CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 1 Introduction to Sterile Processing

Last Updated on August 5, 2024

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 1 Introduction to Sterile Processing. Boost your IAHCSMM CRCST certification exam preparation with our detailed practice test for Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile Processing. This foundational chapter provides an essential overview of sterile processing, covering the principles and practices that ensure the safety and efficacy of sterilization procedures in healthcare settings.

Learn about central service technicians’ critical roles and responsibilities, the importance of infection control, and the various methods used for decontamination and sterilization. Our practice test features multiple-choice questions crafted to enhance your understanding and confidence. Begin your journey towards certification with our expert-designed practice test and excel as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician!

CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 1

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CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 1

CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 1
Total Items: 24
Time Limit: N/A
Multiple Choice Quiz

1 / 24

Why is a biologic indicator necessary to ensure sterilization conditions have been achieved?

It monitors physical conditions within the sterilizer

It detects nonsterilizing conditions in the sterilizer

It differentiates between sterilized and unsterilized items

It provides positive assurance that sterilization conditions have been achieved

2 / 24

What is a biologic indicator?

A device that monitors the functions of a sterilizer

A chemical reaction that changes color when exposed to process parameters

A preparation of living spores resistant to the sterilizing agent

A strip of paper with a color bar that reaches the “accept” area if parameters are met

3 / 24

What is the purpose of a chemical indicator on a package?

To differentiate between sterilized and unsterilized items

To identify process errors in packing or loading

To detect nonsterilizing conditions in the sterilizer

To monitor physical conditions within the sterilizer

4 / 24

What are some devices that monitor the functions of sterilizers?

Chemical indicators and test packs

Gauges, thermometers, timers, and/or recorders

Glass tubes with pellets and biologic indicators

Chemical indicators, biologic indicators, and glass tubes with pellets

5 / 24

What parameter affects all other dependent parameters in ethylene oxide sterilization?

Gas concentration

Temperature

Humidity

Exposure time

6 / 24

What is the basis of the steam sterilization process?

Direct saturated steam contact with items to be sterilized

Thermal oxidation of microorganisms

Interference with the normal metabolism of protein and reproductive processes

Physical oxidation or slow burning process of coagulating the protein in cells

7 / 24

Which of the following sterilization methods is used for items that are heat or moisture sensitive?

Steam sterilization

Ethylene oxide sterilization

Dry heat sterilization

Radiation sterilization

8 / 24

What is the purpose of adding moisture to heat during sterilization?

To hasten the process of thermal destruction of microbial life

To decrease the temperature required for sterilization

To make the process less expensive

To make the process less complex

9 / 24

Which type of microorganism is the most resistant of all living organisms?

Pathogenic microorganisms

Nonpathogenic microorganisms

Bacterial spores

Enzyme-protein systems

10 / 24

Which of the following is NOT a type of packaging used in the assembly and packaging process?

Textiles

Nonwovens

Pouch packaging

Liquid containers

11 / 24

What is the purpose of selecting the appropriate packaging material?

To allow the device to be removed aseptically

To determine the shelf life of the sterilized instrument

To ensure the instrument is properly cleaned

To determine the sterilization method for each instrument

12 / 24

Why is it important to package instruments and other items for sterilization?

To ensure they are properly cleaned

To prevent contamination during storage and handling before use

To make them easier to transport

To make them easier to inspect after sterilization

13 / 24

What are recipe cards used for in the assembly and packaging process?

To determine the sterilization method for each instrument

To determine the cleaning solution for each instrument

To provide instructions for assembling each set or tray

To provide instructions for testing the sterility of each instrument

14 / 24

What should be inspected on instruments after cleaning before they are packaged for reuse or storage?

Box locks, serrations, and crevices

Sharpness of cutting edges

Stiffness and alignment of jaws and teeth for hinged instruments

All of the above

15 / 24

What is the purpose of the ultrasonic washer in the decontamination process?

To sterilize heat-tolerant items

To remove fine soil from surgical instruments after manual cleaning and before sterilization

To package instruments for reuse or storage

To inspect instruments for cleanliness and sharpness

16 / 24

What should personnel wear when working in the decontamination area during manual cleaning processes?

Safety goggles and a face mask

A scrub uniform and shoe covers

Rubber or plastic gloves and a hair covering

A moisture-resistant barrier and a hair covering

17 / 24

What is the purpose of the Decontamination Area in a Sterile Processing Department?

To store sterile items after they have been cleaned

To package items for issue, storage, or further processing

To clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies

To prepare and deliver case carts and exchange carts

18 / 24

What happens to items after assembly or sterilization in a Sterile Processing Department?

They are immediately issued to the end user

They are sent back to the decontamination area for further cleaning

They are transferred to the sterile storage area

They are inspected and tested for quality assurance

19 / 24

What is the purpose of the decontamination area in a Sterile Processing Department?

To receive and inspect incoming equipment

To assemble and package sterilized equipment

To clean and decontaminate reusable equipment, instruments, and supplies

To store sterile equipment until it is needed

20 / 24

What are the major functions carried out in the distribution area?

Decontamination and sterilization

Assembly and packaging

Sterile storage and inventory management

Case cart preparation and delivery, exchange cart inventory, telephone-order and requisition-order filling, and patient care equipment delivery

21 / 24

What is the Sterile Processing Department?

A department within a hospital that provides patient care

A department that cleans and prepares medical/surgical supplies and equipment for patient care

A department that maintains the building and equipment of a hospital

None of the drivers.

22 / 24

Prior to the establishment of the Sterile Processing Department, where were medical/surgical supplies processed and maintained?

In a centralized location

In the patient care areas in which they were to be used

in a separate department within the hospital

All of the above

23 / 24

Why was a centralized processing department needed for medical/surgical supplies and equipment?

To increase patient care areas within the hospital

To decrease the number of medical devices and supplies

To maintain consistently high standards for sterilization technique and product quality throughout the health care facility

Option A and C

24 / 24

What are the four major areas in a Sterile Processing Department?

Reception, Sterilization, Packaging, and Distribution

Decontamination, Assembly and Sterile Processing, Sterile Storage, and Distribution

Cleaning, Sterilization, Inspection, and Distribution

Processing, Packaging, Inspection, and Delivery

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