1
Q
- Q: What is the CBSPD Code of Ethics?
A
A: The professional standards governing the conduct of certified sterile processing technicians — violations can result in certification revocation.
2
Q
- Q: What must a technician do if a colleague offers to share CBSPD exam questions?
A
A: Decline and report it — sharing exam content violates the CBSPD Code of Ethics and risks revocation for both parties.
3
Q
- Q: What is falsification of records in SPD?
A
A: Documenting information that is untrue or incomplete — a serious ethical and legal violation.
4
Q
- Q: What are the consequences of falsifying a sterilization record?
A
A: Termination, potential criminal charges, and CBSPD certification revocation.
5
Q
- Q: Can a technician document a BI result before incubation is complete?
A
A: No — this is falsification regardless of the expected outcome.
6
Q
- Q: What must a technician do if a supervisor instructs them to pre-document a BI result?
A
A: Refuse — compliance makes the technician legally and ethically liable for fraud.
7
Q
- Q: Is pre-documenting a BI result acceptable for non-implant loads?
A
A: No — falsification of records is never acceptable regardless of the load type.
8
Q
- Q: What is the technician’s ethical obligation when they witness a patient safety violation?
A
A: Report it immediately — silence makes the observer complicit in the violation.
9
Q
- Q: What is the correct action when a colleague bypasses mandatory decontamination?
A
A: Report it through the chain of command immediately — this is a patient safety and ethical obligation.
10
Q
- Q: What is retaliation in the SPD workplace?
A
A: Punishing a technician for reporting a safety concern or violation — illegal under federal law.
11
Q
- Q: What must a technician do if they experience retaliation after reporting a safety concern?
A
A: Report the retaliation to HR or risk management — it is illegal and must be documented.
12
Q
- Q: What is a whistleblower in the SPD context?
A
A: A technician who reports a safety violation or unethical practice — protected from retaliation by federal law.
13
Q
- Q: What federal law protects SPD whistleblowers?
A
A: Multiple federal statutes protect healthcare whistleblowers including OSHA regulations and the False Claims Act.
14
Q
- Q: What is the correct progressive discipline sequence in SPD?
A
A: Verbal warning → written warning → suspension → termination — each step must be documented.
15
Q
- Q: What must accompany each step of progressive discipline?
A
A: Documentation — undocumented discipline is not defensible and cannot support termination.
16
Q
- Q: What is the purpose of a corrective action plan in SPD ethics?
A
A: To address a systemic or individual failure, identify the root cause, and prevent recurrence — not solely to punish.
17
Q
- Q: When a systemic checklist failure causes a processing error, what must the CAP address?
A
A: The system failure — retraining only the individual without fixing the system does not prevent recurrence.
18
Q
- Q: Can CBSPD revoke certification for criminal conduct outside the workplace?
A
A: Yes — CBSPD can revoke certification for felony conviction regardless of employment setting.
19
Q
- Q: Does CBSPD require an employer complaint to revoke certification?
A
A: No — CBSPD can initiate revocation independently based on evidence of misconduct.
20
Q
- Q: What is the significance of CBSPD certification revocation beyond losing the credential?
A
A: It creates a public record of professional misconduct affecting credibility, future employment, and the ability to recertify.
21
Q
- Q: What is the technician’s ethical obligation regarding their own competency?
A
A: Practice only within their verified competency — never perform tasks they are not trained and authorized to do.
22
Q
- Q: What must a technician do if they are assigned a task beyond their competency?
A
A: Notify the supervisor immediately — do not attempt the task without proper training and verification.
23
Q
- Q: What is professional accountability in SPD?
A
A: Taking personal responsibility for every instrument processed and every action taken — regardless of time pressure or workload.
24
Q
- Q: What does integrity mean in SPD practice?
A
A: Doing the right thing even when no one is watching — following standards consistently and honestly.
25
25. Q: What is the technician's obligation to patients they never see?
A: To process every instrument as if the patient's life depends on it — because it may.
26
26. Q: What is the ethical basis for event-related sterility?
A: Packaging integrity determines patient safety — time-based expiration without a compromising event has no scientific basis.
27
27. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a technician discovers an expired sterile item in use?
