IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test –Chapter 16 Sterile Storage and Transport

Last Updated on April 1, 2025

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test –Chapter 16 Sterile Storage and Transport (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) Practice Test. Chapter 16. The primary objective of Chapter 16 on sterile storage and transport is to review primary sterile storage considerations.

Chapter 16 of the CRCST Practice Test delves deep into the intricacies of maintaining the sterility of products and the appropriate handling methods to ensure patient safety. The content emphasizes the pivotal role of the Central Service Technician in preventing infections and ensuring the optimal functioning of medical instruments.

IAHCSMM CRCST Practice Test – Chapter 16

Practice Test - Ch 16

780

CRCST Practice Test - Chapter 16

CRCST Practice Test
Chapter 16
Total Items: 37
Time Limit: N/A
Sample Multiple Choice Quiz

1 / 37

Where should pasteurized items from outside vendors be stored in a healthcare facility?

(A) Sterile storage areas

(B) In the receiving dock

(D) General storage

2 / 37

What is the primary reason to remove shipping containers in a controlled breakout area?

(A) Because they are bulky

(B) Because they are made of cardboard

(D) To check items inside

3 / 37

Why should outside shipping cartons never be allowed in the sterile storage area?

(A) They occupy more space

(B) They are a major source of contamination

(D) They have shipping labels

4 / 37

What concept implies that sterile products remain sterile until an event occurs to make them unsterile?

(A) Time-related sterility

(B) Event-related sterility

(D) Package-related sterility

5 / 37

Which of the following is NOT considered an event that might compromise a package's sterility?

(A) Temperature changes

(B) Moisture

(D) Dust

6 / 37

How far below the sprinkler heads should items be stored to allow for proper air circulation during a fire situation?

(A) 6 inches

(B) 12 inches

(D) 24 inches

7 / 37

What could potentially rupture closures and seams in a sterile package if the air inside is forced out?

(A) Excessive weight on the package

(B) Excessive humidity in the storage area

(D) Keeping the package in direct sunlight

8 / 37

What should be checked on an item sterilized in-house before placing it on the shelf?

(A) If the item's external chemical indicators have turned to the proper color

(B) If the item's internal temperature reached the desired level

(D) If the item is in a transparent container

9 / 37

How should sterile items be positioned on the shelf to prevent damage?

(A) They should be placed hanging off the edge

(B) They should be placed based on their weight irrespective of the shelf edge

(D) They should fit on the shelf and not overhang the edge

10 / 37

What is the principle behind the FIFO system in stock rotation?

(A) First-in, first-out, meaning the oldest items are used first

(B) First-in, first-out, meaning the newest items are used first

(D) Last-in, first-out, meaning the oldest items are used first

11 / 37

Sterile items in satellite storage areas outside of the CS department should:

(A) Follow a different set of guidelines from the main storage area

(B) Be excluded from quality assurance and infection prevention audits

(D) Follow the same guidelines as stated for the main sterile storage area

12 / 37

What is crucial for maintaining product sterility in the sterile storage area?

(A) Ensuring the room is lit brightly

(B) Keeping the area clean and free of dust and debris

(D) Having a digital inventory system

13 / 37

What factor may influence the frequency of cleaning needed in the sterile storage area?

(A) The brand of the cleaning solution used

(B) The air filtration system in the storage area

(D) The proximity of the storage area to the exit

14 / 37

Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in the self-cleaning process for sterile storage?

(A) Wipe the entire shelf including sides on top using an approved solution.

(B) Use alcohol as a drying agent if approved by the facility.

(D) Remove all items from the shelves and storage bins.

15 / 37

Why is it recommended that CS technicians maintain short fingernails?

(A) To allow for easy application of nail polish.

(B) To minimize the microbial load under the nail and prevent rupturing packages.

(D) To avoid any potential electrical hazards.

16 / 37

What is the main reason that jewelry is discouraged in the sterile storage area?

(A) It is considered unprofessional.

(B) It can cause an allergic reaction to the wearer.

(D) It can be a distraction for the CS technicians.

17 / 37

Which of the following guidelines is NOT mentioned for personnel working in the sterile storage area?

