Sterile Processing (SPD) Nursing Exam:With A+ Graded Exam.
1. What is the maximum load weight for a containerized instrument set?
25 lbs Correct Answer
2. Which microorganism is the most resistant to the sterilization process?
Prions Correct Answer
3. What is the first step in the sterilization cycle of a dynamic-air-removal
sterilizer?
Conditioning Correct Answer
4. What is the recommended minimum exposure time for unwrapped non-porous
items in an IUSS cycle at 270°F?
3 minutes Correct Answer
5. Which agency provides the "Bloodborne Pathogens Standard"?
OSHA Correct Answer
6. What is the purpose of the jacket in a steam sterilizer?
To preheat the chamber walls Correct Answer
7. What is the primary cause of rust on surgical instruments?
Inadequate drying Correct Answer
8. In what area of the SPD are instruments inspected for cleanliness and
function?
Prep and Pack Correct Answer
9. What is the standard pressure (psi) required for a 270°F steam sterilization
cycle?
28–30 psi Correct Answer
10. Which monitoring method provides a visual indication that a package was
exposed to a sterilant?
External chemical indicator Correct Answer
11. What is the maximum height a sterile item should be stored below a sprinkler
head?
18 inches Correct Answer
, 12. Which liquid chemical is commonly used for automated endoscope
reprocessors (AERs)?
Peracetic acid Correct Answer
13. What is the term for the process that kills most microorganisms but not
necessarily bacterial spores?
Disinfection Correct Answer
14. How should instruments with ratchets be processed during cleaning and
sterilization?
In the open position Correct Answer
15. What color do Gram-positive bacteria stain?
Blue/Purple Correct Answer
16. Which classification of medical devices enters sterile body cavities and
requires sterilization?
Critical Correct Answer
17. What is the primary purpose of an ultrasonic cleaner?
To remove fine debris from hard-to-reach areas Correct Answer
18. What is the minimum recommended air exchanges per hour for the Sterile
Storage area?
4 Correct Answer
19. Which document provides specific instructions on how to clean and sterilize a
medical device?
Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU) Correct Answer
20. What is the incubation temperature for a Geobacillus
stearothermophilus biological indicator?
131°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C) Correct Answer
21. What are the three essential parameters of steam sterilization?
Saturated steam, time, and temperature Correct Answer
22. Which process uses a fine mist of hydrogen peroxide to sterilize heat-
sensitive items?
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) Correct Answer
23. What is the recommended humidity range for the Decontamination area?
30% to 60% Correct Answer
1. What is the maximum load weight for a containerized instrument set?
25 lbs Correct Answer
2. Which microorganism is the most resistant to the sterilization process?
Prions Correct Answer
3. What is the first step in the sterilization cycle of a dynamic-air-removal
sterilizer?
Conditioning Correct Answer
4. What is the recommended minimum exposure time for unwrapped non-porous
items in an IUSS cycle at 270°F?
3 minutes Correct Answer
5. Which agency provides the "Bloodborne Pathogens Standard"?
OSHA Correct Answer
6. What is the purpose of the jacket in a steam sterilizer?
To preheat the chamber walls Correct Answer
7. What is the primary cause of rust on surgical instruments?
Inadequate drying Correct Answer
8. In what area of the SPD are instruments inspected for cleanliness and
function?
Prep and Pack Correct Answer
9. What is the standard pressure (psi) required for a 270°F steam sterilization
cycle?
28–30 psi Correct Answer
10. Which monitoring method provides a visual indication that a package was
exposed to a sterilant?
External chemical indicator Correct Answer
11. What is the maximum height a sterile item should be stored below a sprinkler
head?
18 inches Correct Answer
, 12. Which liquid chemical is commonly used for automated endoscope
reprocessors (AERs)?
Peracetic acid Correct Answer
13. What is the term for the process that kills most microorganisms but not
necessarily bacterial spores?
Disinfection Correct Answer
14. How should instruments with ratchets be processed during cleaning and
sterilization?
In the open position Correct Answer
15. What color do Gram-positive bacteria stain?
Blue/Purple Correct Answer
16. Which classification of medical devices enters sterile body cavities and
requires sterilization?
Critical Correct Answer
17. What is the primary purpose of an ultrasonic cleaner?
To remove fine debris from hard-to-reach areas Correct Answer
18. What is the minimum recommended air exchanges per hour for the Sterile
Storage area?
4 Correct Answer
19. Which document provides specific instructions on how to clean and sterilize a
medical device?
Manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU) Correct Answer
20. What is the incubation temperature for a Geobacillus
stearothermophilus biological indicator?
131°F to 140°F (55°C to 60°C) Correct Answer
21. What are the three essential parameters of steam sterilization?
Saturated steam, time, and temperature Correct Answer
22. Which process uses a fine mist of hydrogen peroxide to sterilize heat-
sensitive items?
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (VHP) Correct Answer
23. What is the recommended humidity range for the Decontamination area?
30% to 60% Correct Answer