A: Remove it immediately, notify clinical staff, document the event, and investigate how it entered circulation.
28
28. Q: What is the ethical responsibility of the SPD supervisor during a quality failure?
A: To lead a fair investigation, implement corrective action, and protect staff who report concerns in good faith.
29
29. Q: What is the purpose of a just culture in SPD?
A: To separate human error from reckless conduct — encouraging honest reporting without fear of punishment.
30
30. Q: What is the difference between a human error and a reckless act in a just culture?
A: Human error is unintentional; a reckless act is a conscious disregard of a known risk.
31
31. Q: What is the technician's ethical obligation regarding documentation accuracy?
A: Every entry must be truthful, complete, and timely — inaccurate documentation is falsification.
32
32. Q: What must a technician do if they make an error in documentation?
A: Correct it with a single line through the error, initial and date the correction — never obliterate or white out.
33
33. Q: What is the correct way to correct a paper sterilization record?
A: Single line through the error, write the correct information, initial, and date — never use correction fluid.
34
34. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a technician realizes they made a processing error?
A: Report it immediately, quarantine affected items, and initiate the appropriate investigation and corrective action.
35
35. Q: What is the purpose of root cause analysis from an ethical standpoint?
A: To identify system failures honestly and prevent future patient harm — not to assign blame.
36
36. Q: What is the five whys technique used for in SPD?
A: To drill down to the true root cause of a problem by asking "why" repeatedly until the underlying system failure is identified.
37
37. Q: What is the technician's ethical obligation regarding continuing education?
A: To maintain current knowledge through CE activities — practicing with outdated knowledge puts patients at risk.
38
38. Q: What is the ethical implication of working while impaired in SPD?
A: Impairment compromises patient safety — the technician has an obligation to remove themselves from duty and seek help.
39
39. Q: What must a technician do if they observe a colleague working while impaired?
A: Report it to the supervisor immediately — patient safety overrides personal loyalty.
40
40. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding confidential patient information encountered in SPD?
A: Protect it — instrument labels and tracking data may contain patient information governed by HIPAA.
41
41. Q: What does HIPAA require of SPD technicians?
A: To protect any patient health information encountered in the course of their work — including instrument tracking data.
42
42. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a technician is asked to cut corners due to workload?
A: Refuse and report the unsafe condition — workload pressure never justifies compromising patient safety.
43
43. Q: What is the technician's obligation when they disagree with a policy?
A: Follow the policy, raise the concern through proper channels, and advocate for change within the system.
44
44. Q: What is the purpose of the SPD incident reporting system from an ethical standpoint?
A: To create a transparent record of safety events that drives system improvement — not to punish reporters.
45
45. Q: What must be done when a near-miss is identified in SPD?
A: File an incident report — near-misses are learning opportunities and reporting them is a professional obligation.
46
46. Q: Is it ethical to report a near-miss only if a patient was harmed?
A: No — near-misses must always be reported regardless of whether harm occurred.
47
47. Q: What is the ethical obligation of SPD leadership when staff report unsafe conditions?
A: Investigate promptly, take corrective action, and protect the reporting staff from retaliation.
48
48. Q: What does professional conduct mean for an SPD technician?
A: Behaving with honesty, respect, competence, and accountability in all aspects of work.
49
49. Q: What is the ethical implication of not reporting a broken instrument?
A: It could reach a patient and cause harm — all defective instruments must be removed from service and reported.
50
50. Q: What is the technician's obligation when they identify a missing instrument after a case?
A: Report and document it immediately — missing instruments are a patient safety risk and must be investigated.
51
51. Q: What does "ethical decision-making" mean in SPD practice?
A: Choosing the course of action that prioritizes patient safety and professional integrity over convenience or pressure.
52
52. Q: What is the ethical basis for mandatory decontamination of all instruments including loaners?
A: Patient safety — no instrument may bypass decontamination regardless of appearance or vendor claims.
53
53. Q: What is the ethical implication of releasing an implant before BI confirmation?
A: It exposes the patient to potential infection from an unconfirmed sterilization process — a serious safety violation.
54
54. Q: What must be documented when an implant is released early under emergency conditions?
A: Physician authorization, the emergency justification, all cycle data, and the outcome.