(A) They must be properly trained in all aspects of the sterile process.

(B) They should frequently wash their hands or use waterless hand sanitizer.

(D) Authorized individuals must maintain good personal hygiene.

18 / 37

How should items be positioned on a transport cart to ensure their safety?

(A) They should be placed at an angle for easy access.

(B) Items should overhang the edges of the cart.

(D) The cart should be filled to maximum capacity to transport more items at once.

19 / 37

In the context of transporting sterile items between facilities, which of the following statements is true?

(A) Items can be transported in the trunk of a car since it is convenient.

(B) Temperature and humidity levels are not crucial when transporting sterile items.

(D) Items can be left inside the transport vehicle indefinitely as long as it is parked in a shaded area.

20 / 37

What is the number one priority emphasized in the transportation guidelines for sterile items?

(A) Ensuring speedy transportation.

(B) Keeping transportation costs low.

(D) Avoiding excessive handling of packages by multiple people.

21 / 37

How should sterile items that have been dropped onto the floor be treated?

(A) They should be returned to the shelf if no damage is visible.

(B) They can be reused after checking for any damage.

(D) They should be resterilized immediately.

22 / 37

When removing a package from the shelf, what should NOT be done to maintain the integrity of the package?

(A) Dragging or pushing the package against a surface.

(B) Lifting the front of the package from underneath.

(D) Checking the package for expiration dates.

23 / 37

What is the primary reason to use shelf liners in storage areas?

(A) To improve the aesthetics of the storage area.

(B) To create a cushion between the hard surface of the shelf and the bottom of the packages.

(D) To easily slide packages on and off the shelf.

24 / 37

Which of the following is NOT a criteria for checking sterile packages when they are removed from storage?

(A) Expiration date.

(B) Color of the package.

(D) Evidence of moisture.

25 / 37

How should sterile items being transported off-site to another facility be carried?

(A) In any available vehicle, as long as the items are secure.

(B) In a vehicle specifically designed for sterile transport with temperature and humidity control.

(D) In a vehicle where sterile items are placed with clean and dirty items together.

26 / 37

What is the main function of barrier packaging?

(A) To provide aesthetic appeal

(B) To prevent the ingress of microorganisms

(D) To make packaging easier to open

27 / 37

Where should the sterile storage areas ideally be located?

(A) Far from the sterilization cooling area

(B) In the facility's main traffic area

(D) In any available space regardless of traffic patterns

28 / 37

Which of the following conditions is critical for maintaining sterility in the storage area?

(A) Presence of exposed light fixtures and ducts

(B) A room temperature as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit with less than 70% relative humidity

(D) Presence of exposed water and air-conditioning lines

29 / 37

Which unit is used to measure the recommended lighting in the sterile storage area?

(A) Kelvin

(B) Lumens

(D) Lux

30 / 37

What is a primary concern with trays that do not properly fit on the shelf in sterile storage areas?

(A) They can be more easily counted.

(B) They pose a safety hazard.

(D) They can be more easily sterilized.

31 / 37

Which of the following materials is not recommended for product shelving due to its porous nature and inability to be properly cleaned?

(A) Metal

(B) Plastic

(D) Aluminum

32 / 37

Which type of shelving protects sterile packaging from dust, traffic air flow, and other environmental challenges?

(A) Open shelving

(B) Semi-closed shelving

(D) Wire shelving

33 / 37

The bottom shelf of each unit in a storage system must be:

(A) 4-6 inches from the floor

(B) 8-10 inches from the floor

(D) 12-14 inches from the floor

34 / 37

Why should items removed from the sterilizer be moved into a designated cooling area?

(A) To allow for inventory

(B) To promote rapid cooling

(D) To save space

35 / 37

Warm packages should not be touched because:

(A) They may cause burns

(B) They are fragile

(D) They need to be inventoried

36 / 37

Why should wrap trays not be stacked on top of each other?

(A) They will take up too much space

(B) They are heavy

(D) It's difficult to identify items

37 / 37

Why should care be taken when stacking rigid container systems?

(A) To prevent mislabeling

(B) The weight may damage gaskets on lower trays

(D) They can slide easily

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