Texas Sterile Processing Technician
Exam With Actual Questions & Verified
Answers, Plus Explained
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed 100% Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most critical step in preventing
surgical site infections?
A. Proper gowning
B. Sterilization of instruments
C. Hand hygiene
D. Patient positioning
B. Sterilization of instruments
Rationale: Proper sterilization of instruments ensures all
microorganisms are eliminated, which is crucial to prevent surgical
site infections.
2. What is the purpose of a chemical indicator in sterilization?
A. To detect bacterial spores
B. To verify sterilization conditions were met
C. To lubricate instruments
D. To clean surgical instruments
B. To verify sterilization conditions were met
Rationale: Chemical indicators change color when exposed to certain
,sterilization parameters, confirming that the process reached required
conditions.
3. Which sterilization method is appropriate for heat-sensitive
instruments?
A. Steam autoclave
B. Ethylene oxide gas
C. Boiling water
D. Dry heat
B. Ethylene oxide gas
Rationale: Ethylene oxide is low-temperature sterilization suitable for
heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.
4. What is the minimum recommended exposure time for steam
sterilization at 121°C (250°F) under 15 psi?
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 60 minutes
B. 15 minutes
Rationale: Standard gravity displacement autoclaves require 15
minutes at 121°C to achieve sterilization.
5. Which of the following items is considered a critical item in sterile
processing?
A. Blood pressure cuff
B. Surgical scalpel
C. Stethoscope
D. Bedpan
,B. Surgical scalpel
Rationale: Critical items enter sterile body tissue or the vascular
system and must be sterile.
6. How should instruments be arranged in the autoclave?
A. Stacked tightly
B. Loosely with lids closed
C. Loosely with lids open
D. Randomly
C. Loosely with lids open
Rationale: Proper spacing ensures steam penetration and effective
sterilization.
7. What is the proper method for cleaning surgical instruments
before sterilization?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth
B. Immerse in cold water only
C. Manual cleaning with detergent and water or ultrasonic
cleaning
D. Spray with disinfectant
C. Manual cleaning with detergent and water or ultrasonic cleaning
Rationale: Physical removal of blood and debris is necessary before
sterilization to ensure effectiveness.
8. How often should biological indicators be used in sterilization
monitoring?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Yearly
, A. Daily
Rationale: Daily use of biological indicators verifies that sterilizers are
effectively killing spores and maintaining sterility.
9. Which PPE is required when handling contaminated instruments?
A. Gloves and gown only
B. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
C. Mask only
D. Gown only
B. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: Full PPE protects the sterile processing technician from
exposure to infectious material.
10. What is the proper storage condition for sterile
instruments?
A. Humid environment
B. Dust-free, dry environment
C. Exposed to sunlight
D. On the floor
B. Dust-free, dry environment
Rationale: Sterile items must be stored in clean, dry, dust-free
conditions to maintain sterility.
11. What is the first step in decontaminating instruments after
use?
A. Sterilization
B. Visual inspection
C. Point-of-use cleaning
D. Packaging
Exam With Actual Questions & Verified
Answers, Plus Explained
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed 100% Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most critical step in preventing
surgical site infections?
A. Proper gowning
B. Sterilization of instruments
C. Hand hygiene
D. Patient positioning
B. Sterilization of instruments
Rationale: Proper sterilization of instruments ensures all
microorganisms are eliminated, which is crucial to prevent surgical
site infections.
2. What is the purpose of a chemical indicator in sterilization?
A. To detect bacterial spores
B. To verify sterilization conditions were met
C. To lubricate instruments
D. To clean surgical instruments
B. To verify sterilization conditions were met
Rationale: Chemical indicators change color when exposed to certain
,sterilization parameters, confirming that the process reached required
conditions.
3. Which sterilization method is appropriate for heat-sensitive
instruments?
A. Steam autoclave
B. Ethylene oxide gas
C. Boiling water
D. Dry heat
B. Ethylene oxide gas
Rationale: Ethylene oxide is low-temperature sterilization suitable for
heat- and moisture-sensitive instruments.
4. What is the minimum recommended exposure time for steam
sterilization at 121°C (250°F) under 15 psi?
A. 5 minutes
B. 15 minutes
C. 30 minutes
D. 60 minutes
B. 15 minutes
Rationale: Standard gravity displacement autoclaves require 15
minutes at 121°C to achieve sterilization.
5. Which of the following items is considered a critical item in sterile
processing?
A. Blood pressure cuff
B. Surgical scalpel
C. Stethoscope
D. Bedpan
,B. Surgical scalpel
Rationale: Critical items enter sterile body tissue or the vascular
system and must be sterile.
6. How should instruments be arranged in the autoclave?
A. Stacked tightly
B. Loosely with lids closed
C. Loosely with lids open
D. Randomly
C. Loosely with lids open
Rationale: Proper spacing ensures steam penetration and effective
sterilization.
7. What is the proper method for cleaning surgical instruments
before sterilization?
A. Wipe with a dry cloth
B. Immerse in cold water only
C. Manual cleaning with detergent and water or ultrasonic
cleaning
D. Spray with disinfectant
C. Manual cleaning with detergent and water or ultrasonic cleaning
Rationale: Physical removal of blood and debris is necessary before
sterilization to ensure effectiveness.
8. How often should biological indicators be used in sterilization
monitoring?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Yearly
, A. Daily
Rationale: Daily use of biological indicators verifies that sterilizers are
effectively killing spores and maintaining sterility.
9. Which PPE is required when handling contaminated instruments?
A. Gloves and gown only
B. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
C. Mask only
D. Gown only
B. Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Rationale: Full PPE protects the sterile processing technician from
exposure to infectious material.
10. What is the proper storage condition for sterile
instruments?
A. Humid environment
B. Dust-free, dry environment
C. Exposed to sunlight
D. On the floor
B. Dust-free, dry environment
Rationale: Sterile items must be stored in clean, dry, dust-free
conditions to maintain sterility.
11. What is the first step in decontaminating instruments after
use?
A. Sterilization
B. Visual inspection
C. Point-of-use cleaning
D. Packaging