55
55. Q: What is the ethical obligation of the technician who processes the last load before a holiday?
A: The same as any other load — standards do not change based on the time of day or staffing levels.
56
56. Q: What is the ethical implication of staffing shortages in SPD?
A: Staffing shortages must be reported; they must never be used to justify shortcuts that compromise patient safety.
57
57. Q: What must a technician do when they feel pressured to rush a sterilization cycle?
A: Refuse to compromise the cycle, document the pressure, and report it through the chain of command.
58
58. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding instrument quality inspection?
A: Every instrument must be fully inspected before packaging — passing a defective instrument is a safety failure.
59
59. Q: What is the ethical basis for the requirement to follow the IFU?
A: The IFU is the validated, FDA-compliant instruction — deviating from it is legally and ethically indefensible.
60
60. Q: What if the IFU specifies a processing method the facility does not support?
A: Report it to leadership — the facility must obtain the necessary equipment or return the instrument to the vendor.
61
61. Q: What does OSHA's enforcement authority mean ethically for SPD?
A: SPD has a legal and ethical obligation to comply with OSHA standards — violations harm workers.
62
62. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring 16 sections in an SDS?
A: Standardization ensures workers always know where to find critical safety information in an emergency.
63
63. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding SDS availability?
A: SDS must be immediately accessible to all staff — restricting access endangers workers and violates OSHA rules.
64
64. Q: What is the technician's obligation after a chemical exposure incident?
A: Report it immediately, follow SDS first aid, seek medical evaluation, and document the exposure.
65
65. Q: What is the ethical basis for the single-use only symbol?
A: Reuse of single-use devices without clearance exposes patients to infection and device failure risk.
66
66. Q: What is the ethical implication of ignoring a torn sterile package?
A: It could deliver a non-sterile instrument to a patient — torn packages must always be reprocessed.
67
67. Q: What is the ethical obligation when an instrument is suspected of being involved in an infection?
A: Quarantine it, preserve documentation, and cooperate fully with the investigation.
68
68. Q: What is the ethical basis for lot control in sterilization?
A: It enables rapid identification and recall of affected items when a sterilization failure occurs.
69
69. Q: What is the technician's ethical obligation when a BI result is positive?
A: Initiate immediate recall of all items from the affected lot — no delay is acceptable.
70
70. Q: What is the ethical implication of skipping a Bowie-Dick test?
A: Air removal in the pre-vacuum sterilizer is unverified — loads processed without it may not be sterile.
71
71. Q: What is the ethical basis for the requirement to document technician ID on records?
A: Accountability — every technician is professionally responsible for the loads they process.
72
72. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a technician suspects a sterilizer is malfunctioning?
A: Remove the load, quarantine items, report the concern, and do not resume until verified.
73
73. Q: What is the ethical implication of wet pack release?
A: Wet packs are non-sterile — releasing them to the sterile field exposes patients to infection risk.
74
74. Q: What must be done ethically when a wet pack is discovered?
A: Treat as non-sterile, investigate the root cause, and document all actions.
75
75. Q: What is the ethical implication of skipping dry time to meet schedule pressure?
A: Creates wet pack risk — shortening dry time is never ethically acceptable.
76
76. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring sterile gloves when handling post-HLD items?
A: Examination gloves recontaminate the disinfected surface — the patient deserves the stated protection.
77
77. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding chemotherapy instrument processing?
A: Enhanced precautions and hazardous waste disposal are required to protect the worker and environment.
78
78. Q: What is the ethical implication of disposing of HLD down the drain?
A: Spent HLD is hazardous chemical waste — improper disposal violates EPA regulations.
79
79. Q: What is the ethical basis for the requirement to follow FIFO in sterile storage?
A: Ensures oldest items are used first to maintain packaging integrity and traceability.
80
80. Q: What is the ethical implication of ignoring an event-related compromise to a package?
A: The item must be reprocessed — knowingly releasing a potentially contaminated item is an ethical failure.
81
81. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding satellite sterile storage?
A: It must meet the same environmental and processing standards as main sterile storage.
82
82. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring advance notice for loaner instruments?
A: Patient safety — sufficient time for complete processing is non-negotiable regardless of pressure.
