HSPA - Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) -
correct answer ✅A surgical procedure performed in a manner that
causes little or no trauma or injury to the patient; it is often
performed through a cannula using lasers, endoscopes or
laparoscopes.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive procedures? -
correct answer ✅Shortened hospital stays
Less tissue damage and bleeding
Smaller amount of anesthesia
Less pain and minimal scarring
Smaller incisions
Reduced trauma
Shorter recovery times
SPD (Sterile Processing Department) -
correct answer ✅The SPD is the central location for the delivery of
soiled (used) medical devices and the distribution of clean and
sterile items.
,HSPA - Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
One-way flow of materials -
correct answer ✅Refers to the movement of products/materials
from the soiled area to the clean processing area and on to the
sterile storage area.
Physical barriers/ walls used to separate the functional areas of the
SPD -
correct answer ✅These areas include:
Decontamination
Preparation and packaging (prep and pack)
Sterilization
Sterile storage/distribution
Decontamination -
correct answer ✅To make safe by removing or reducing
contamination by infectious organisms or other harmful substances
to an acceptable level.
Cleaning -
correct answer ✅The removal of all visible and non-visible soil and
any other foreign material from medical devices being processed.
, HSPA - Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
Why is decontamination an important process? -
correct answer ✅Items cannot be considered sterile or high-level
disinfected if they are not effectively cleaned; therefore cleaning is
the first step in the sterilization process.
How may an effective cleaning process be accomplished? -
correct answer ✅An effective cleaning process may be
accomplished with manual and/or mechanical cleaning techniques.
What knowledge is required for SP staff while working in
decontamination? -
correct answer ✅Thorough knowledge and understanding of
microbiology
Protocols for waste disposal
Transportation of contaminated items
Operation of equipment used in the cleaning process (washer-
disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, cart washers, steam guns, and
specialty washers)
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) -
correct answer ✅A surgical procedure performed in a manner that
causes little or no trauma or injury to the patient; it is often
performed through a cannula using lasers, endoscopes or
laparoscopes.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive procedures? -
correct answer ✅Shortened hospital stays
Less tissue damage and bleeding
Smaller amount of anesthesia
Less pain and minimal scarring
Smaller incisions
Reduced trauma
Shorter recovery times
SPD (Sterile Processing Department) -
correct answer ✅The SPD is the central location for the delivery of
soiled (used) medical devices and the distribution of clean and
sterile items.
,HSPA - Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
One-way flow of materials -
correct answer ✅Refers to the movement of products/materials
from the soiled area to the clean processing area and on to the
sterile storage area.
Physical barriers/ walls used to separate the functional areas of the
SPD -
correct answer ✅These areas include:
Decontamination
Preparation and packaging (prep and pack)
Sterilization
Sterile storage/distribution
Decontamination -
correct answer ✅To make safe by removing or reducing
contamination by infectious organisms or other harmful substances
to an acceptable level.
Cleaning -
correct answer ✅The removal of all visible and non-visible soil and
any other foreign material from medical devices being processed.
, HSPA - Chapter 1: Introduction to Sterile
Processing Exam Questions & Answers
(Grade A+)
Why is decontamination an important process? -
correct answer ✅Items cannot be considered sterile or high-level
disinfected if they are not effectively cleaned; therefore cleaning is
the first step in the sterilization process.
How may an effective cleaning process be accomplished? -
correct answer ✅An effective cleaning process may be
accomplished with manual and/or mechanical cleaning techniques.
What knowledge is required for SP staff while working in
decontamination? -
correct answer ✅Thorough knowledge and understanding of
microbiology
Protocols for waste disposal
Transportation of contaminated items
Operation of equipment used in the cleaning process (washer-
disinfectors, ultrasonic cleaners, cart washers, steam guns, and
specialty washers)
