CMA Infection Control & Sterilization Flashcards
6 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CMA Infection Control & Sterilization flashcards as text
Which organism type is most resistant to standard sterilization methods?
Answer: Bacterial endospores
Bacterial endospores (such as those of Clostridioides difficile) are highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and radiation.
Airborne precautions are required for which of the following conditions?
Answer: Active tuberculosis (TB)
Active tuberculosis requires airborne precautions because Mycobacterium tuberculosis is spread through tiny airborne droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air.
When removing contaminated gloves, what is the correct first step?
Answer: Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it off
The correct technique is to grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it off, turning it inside out to contain contaminants.
Which solution is used as a high-level disinfectant for semi-critical medical instruments?
Answer: Glutaraldehyde
Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and most spores, used for semi-critical items like endoscopes.
A biological indicator (spore test) is used to verify the effectiveness of which process?
Answer: Sterilization
Biological indicators containing highly resistant bacterial spores are the gold standard for confirming that sterilization cycles have been successful.
What is the minimum recommended contact time for most intermediate-level disinfectants to be effective?
Answer: The product's labeled wet contact time
Disinfectants must remain wet on the surface for the full contact time specified on the product label to achieve the intended level of microbial kill.