83
83. Q: What is the ethical implication of processing instruments without adequate cleaning?
A: Organic soil blocks sterilant penetration — improperly cleaned items may not be sterile after a cycle.
84
84. Q: What is the technician's obligation when discovering a preference card is outdated?
A: Flag it, notify clinical staff, and initiate an update — outdated cards risk patient safety.
85
85. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring sterile water for post-HLD rinse?
A: Tap water reintroduces microorganisms after disinfection — the patient deserves sterile-level protection.
86
86. Q: What is the ethical implication of reusing single-use enzymatic solution?
A: Cross-contamination risk between sets — IFU requirements must be followed to protect patients.
87
87. Q: What is the ethical basis for the prohibition on food and drink in SPD?
A: Infection control and worker safety — ingesting contaminants is a direct occupational hazard.
88
88. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a new instrument arrives with no IFU?
A: Do not process it — obtain the IFU from the manufacturer before any patient use.
89
89. Q: What is the ethical implication of ignoring ultrasonic cleaner degassing?
A: Cavitation is impaired — instruments may not be adequately cleaned before sterilization.
90
90. Q: What is the ethical basis for removing damaged instruments from service?
A: A damaged instrument used on a patient can cause direct harm; patient safety requires removal.
91
91. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding insulation testing of laparoscopic instruments?
A: Insulation testing must be performed every cycle — visual checks cannot detect pinholes that cause burns.
92
92. Q: What is the ethical implication of using non-vented tip protectors?
A: Sterilant cannot reach the tip — the instrument is not sterile and must not reach the patient.
93
93. Q: What is the ethical basis for disassembling multi-part instruments?
A: Sterilant must contact every surface — assembled parts trap contamination at connection points.
94
94. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding instrument lubricant selection?
A: Only water-soluble lubricant may be used — oil-based products block the sterilant.
95
95. Q: What is the ethical implication of overloading a sterilizer?
A: Sterilant cannot penetrate all items — some items may not achieve sterility.
96
96. Q: What is the ethical basis for the 25 lb maximum tray weight?
A: Ergonomic protection for the technician and sterilization efficacy.
97
97. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a cracked container gasket is found?
A: Remove from service immediately — it cannot maintain sterility after processing.
98
98. Q: What is the ethical basis for banning cellulose wrap in gas plasma?
A: Cellulose absorbs the chemical and causes cycle failure, producing a non-sterile result.
99
99. Q: What is the ethical implication of using Tyvek packaging in a steam sterilizer?
A: Steam destroys Tyvek — the packaging fails and the instruments are not sterile.
100
100. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding sterilization tape interpretation?
A: It confirms only exposure to conditions — it does not confirm sterility and must not be represented as such.
101
101. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring a Class 5 integrator in implant trays?
A: It monitors all critical parameters at the most challenging location for the highest assurance.
102
102. Q: What is the ethical implication of skipping internal CI placement?
A: Internal conditions are unverified — external indicators don't confirm penetration inside the tray.
103
103. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a Class 6 indicator fails?
A: Do not release the load — a failed indicator means cycle parameters were not met.
104
104. Q: What is the ethical implication of using a CI in the wrong cycle type?
A: The result is meaningless — it provides false assurance and endangers patients.
105
105. Q: What is the ethical basis for the prohibition on IUSS as routine?
A: IUSS is for emergencies only — using it for convenience bypasses safety safeguards.
106
106. Q: What is the ethical obligation when IUSS is used?
A: Full documentation of the reason, parameters, technician, and patient is mandatory every time.
107
107. Q: What is the ethical implication of not completing the full EtO aeration period?
A: Residual EtO is toxic — releasing items early exposes patients to a dangerous chemical.
108
108. Q: What is the ethical basis for sterile water rinse after peracetic acid?
A: Peracetic acid residue is caustic — inadequate rinsing can injure patient tissue.
109
109. Q: What is the ethical implication of storing peracetic acid processed items?
A: It provides no storage sterility — stored items are not sterile and must never be used.
110
110. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a sterilizer printout shows an anomaly?
A: Quarantine the load, investigate, and do not release any items until resolved.
111
111. Q: What is the ethical basis for reviewing the printout before signing?
A: Signing without reading is a legal acknowledgment that acts as a form of falsification.
