CRCST Practice Questions
What is the test that uses live bacterial spores to asses the sterilization process and measure lethality?
ANS: biological tests
Which of the following statements about microorganisms is correct?
A. All microorganisms are harmful to humans.
B. Healthy humans do not carry microorganisms.
C. Microorganisms are necessary for life.
D. Microorganisms die within 10 minutes of leaving the body. ANS: Microorganisms are necessary for
life.
What surgical abbreviations is likely to be used relating to a fractured bone? ANS: ORIF
What unit pumps heated or cooled water through a coiled pad to change body temperature? ANS:
hypothermia unit
When arranging instruments in an instrument tray, you should... ANS: position the instruments in a
manner that will best facilitate sterilization
What is the physical or chemical process that renders an inanimate object safe for further handling?
ANS: Decontamination
What is the first step in the sterilization process? ANS: Cleaning
All items returned to decontamination are considered what? ANS: Contaminated
,What three things make up the One-Way flow? ANS: 1.) Soiled area
2.) Clean processing area
3.) Sterile storage area
What is the gear/clothing that minimizes exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other contaminants?
ANS: Personal protective equipment (PPE)
What are some examples of PPE? ANS: face shield, scrubs, hair cap, gown, gloves, shoe covers
What are the 4 main goals of point-of-use preparation and transport? ANS: 1.) Removal of gross soil
2.) Prevention of damage
3.) Prevention of cross contamination
4.) Keeping workers safe
What should any holding area that stores contaminated reusable items be labeled with? ANS: biohazard
signage
What are three ways contaminated items are returned back to CS department? ANS: 1.) During
designated rounds time
2.) Hospital employee might bring contaminated instruments directly to decontamination
3.) Central Service technician might take back instruments to decontamination
, 4.) OR staff might send soiled instrument carts on elevators
What four things should the contaminated holding area contain? ANS: 1.) contaminated trash
2.) linen receptacles
3.) hand-washing sink
4.) shielded flush-type commode
Where should the preparation process take place? ANS: the user department where the instrument is
first used (ex: operating room)
What are 3 important reasons why the preparation process should begin in the user department? ANS:
1.) prolongs the life of instruments by removing blood and saline that can break down protective
finishes
2.) dry soil is more difficult to remove
3.) soil and excess moisture promotes the formation of biofilm
What is a collection of microorganisms attached to each other and surfaces to form a colony? ANS:
Biofilm
Why are biofilms so dangerous? ANS: The colony produces a protective gel that is very difficult to
penetrate with detergents and disinfectants
What is the test that uses live bacterial spores to asses the sterilization process and measure lethality?
ANS: biological tests
Which of the following statements about microorganisms is correct?
A. All microorganisms are harmful to humans.
B. Healthy humans do not carry microorganisms.
C. Microorganisms are necessary for life.
D. Microorganisms die within 10 minutes of leaving the body. ANS: Microorganisms are necessary for
life.
What surgical abbreviations is likely to be used relating to a fractured bone? ANS: ORIF
What unit pumps heated or cooled water through a coiled pad to change body temperature? ANS:
hypothermia unit
When arranging instruments in an instrument tray, you should... ANS: position the instruments in a
manner that will best facilitate sterilization
What is the physical or chemical process that renders an inanimate object safe for further handling?
ANS: Decontamination
What is the first step in the sterilization process? ANS: Cleaning
All items returned to decontamination are considered what? ANS: Contaminated
,What three things make up the One-Way flow? ANS: 1.) Soiled area
2.) Clean processing area
3.) Sterile storage area
What is the gear/clothing that minimizes exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other contaminants?
ANS: Personal protective equipment (PPE)
What are some examples of PPE? ANS: face shield, scrubs, hair cap, gown, gloves, shoe covers
What are the 4 main goals of point-of-use preparation and transport? ANS: 1.) Removal of gross soil
2.) Prevention of damage
3.) Prevention of cross contamination
4.) Keeping workers safe
What should any holding area that stores contaminated reusable items be labeled with? ANS: biohazard
signage
What are three ways contaminated items are returned back to CS department? ANS: 1.) During
designated rounds time
2.) Hospital employee might bring contaminated instruments directly to decontamination
3.) Central Service technician might take back instruments to decontamination
, 4.) OR staff might send soiled instrument carts on elevators
What four things should the contaminated holding area contain? ANS: 1.) contaminated trash
2.) linen receptacles
3.) hand-washing sink
4.) shielded flush-type commode
Where should the preparation process take place? ANS: the user department where the instrument is
first used (ex: operating room)
What are 3 important reasons why the preparation process should begin in the user department? ANS:
1.) prolongs the life of instruments by removing blood and saline that can break down protective
finishes
2.) dry soil is more difficult to remove
3.) soil and excess moisture promotes the formation of biofilm
What is a collection of microorganisms attached to each other and surfaces to form a colony? ANS:
Biofilm
Why are biofilms so dangerous? ANS: The colony produces a protective gel that is very difficult to
penetrate with detergents and disinfectants
