Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Destroying all forms of microbial life, including spores

Question 2

A surgical instrument that will enter sterile tissue must undergo which of the following processes before use?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization

Question 3

Which physical method of microbial control is most effective for sterilizing heat-sensitive liquids such as vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Filtration

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the autoclave is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization is achieved by steam at $$121^{\circ}C$ for 15 minutes at 15 psi

Question 5

Which of the following is a limitation of ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a method of microbial control?

Accepted Answer

It has poor penetration and is not effective for sterilizing large volumes

Question 6

Which chemical agent is most appropriate for disinfecting a computer keyboard in a patient room?

Accepted Answer

Quaternary ammonium compound

Question 7

Which of the following is a property of an ideal chemical disinfectant?

Accepted Answer

Is fast acting and non-toxic to humans

Question 8

A hospital endoscope is heat-sensitive and cannot be autoclaved. Which method is most appropriate for its sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide gas

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why boiling is not a reliable method for sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Endospores can survive boiling

Question 10

Which of the following is the correct order of effectiveness (from most to least) for the following methods: sterilization, disinfection, antisepsis, preservation?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization \u003e Disinfection \u003e Antisepsis \u003e Preservation

Question 11

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the rate of microbial death during disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Color of the disinfectant

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the mode of action of halogens such as chlorine and iodine?

Accepted Answer

They are strong oxidizing agents

Question 13

A laboratory technician needs to sterilize glass pipettes for reuse. Which method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Hot air oven at $$160^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours

Question 14

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using ethylene oxide for sterilization?

Accepted Answer

It is toxic and requires aeration of products before use

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the action of quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats)?

Accepted Answer

They disrupt plasma membranes, especially in Gram-positive bacteria

Question 16

Which of the following is the most appropriate method for decontaminating soiled linens from a highly infectious ICU patient?

Accepted Answer

Bagging at point of use and washing with hot water at $$160^{\circ}F$ for 25 minutes

Question 17

Which of the following is a reason why handwashing with soap and water is effective in reducing microbial transmission?

Accepted Answer

Soap and scrubbing physically remove microbes and organic matter

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of disk diffusion tests?

Accepted Answer

They are used to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants by measuring the zone of inhibition

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of biological indicators in sterilization monitoring?

Accepted Answer

They contain spore strips that are tested for viability after sterilization

Question 20

A media containing heat-sensitive components must be sterilized before use. Which method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Filtration through a $$0.22\ \mu m$$ filter

slides #8 - Control of Microbial Growth: Principles and Practices

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