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Sterile Processing Tech Flashcards

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1
Q

Define sterile processing technician.

A

A professional responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments.

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2
Q

True or false: Sterilization kills all microorganisms.

A

TRUE

Sterilization is essential for preventing infections in healthcare settings.

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3
Q

Fill in the blank: Decontamination is the process of removing _______ from instruments.

A

contaminants

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4
Q

What is the purpose of autoclaving?

A

To sterilize instruments using high-pressure steam.

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5
Q

Define disinfection.

A

The process of eliminating most pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces.

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6
Q

What does PPE stand for?

A

Personal Protective Equipment.

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7
Q

True or false: Single-use instruments can be reused after cleaning.

A

FALSE

Single-use instruments are designed for one-time use only.

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8
Q

What is the role of a biological indicator?

A

To verify the effectiveness of the sterilization process.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: Surgical instruments must be _______ before use.

A

sterilized

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10
Q

What is the difference between cleaning and sterilization?

A

Cleaning removes dirt; sterilization kills all microorganisms.

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11
Q

Define aseptic technique.

A

A procedure to prevent contamination during medical procedures.

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12
Q

True or false: Steam sterilization is effective for all materials.

A

FALSE

Some materials, like certain plastics, cannot withstand steam sterilization.

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13
Q

What is the minimum temperature for steam sterilization?

A

121 degrees Celsius (250 degrees Fahrenheit).

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: Ethylene oxide is a gas used for _______.

A

sterilization

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15
Q

What does flash sterilization refer to?

A

Rapid sterilization of unwrapped instruments for immediate use.

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16
Q

Define instrument tracking.

A

The process of monitoring surgical instruments throughout their lifecycle.

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17
Q

True or false: Cleaning should be done after sterilization.

A

FALSE

Cleaning must precede sterilization to ensure effectiveness.

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18
Q

What is a cleanroom?

A

A controlled environment with low levels of pollutants.

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: Chemical indicators change color to show _______.

A

exposure to sterilization conditions

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20
Q

What is the purpose of instrument lubrication?

A

To prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

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21
Q

Define surgical wrap.

A

Material used to package instruments for sterilization.

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22
Q

True or false: Reusable instruments require less maintenance than single-use instruments.

A

FALSE

Reusable instruments need thorough cleaning and sterilization after each use.

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23
Q

What is the recommended humidity level for sterilization?

A

Between 30% and 60%.

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24
Q

Fill in the blank: Bioburden refers to the _______ on instruments.

A

number of viable microorganisms

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25
What is the function of a **sterilization cycle**?
To ensure effective sterilization through specific temperature and time.
26
Define **spore test**.
A test using spores to confirm sterilization effectiveness.
27
True or false: **Instruments must be dried** after cleaning.
TRUE ## Footnote Moisture can promote microbial growth and rust.
28
What is the role of a **central sterile supply department**?
To manage the sterilization and distribution of medical instruments.
29
Fill in the blank: **Ultrasonic cleaners** use _______ to clean instruments.
high-frequency sound waves
30
What does **OSHA** stand for?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
31
Define **cross-contamination**.
Transfer of harmful microorganisms from one surface to another.
32
True or false: **Sterile instruments** can be stored in any environment.
FALSE ## Footnote Sterile instruments must be stored in a clean, dry place.
33
What is the purpose of **sterilization validation**?
To ensure that the sterilization process consistently achieves desired results.
34
Fill in the blank: **Personal hygiene** is essential for _______ in sterile processing.
infection control
35
What is the **shelf life** of sterilized items?
Varies based on packaging and storage conditions.
36
Define **traceability** in sterile processing.
The ability to track the history of instruments used in procedures.
37
True or false: **Instruments can be reused indefinitely** if cleaned properly.
FALSE ## Footnote Instruments have a limited lifespan and can wear out.
38
What is the role of **infection control** in sterile processing?
To prevent the spread of infections through proper sterilization practices.
39
Fill in the blank: **Packaging materials** must be _______ for sterilization.
compatible
40
What is the **function of a sterilization log**?
To document sterilization cycles and outcomes.
41
Define **load configuration**.
The arrangement of items in a sterilizer to ensure effective sterilization.
42
True or false: **Temperature monitoring** is unnecessary during sterilization.
FALSE ## Footnote Accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for effective sterilization.
43
What is the purpose of **sterile barriers**?
To protect sterile items from contamination.
44
Fill in the blank: **Instruments should be inspected** for _______ before sterilization.
damage
45
What does **ANSI** stand for?
American National Standards Institute.
46
Define **chemical sterilants**.
Substances used to achieve sterilization through chemical processes.
47
True or false: **Moist heat sterilization** is effective for all types of materials.
FALSE ## Footnote Some materials may be damaged by moist heat.
48
What is the **main goal** of sterile processing?
To ensure patient safety by providing sterile instruments.
49
Fill in the blank: **Sterilization indicators** are used to monitor _______.
sterilization conditions
50
What is the role of **quality assurance** in sterile processing?
To ensure compliance with standards and improve processes.
51
Define **surgical instrument sets**.
Pre-packaged collections of instruments for specific surgical procedures.
52
True or false: **Sterilization methods** can be interchanged without consideration.
FALSE ## Footnote Each method has specific requirements and limitations.
53
What is the **importance of training** for sterile processing technicians?
To ensure proper techniques and compliance with safety standards.
54
Fill in the blank: **Storage areas** for sterile items must be _______.
clean and dry
55
What is the purpose of **routine maintenance** on sterilizers?
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of equipment.
56
Define **infection prevention** in sterile processing.
Strategies to reduce the risk of infections in healthcare settings.
57
True or false: **Sterile processing** is only important in hospitals.
FALSE ## Footnote Sterile processing is crucial in various healthcare facilities.
58
What is the **function of a sterilization cycle**?
To ensure effective sterilization through specific temperature and time.
59
Fill in the blank: **Instruments must be assembled** according to _______.
manufacturer specifications
60
What does **FDA** stand for?
Food and Drug Administration.
61
Define **surgical site infection (SSI)**.
An infection that occurs at the site of a surgical procedure.
62
True or false: **Sterile processing** does not require documentation.
FALSE ## Footnote Documentation is essential for tracking and compliance.
63
What is the **role of a sterile processing supervisor**?
To oversee sterile processing operations and ensure compliance.
64
Fill in the blank: **Instruments should be stored** in a _______ environment.
controlled
65
What is the purpose of **training programs** for sterile processing staff?
To ensure staff are knowledgeable about best practices and standards.
66
Define **infection control policies**.
Guidelines to prevent and manage infections in healthcare settings.
67
True or false: **All sterilization methods** are equally effective.
FALSE ## Footnote Effectiveness varies based on the method and items being sterilized.
68
What is the **importance of proper labeling** in sterile processing?
To ensure correct identification and usage of sterile items.
69
Fill in the blank: **Preventive maintenance** is crucial for _______ of sterilizers.
reliability
70
What does **ISO** stand for?
International Organization for Standardization.
71
Define **sterilization methods**.
Techniques used to eliminate all forms of microbial life.
72
True or false: **Instruments can be sterilized** without cleaning.
FALSE ## Footnote Cleaning is a prerequisite for effective sterilization.
73
What is the **role of a sterile processing technician** in surgery?
To ensure all instruments are sterile and ready for use.
74
Fill in the blank: **Quality control** measures are essential for _______ in sterile processing.
safety
75
What is the **impact of improper sterilization**?
Increased risk of infections and complications in patients.
76
Define **surgical instrument maintenance**.
Regular care and repair of instruments to ensure functionality.
77
True or false: **Sterile processing** is a one-time task.
FALSE ## Footnote Sterile processing is an ongoing, critical process.
78
What is the **goal of infection control** in sterile processing?
To minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
79
Fill in the blank: **Instruments must be checked** for _______ before sterilization.
cleanliness
80
What does **CDC** stand for?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
81
Define **sterile supply chain**.
The process of managing the flow of sterile instruments and supplies.
82
True or false: **Sterile processing** is only relevant in surgical settings.
FALSE ## Footnote Sterile processing is important in various healthcare environments.
83
What is the **importance of audits** in sterile processing?
To assess compliance with protocols and improve practices.
84
Fill in the blank: **Infection control training** is essential for _______ staff.
all healthcare
85
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