Question 1

The drain screen in a steam sterilizer must be cleaned:

Accepted Answer

The drain screen traps debris (lint, tape). If clogged, air cannot escape, and sterilization fails. It must be cleaned daily.

Question 2

A 'heat sealer' temperature check should be performed:

Accepted Answer

Routine verification ensures the sealer is reaching the temperature required to create a valid seal.

Question 3

If a cart washer is not cleaning carts effectively, the first thing to check is:

Accepted Answer

Clogged spray nozzles prevent the high-velocity water impingement required for cleaning.

Question 4

The gasket on the sterilizer door should be inspected daily for:

Accepted Answer

A damaged gasket prevents the chamber from sealing, causing pressure leaks and cycle failures.

Question 5

Biological Incubators must be monitored for:

Accepted Answer

Incubators must maintain a specific temperature (e.g., 55-60°C for steam BIs) to promote spore growth. Temperature should be logged daily.

Question 6

Ultrasonic cleaners must be 'degassed' whenever:

Accepted Answer

Fresh water contains dissolved gases that inhibit cavitation. Running a degassing cycle (running empty) releases these gases.

Question 7

The chamber drain line is the:

Accepted Answer

The thermometer is located at the drain because it is the coldest point. If the drain reaches temperature, the rest of the chamber is assumed to be at temperature.

Question 8

Dosing of detergent in automated washers is usually:

Accepted Answer

Automated washers use pumps to deliver precise amounts of chemicals based on the cycle selected.

Question 9

Preventive Maintenance (PM) on equipment is performed by:

Accepted Answer

While daily cleaning is done by CS, complex maintenance and calibration (PM) is done by trained professionals (Biomed).

Question 10

If a sterilizer's recording chart/printer runs out of paper during a cycle:

Accepted Answer

Documentation is a requirement for sterility assurance. Without the printout, you cannot prove parameters were met.

Question 11

The jacket of a steam sterilizer functions to:

Accepted Answer

Steam circulates in the jacket (the space between the outer shell and inner chamber) to keep the chamber walls hot.

Question 12

Checking the spray arms in a washer-disinfector ensures:

Accepted Answer

If spray arms are stuck or clogged (e.g., by tape or debris), water cannot reach the instruments.

Question 13

An 'Aerator' is used with which type of sterilization equipment?

Accepted Answer

EtO requires aeration to remove toxic gas residuals. This can be a separate machine or a cycle within the sterilizer.

Question 14

Calibration of sterilization equipment is required to:

Accepted Answer

Over time, sensors drift. Calibration adjusts them back to a known standard accuracy.

Question 15

A 'loading car' or 'transfer carriage' is used to:

Accepted Answer

Ergonomic equipment handling prevents injury and allows heavy loads to be moved into hot chambers.

Question 16

Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AERs) require hookups to:

Accepted Answer

AERs pump fluid through the channels. If the specific connectors are not hooked up, the inside of the scope is not treated.

Question 17

If a sterilizer door is hard to close, the technician should:

Accepted Answer

Forcing the door can damage the locking mechanism. Grease is generally prohibited unless specified by IFU.

Question 18

The frequency of changing the solution in a manual cleaning sonic or soak basin depends on:

Accepted Answer

Solutions become bioburden-laden and ineffective. They must be changed frequently (often after every batch or when cloudy).

Question 19

A 'dynamic air removal' test (Bowie-Dick) fails. The technician repeats the test and it passes. What should be done?

Accepted Answer

A failure indicates a problem. A subsequent pass does not fix the underlying intermittent issue (like a sticky valve). Service is required.

Question 20

Proper loading of a sterilizer involves:

Accepted Answer

Circulation is critical. Packs touching walls can burn or become wet. Tight packing prevents steam contact.

Equipment Operation Practice Questions

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