IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 17 Monitoring and Record Keeping for Sterile Processing

Last Updated on August 5, 2024

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 17 Monitoring and Record Keeping for Sterile Processing: Sterilization and high-level disinfection processes are fundamental to surgical procedures. For individuals aiming to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) examination,

Chapter 17 cannot be overlooked. This chapter revolves around the intricacies of sterilization monitoring, providing insights into the practices, tools, and protocols in place to ensure that medical instruments are safe for patient use.

In this blog post, we will explore Chapter 17 more fully and offer a snapshot of what to expect in the CRCST practice test.

CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 17

For those prepping for the CRCST exam, diving into practice questions tailored explicitly for Chapter 17 can be invaluable. These questions help you understand the type of content you’ll be tested on and identify areas you may need to revisit.

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CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 17

CRCST Practice Test
Chapter 17
Total Items: 30
Time Limit: N/A
Sample Multiple Choice Quiz

1 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a type of personal monitoring?

(A) Batch type monitors

(B) Area monitors

(D) All of the above are types of personal monitoring

2 / 30

What is the most accepted means of providing quality assurance monitoring for hydrogen peroxide sterilizers?

(A) Biological indicators

(B) Process challenge devices

(D) All of the above

3 / 30

What is the minimum frequency at which biological indicators should be run in ethylene oxide sterilizers?

(A) Daily

(B) Weekly

(D) Every load

4 / 30

hich of the following microorganisms is used in tabletop steam sterilizer testing?

(A) Geobacillus stearothermophilus

(B) Bacillus subtilis

(D) All of the above

5 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a type of sterilization monitoring?

(A) Physical monitoring

(B) Chemical monitoring

(D) Mechanical monitoring

6 / 30

The most important monitoring tool for the central service department is:

(A) Biological indicators (BIs).

(B) Process challenge devices (PCDs).

(D) Continuing education records.

7 / 30

Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilizers require a PCD in every load because:

(A) EO is a gas and can be difficult to distribute evenly in the sterilizer chamber.

(B) EO is a highly toxic gas and must be properly removed from the items after sterilization.

(D) All of the above.

8 / 30

Immediate use steam sterilizers (IUSSs) do not require a process challenge device (PCD) because:

(A) Biological indicators (BIs) are used instead.

(B) Items are processed unwrapped or in special containers.

(D) All of the above.

9 / 30

Which of the following is TRUE about verification?

(A) It is performed by the healthcare facility.

(B) It is less extensive than validation.

(D) It is required by the FDA for all medical devices.

10 / 30

Which of the following is TRUE about validation?

(A) It is performed by the device manufacturer.

(B) It requires extensive laboratory testing.

(D) It can be performed by the healthcare facility to confirm the manufacturer's validation.

11 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a sterilization monitoring methodo?

(A) Chemical indicators (CI)

(B) Biological indicators (BI)

(D) Validation and verification (V&V)

12 / 30

What does a Julian date represent?

(A) The expiry date of sterilized equipment

(B) The date of manufacture for equipment

(D) A special code unique to each healthcare facility

13 / 30

Process challenge devices (PCDs) should be used for sterilizer efficacy monitoring:

(A) Monthly

(B) Only when a new sterilizer is introduced

(D) Only when there's a suspicion of malfunction

14 / 30

Which of the following can cause a positive result on a biological indicator?

(A) Proper placement of the BI in the sterilizer load

(B) Using a BI validated for another mode of sterilization

(D) Correct cycle selection for the sterilization

15 / 30

A control test ampule for biological indicators is designed to:

(A) Undergo the sterilization cycle

(B) Validate the sterilization method

(D) Be stored for future reference without being used

16 / 30

A negative test result on a BI after the sterilization cycle indicates:

(A) Growth of bacteria during incubation

(B) No color change or indication of life during incubation

(D) The test was inconclusive

17 / 30

What do biological indicators (BIs) primarily contain?

(A) Dead bacterial spores

(B) A solution of growth media without any bacterial spores

(D) Only growth media without any bacterial spores

18 / 30

In case of a suspected malfunction of the sterilizer, what is the advised action?

(A) Continue using the sterilizer until the end of the day

(B) Wait for the next scheduled maintenance

(D) Use another sterilizer and address the malfunction at the end of the week

19 / 30

What is the role of external chemical indicators?

(A) Confirm the item's sterility

(B) Test the quality of the package material

(D) Indicate the date of sterilization

20 / 30

When a new bottle of test strips is opened, what must be done?

(A) Discard the first strip

(B) Use the strips immediately without any testing

(D) Store them in a refrigerator

21 / 30

What are the primary elements monitored by physical monitors during the sterilization process?

(A) Sound, light, and color

(B) Time, temperature, and pressure

(D) Speed, acceleration, and force

22 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a reason for a chemical indicator (CI) test failure?

(A) Utility or sterilizer malfunction

(B) Using the CI as a bookmark

(D) Not following the medical device manufacturer's instructions for use

23 / 30

What should be done if an internal chemical indicator (CI) suggests inadequate sterilant penetration?

(A) The contents can still be used

(B) The contents cannot be used and should be returned to the CS department for investigation

(D) The indicator should be ignored and the process should continue

24 / 30

What is the main purpose of testing high level disinfectant?

(A) To ensure it has a pleasant smell

(B) To monitor the color of the disinfectant

(D) To verify the date of manufacture

25 / 30

What should be done if a washer disinfectant does not meet the manufacturer's inspection requirements or if a test fails?

(A) Continue using it until the next maintenance schedule

(B) Fix it yourself without any guidance

(D) Record the issue and address it at the end of the year

26 / 30

What is the main function of ultrasonic cleaners?

(A) To generate sound waves for entertainment

(B) To use a process called cavitation to remove soil from instruments

(D) To dry instruments after washing

27 / 30

Why is it crucial to monitor water quality in the decontamination area?

(A) Water quality does not impact any process

(B) For the beauty of the equipment

(D) Water quality only affects the taste of the water

28 / 30

Which of the following is true about CS Department records?

(A) Record-keeping is optional for the CS Department

(B) Records must be legible and understandable

(D) Incomplete records are as valuable as complete records

29 / 30

Why is documentation critical within the central service department?

(A) For future reference only

(B) To ensure that no equipment breaks

(D) It's a preferred method but not mandatory

30 / 30

Which of the following is NOT a required component of competency records?

(A) Task performed

(B) Employee name

(D) Pass/fail result

Your score is

See also:

CRCST Practice Test 2024 (UPDATED ALL CHAPTERS)

Chapter 17 of the CRCST manual emphasizes monitoring the disinfection and sterilization processes. Mistakes in these areas can lead to severe patient harm due to infections. As a technician, understanding the different methods to monitor these processes and knowing how to interpret results can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Physical Indicators: These monitors, including time, temperature, and pressure recorders, ensure that the sterilization parameters have been met.
Chemical Indicators (CI): CIs change color to indicate exposure to the sterilization process. These are placed both outside (external) and inside (internal) the sterilization packages.
Biological Indicators (BI): BIs are essentially live bacterial spores placed in sterilizers to verify that sterilization kills even the most resistant microorganisms.