112
112. Q: What is the ethical implication of bypassing the BI for a routine load?
A: It removes the gold standard and highest level of sterilization assurance from the process.
113
113. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a positive BI is identified?
A: Immediate recall of all items from the affected lot — no exception, no delay.
114
114. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring BI incubation before implant release?
A: Implants remain in the body; a failure here has catastrophic patient consequences.
115
115. Q: What is the ethical implication of using an outdated BI?
A: An expired BI may not grow even if sterilization failed, providing false assurance.
116
116. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding steam BI incubation temperature?
A: Must be 55–60°C — incorrect temperature produces unreliable results.
117
117. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding EtO BI incubation temperature?
A: Must be 37°C — wrong temperatures may kill the indicator organism or prevent growth.
118
118. Q: What is the ethical basis for separating wrapped and unwrapped items?
A: Each requires different cycle parameters; mixing them ensures one group is under-processed.
119
119. Q: What is the ethical implication of placing packs against the chamber wall?
A: Contact causes condensation and wet pack risk — non-sterile items must never reach patients.
120
120. Q: What is the ethical basis for wire rack loading?
A: Allows steam circulation and prevents condensation; solid shelves create wet pack risk.
121
121. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a wet pack is identified after unloading?
A: Treat as non-sterile, investigate the cause, and reprocess — never release it.
122
122. Q: What is the ethical implication of releasing a load before dry time is complete?
A: Wet packs are the result — this is a preventable safety failure caused by schedule pressure.
123
123. Q: What is the ethical basis for requiring SAL 10⁻⁶?
A: Critical items enter sterile tissue; only SAL 10⁻⁶ provides the mandatory margin of safety.
124
124. Q: What is the ethical implication of misrepresenting SAL 10⁻⁶ as zero microbes?
A: It overstates certainty — it is a probability, and honest communication is required.
125
125. Q: What is the ethical basis for event-related sterility?
A: Science supports packaging integrity as the determinant; time-based dates have no scientific basis.
126
126. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a package is compromised in storage?
A: Remove from service immediately and reprocess — action is required when integrity is lost.
127
127. Q: What is the ethical implication of storing sterile items on the floor?
A: Violates the 8–10 inch clearance rule and creates contamination risk — it is a regulatory failure.
128
128. Q: What is the ethical basis for FIFO in storage?
A: Prevents packaging degradation from extended storage and ensures traceability.
129
129. Q: What is the ethical implication of allowing cardboard in sterile storage?
A: Cardboard harbors microorganisms — it must never enter clean areas.
130
130. Q: What if a sterile cart is left uncovered in a corridor overnight?
A: All items must be returned for reprocessing; the compromise cannot be reversed by covering later.
131
131. Q: What is the ethical basis for positive pressure in storage?
A: Prevents contaminated air from entering — maintaining this is a safety obligation.
132
132. Q: What is the ethical implication of using an outdated preference card?
A: Can cause case delays and unsafe improvisation — it directly endangers patients.
133
133. Q: What is the obligation when a case cart discrepancy is found before surgery?
A: Notify staff, correct the issue, and update the card immediately for safety.
134
134. Q: Why require same environmental standards in satellite storage?
A: Patient risk is the same regardless of storage location; standards must be consistent.
135
135. Q: What is the ethical implication of untracked consignment inventory?
A: Creates safety risk and regulatory exposure — all inventory must be traceable.
136
136. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding damaged shipping packaging?
A: Inspect inner packs carefully — any doubt requires rejection and return to vendor.
137
137. Q: Why require 8–10 inches of floor clearance?
A: Prevents floor-level contamination and allows for proper environmental cleaning.
138
138. Q: What is the ethical implication of a positive BI found after distribution?
A: Immediate recall is mandatory — no delay is justified once failure is confirmed.
139
139. Q: What if a specialty cart is not returned after a case?
A: Report and locate it immediately; untracked instruments are an accreditation risk.
140
140. Q: Why require sterile processing standards in surgery centers?
A: Patient safety doesn't change based on setting — federal standards apply everywhere.
141
141. Q: What is the ethical implication of a technician with expired certification?
A: They are practicing without verified competency, which is a disservice to patients.
