Mixed Deck — All IAHCSMM Topics Flashcards

What does a 'corrective action report' (CAR) document in a CS quality program?

Answer: Identification of a process deviation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence

A CAR is a formal quality document that captures deviations from standard processes, investigates root causes, and records corrective actions to improve the system.

How long should a positive biological indicator result be investigated before releasing a recalled load?

Answer: The load should be recalled immediately upon any positive BI result

A positive BI result requires immediate load recall and investigation per AAMI ST79 protocols to ensure patient safety.

Which of the following best describes 'cycle counting' as an inventory management technique?

Answer: Counting a subset of inventory items on a rotating schedule throughout the year

Cycle counting divides inventory into segments that are counted on a rotating basis (e.g., daily or weekly), so all items are counted at least once per year without shutting down operations.

What is the function of a chemical indicator (CI) Class 5 integrating indicator?

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.

What is the minimum aeration time required for EO-sterilized items at room temperature (ambient aeration)?

Answer: 7 days

EO ambient aeration at room temperature requires 7 days to allow residual gas to off-gas to safe levels for patient contact.

What does the term 'stock rotation' mean in central service inventory management?

Answer: Moving older inventory to the front so it is used before newer stock

Stock rotation means placing newly received items behind existing stock so that older items are used first, which maintains product integrity and prevents expiration.

What is the recommended method for drying instruments after manual cleaning?

Answer: Compressed air blown through all surfaces, followed by drying with a lint-free cloth or instrument dryer

Instruments should be dried using filtered compressed air for lumens and a lint-free cloth or instrument dryer for surfaces to prevent water spotting and corrosion.

What is the recommended practice when placing items in a peel pouch for sterilization?

Answer: Instruments should be placed tip-first toward the peel-open end for safe aseptic presentation

Placing instruments tip-first toward the peel opening ensures that the handle is presented to the user during aseptic opening, preventing tip contamination.

What is the primary purpose of a pre-soak solution in the decontamination workflow?

Answer: To prevent soil from drying and hardening on instrument surfaces during transport

Pre-soak solutions keep soil moist and begin enzymatic breakdown, making subsequent mechanical or manual cleaning more effective.

Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization is best suited for:

Answer: Heat-sensitive devices with compatible materials (short lumens, non-cellulose)

H2O2 gas plasma works well for heat-sensitive items but is incompatible with cellulose (paper, linen) and very long or narrow lumens.

Why is staff education and training critical to infection prevention in CS/SPD?

Answer: Because human error in reprocessing is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections linked to inadequately reprocessed instruments

Most reprocessing failures result from human error; well-trained, competent staff who understand the rationale for every step are the most important safeguard against infection.

Why is it important for CS technicians to check the expiration dates of sterile packages during inventory management?

Answer: Expired packaging may compromise sterility and pose patient safety risks

An expired sterile package cannot be guaranteed to be sterile, as packaging integrity may degrade over time, posing a direct infection risk to patients.

What does 'traceability' mean in the context of surgical instrument management?

Answer: The ability to track an instrument through every step of reprocessing and use to a specific patient if needed

Traceability links each instrument through cleaning, sterilization, and use to specific patients, enabling investigation and notification if a sterilization failure is discovered.

Which document from a device manufacturer provides critical reprocessing instructions that CS technicians must follow?

Answer: The manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU)

Manufacturers' Instructions for Use (IFUs) provide legally validated, device-specific reprocessing instructions that must be followed to ensure safety and device integrity.

What is the purpose of load control numbers (lot numbers) on sterilized packages?

Answer: To enable traceability and facilitate recall if a sterilization failure is identified

Load control numbers link each package to a specific sterilization cycle, enabling rapid identification and recall of items if a cycle fails.

A sterile package is found with a small tear in the outer wrap. What is the correct action?

Answer: Consider the package non-sterile and reprocess the item

Any compromise to packaging integrity renders the item non-sterile; the item must be removed from service and reprocessed.

Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive items such as flexible endoscopes?

Answer: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization

Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization operates at low temperatures, making it suitable for heat-sensitive items like flexible endoscopes.

Which inventory management system automatically generates a purchase order when stock falls to a predetermined minimum level?

Answer: Reorder point system

The reorder point system automatically triggers a purchase order when inventory drops to the preset minimum quantity needed to sustain operations until the next delivery.

What is the minimum shelf life expectancy concept that has replaced traditional event-related sterility?

Answer: Event-related sterility (ERS)

Event-related sterility (ERS) recognizes that sterility is maintained until some event compromises the integrity of the package, rather than based on an arbitrary time limit.

According to Spaulding Classification, flexible endoscopes used for bronchoscopy are classified as:

Answer: Semi-critical items requiring at minimum high-level disinfection

Flexible bronchoscopes contact mucous membranes and are classified as semi-critical items, requiring at minimum high-level disinfection between uses.