
- Carbon deposits or damage from high-pH detergents or heat (Correct answer)
- Normal patina from repeated use
- Stain from biological indicator dye
Correct answer: Carbon deposits or damage from high-pH detergents or heat
Black or dark discoloration on stainless steel instruments typically results from carbon deposits, improper detergents, or excessive heat causing surface damage.
IAHCSMM (MCQ) 3
What is the correct sequence of steps in the decontamination process?