142
142. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding continuing education in SPD?
A: To actively apply updated knowledge — stagnation in this field endangers patients.
143
143. Q: Why is the prohibition on oil-based lubricants important?
A: Oil blocks sterilant penetration — it is a patient safety violation, not a shortcut.
144
144. Q: What is the ethical implication of skipping ultrasonic degassing?
A: Cavitation is inhibited — instruments may leave with soil that blocks sterilization.
145
145. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding detergent concentration?
A: Follow the IFU — improper concentration compromises cleaning efficacy and set safety.
146
146. Q: What is the ethical basis for submerged scrubbing?
A: Scrubbing above water creates infectious aerosols — submerged scrubbing protects the tech.
147
147. Q: What is the ethical implication of not inspecting spray arm ports?
A: Clogged ports create "dead zones" where instruments are not cleaned.
148
148. Q: What if visible soil remains after automated washing?
A: Reprocess starting with manual cleaning — sterilization cannot fix dirty instruments.
149
149. Q: What is the ethical basis for cold water pre-rinsing?
A: Hot water bonds protein to surfaces — cold water protects cleaning outcomes.
150
150. Q: What is the ethical implication of using tap water for post-HLD rinse?
A: It reintroduces microorganisms and endotoxins, defeating the purpose of HLD.
151
151. Q: What is the ethical obligation when MEC testing fails?
A: Discard the solution immediately — no items may be processed in sub-MEC solution.
152
152. Q: What is the ethical basis for testing MEC before every use?
A: A morning test doesn't cover later use; each cycle needs independent verification.
153
153. Q: What is the ethical implication of using HLD beyond its reuse period?
A: The solution may be too weak — items may not achieve proper disinfection.
154
154. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding glutaraldehyde fume exposure?
A: Cease processing in open basins; it requires dedicated ventilation to protect staff.
155
155. Q: Why require documentation of all HLD cycle elements?
A: Creates accountability and enables traceability if an infection is later linked.
156
156. Q: What is the ethical implication of dumping glutaraldehyde down the drain?
A: Violates EPA regulations — preventing environmental harm is a professional duty.
157
157. Q: What if OPA discolors a patient's skin or membranes?
A: Report exposure, provide first aid per SDS, and investigate the processing sequence.
158
158. Q: What is the ethical basis for 12-minute OPA contact time?
A: It is the validated minimum for HLD — shorter times don't achieve microbial kill.
159
159. Q: What is the ethical implication of processing a scope without leak testing?
A: Fluid enters the scope and causes irreparable damage; do not skip validated steps.
160
160. Q: What is the ethical obligation when an endoscope fails leak testing?
A: Remove from service immediately and send for repair before further use.
161
161. Q: Why use sterile gloves to handle post-HLD endoscopes?
A: Exam gloves recontaminate the disinfected surface — patients deserve the standard protection.
162
162. Q: What is the ethical implication of storing post-HLD scopes uncovered?
A: Recontamination occurs — storage must be in a clean, covered, and labeled container.
163
163. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding endoscope drying?
A: Dry thoroughly with instrument air — moisture supports microbial growth in lumens.
164
164. Q: Why separate ophthalmic instruments from general sets?
A: Detergent residue causes TASS — a serious, preventable patient complication.
165
165. Q: What is the ethical implication of using tap water to rinse ophthalmic sets?
A: Endotoxins in tap water cause TASS; sterile water rinse is an absolute requirement.
166
166. Q: What if a technician suspects TASS-causing contamination?
A: Remove instruments from service, investigate, and report to infection prevention.
167
167. Q: Why is changing enzymatic solution per IFU important?
A: Reused solution loses efficacy and risks cross-contamination — it is a safety duty.
168
168. Q: What is the ethical implication of not brushing instrument lumens?
A: Soil remains — sterilant cannot penetrate through organic material.
169
169. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding brush selection?
A: Brush diameter must match the lumen to ensure it actually contacts the walls.
170
170. Q: Why use instrument air instead of shop air for drying?
A: Shop air contains oil/moisture contaminants; only filtered instrument air is safe.
171
171. Q: What is the ethical implication of mixing dissimilar metals in ultrasonic?
A: Electrolysis occurs and damages surfaces — equipment stewardship is a professional duty.
