Question 1

Which of the following best describes the goal of sterilization in microbial control?

Accepted Answer

To destroy all viable organisms, including viruses and endospores

Question 2

A hospital needs to sterilize heat-sensitive medical equipment. Which method would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the microbial death rate during disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Color of the disinfectant

Question 4

A microbiologist is using UV radiation to disinfect the air in a laboratory. Which statement is TRUE regarding UV radiation?

Accepted Answer

UV radiation is non-ionizing and is effective for disinfecting surfaces and air

Question 5

Which chemical agent is most effective against bacteria that lack catalase, due to its production of toxic free radicals?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogen peroxide

Question 6

A food processing plant needs to reduce microbial load on equipment but not necessarily sterilize it. Which process is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Sanitization (decontamination)

Question 7

Which of the following statements about autoclaving is correct?

Accepted Answer

Autoclaving uses pressurized steam at $$121\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$ and 15 psi to kill endospores

Question 8

Which of the following is a major concern with the overuse of antibacterial products in society?

Accepted Answer

They select for resistant strains, such as MRSA and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis

Question 9

Which physical method is most effective for sterilizing moisture-sensitive materials such as powders and glassware?

Accepted Answer

Dry oven at $$160\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$ for 2 hours

Question 10

A laboratory technician needs to sterilize a loop before inoculating bacteria. Which method should be used?

Accepted Answer

Incineration with a Bunsen burner flame at $$1870\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of filtration for microbial control?

Accepted Answer

Filtration can remove bacteria but may not stop viruses due to their small size

Question 12

Which of the following is a high-level germicidal agent used for sterilizing medical equipment sensitive to heat?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Question 13

Which mode of action is primarily used by surfactants to control microbial growth?

Accepted Answer

Disrupting cell membrane surface tension, causing membrane rupture

Question 14

A nurse is cleaning a wound with hydrogen peroxide. Which term best describes this process?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis

Question 15

Which of the following microbes is considered highly resistant and is the primary target of sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial endospores

Question 16

A dairy company uses flash pasteurization to treat milk. What is the correct temperature and time for this process?

Accepted Answer

$$72.1\ ^\circ \mathrm{C}$$ for 15 seconds

Question 17

Which of the following is a practical concern when choosing a method for microbial control in a business setting?

Accepted Answer

Whether the method is suitable for the application, such as UV light's inability to penetrate solids

Question 18

Which chemical agent is a potent sterilizing agent, used in dental offices for instrument sterilization, and acts by irreversibly disrupting microbial enzymes?

Accepted Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE about the use of heavy metals as antimicrobial agents?

Accepted Answer

They can cause allergic reactions and resistance can develop

Question 20

A scientist is measuring the shortest length of time required to kill all microbes at a specific temperature. Which term describes this measurement?

Accepted Answer

Thermal Death Time (TDT)

Physical and Chemical Control of Microbes: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards