HSPA CHL — Progress Test 6 (CH1-24) Questions With Complete Solutions

HSPA CHL — Progress Test 6 (CH1-
24) Questions With Complete
Solutions
Course
HSPA

Question 1
A sterile processing technician discovers that the chemical indicator inside a sterilization package
did not change to the expected color after steam sterilization. What should be done?
A. Release the package if the external indicator changed.
B. Release the package if the sterilizer cycle completed.
C. Consider the package nonsterile and reprocess it.
D. Store the package until the next biological test is completed.
Correct Answer: C. Consider the package nonsterile and reprocess it.
Solution
An internal chemical indicator verifies that sterilizing conditions reached the inside of the
package. If it fails to show the correct endpoint, sterility cannot be assured.
 External indicators only show exposure to the sterilization process.
 A completed sterilizer cycle does not guarantee every package was adequately sterilized.
 The package must be reprocessed before use.


Question 2
Which microorganism is the most difficult to destroy and is therefore commonly used to monitor
sterilization effectiveness?
A. Vegetative bacteria
B. Fungi
C. Bacterial spores
D. Viruses
Correct Answer: C. Bacterial spores

,Solution
Biological indicators contain highly resistant bacterial spores, making them the gold standard for
monitoring sterilization effectiveness. If spores are destroyed, less resistant microorganisms are
also expected to be eliminated.


Question 3
The primary purpose of cleaning surgical instruments before sterilization is to:
A. Improve package appearance.
B. Remove soil that can interfere with sterilization.
C. Reduce storage space.
D. Improve instrument color.
Correct Answer: B. Remove soil that can interfere with sterilization.
Solution
Organic debris, blood, and tissue can shield microorganisms from the sterilizing agent. Thorough
cleaning is an essential first step because sterilization cannot compensate for inadequate
cleaning.


Question 4
When should hand hygiene be performed in the Sterile Processing Department?
A. Only before leaving work.
B. Only after handling contaminated instruments.
C. Before and after handling contaminated items and whenever indicated.
D. Only before entering the operating room.
Correct Answer: C. Before and after handling contaminated items and whenever indicated.
Solution
Hand hygiene is one of the most effective infection prevention practices. It should be performed:
 Before and after handling contaminated items.
 After glove removal.

,  Before handling clean or sterile items.
 Whenever hands are visibly soiled.


Question 5
Which packaging material is designed to allow sterilant penetration while maintaining sterility
after processing?
A. Newspaper
B. Sterilization wrap
C. Plastic shopping bags
D. Cardboard
Correct Answer: B. Sterilization wrap
Solution
Sterilization wrap is specifically manufactured to:
 Permit sterilant penetration.
 Maintain sterility after processing.
 Protect instruments during handling and storage.
Ordinary packaging materials cannot reliably maintain sterility.


Question 6
Which department is primarily responsible for cleaning, inspecting, assembling, sterilizing, and
distributing reusable medical devices?
A. Pharmacy
B. Laboratory
C. Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
D. Dietary Services
Correct Answer: C. Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
Solution
The Sterile Processing Department ensures reusable instruments are:

,  Properly decontaminated.
 Inspected for cleanliness and function.
 Correctly assembled.
 Sterilized.
 Distributed safely for patient care.


Question 7
Why is instrument inspection performed after cleaning?
A. To increase instrument weight.
B. To identify cleanliness, damage, wear, or malfunction before sterilization.
C. To improve packaging appearance.
D. To reduce sterilization time.
Correct Answer: B. To identify cleanliness, damage, wear, or malfunction before
sterilization.
Solution
Inspection helps identify:
 Residual soil.
 Corrosion.
 Cracks.
 Broken tips.
 Loose joints.
 Malfunctioning instruments.
Damaged instruments should be repaired or removed from service.


Question 8
Which sterilization monitoring method provides direct evidence that microorganisms have been
destroyed?
A. Mechanical monitoring