172
172. Q: What if a technician sees a colleague not wearing PPE in decontamination?
A: Address it immediately and report if it continues to protect staff from risk.
173
173. Q: Why require negative pressure in decontamination?
A: Positive pressure would push contaminated air into clean areas, endangering others.
174
174. Q: What is the ethical implication of processing CJD instruments using standard steam?
A: It doesn't destroy prions, exposing subsequent patients to transmission risk.
175
175. Q: What is the ethical obligation when CJD instruments are identified?
A: Quarantine and process using WHO/CDC-recommended 134°C for 18 minutes — or destroy.
176
176. Q: What is the ethical basis for the Spaulding system?
A: Risk-based processing — the body site contacted determines the required microbial kill.
177
177. Q: What is the ethical implication of under-processing a semi-critical item?
A: HLD is the minimum; low-level disinfection exposes patients to surviving pathogens.
178
178. Q: What is the ethical obligation when a critical item is processed only to HLD?
A: It must be reprocessed to sterilization — HLD is never enough for sterile tissue items.
179
179. Q: Why require sterilization of reusable biopsy forceps?
A: They enter sterile tissue — they are critical items requiring SAL 10⁻⁶.
180
180. Q: What is the ethical implication of misclassifying a semi-critical item?
A: Under-processing exposes membranes to pathogens — classification must be applied correctly.
181
181. Q: What is the ethical obligation regarding single-patient item disposal?
A: Discard at discharge — reuse is never acceptable regardless of appearance.
182
182. Q: Why tag damaged patient care equipment out of service?
A: A damaged device can harm the patient — functionality doesn't override safety.
183
183. Q: What if recalled instruments are in the OR for a case in progress?
A: Notify the surgeon for a risk assessment — the recall cannot be silently ignored.
184
184. Q: Obligation of a technician who assembled an incomplete tray?
A: Report it, notify clinical staff, and cooperate with investigation — transparency is key.
185
185. Q: What is the ethical basis for updating preference cards?
A: Safety depends on accuracy — outdated cards directly create patient risk.
186
186. Q: What is the ethical implication of ignoring a humidity alarm?
A: Packaging may become brittle or support growth — alarms are safety indicators.
187
187. Q: What if sterile storage temperature exceeds the range?
A: Investigate, document, assess items, and notify leadership — do not ignore excursions.
188
188. Q: Why require 18 inches of ceiling clearance?
A: Fire sprinkler codes and air circulation requirements are both safety obligations.
189
189. Q: What is the ethical implication of storage within 2 inches of an exterior wall?
A: Temperature differentials cause condensation that compromises packaging.
190
190. Q: What if a technician receives a loaner tray with no IFU?
A: Do not process it — contact the vendor and obtain the IFU before any processing.
191
191. Q: What is the ethical basis for OSHA's Hep B vaccine rule?
A: Workers have the right to protection from bloodborne pathogens at no personal cost.
192
192. Q: What if an employer denies Hep B vaccination to an SPD employee?
A: This violates OSHA standards — the employee has the right to report it.
193
193. Q: What is the obligation when exposed to a chemical without PPE?
A: Report immediately, follow first aid, seek medical check, and document everything.
194
194. Q: Why require complete and accurate incident reports?
A: They drive system improvement; incomplete reports hide patterns of harm.
195
195. Q: What if a supervisor discourages incident reporting?
A: This is a safety culture failure that prevents learning and endangers lives.
196
196. Q: What is the SPD technician's duty to their professional community?
A: To uphold standards, share knowledge, and contribute ethically to the field's advancement.
197
197. Q: Why treat all patients equally in instrument processing?
A: Every patient deserves the same standard of care regardless of identity or diagnosis.
198
198. Q: What if a facility prioritizes cost savings over processing standards?
A: Safety cannot be compromised for cost — technicians must report unsafe measures.
199
199. Q: What if a technician is the last check before an item reaches a patient?
A: Treat every check as the final safeguard — because for that patient, it is.
200
200. Q: What is the single most important ethical principle in SPD?
A: Patient safety above all else — every standard exists to protect the patient from harm.
CBSPD EXAM
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