Question 1

What should be done to the instruments at the end of a steam sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

A) Immediately place the packages or cassettes on a countertop for cooling and drying in the room air. 
B) Unwrap the instruments and cool them down by dipping in cold sterile water. 
C) Remove the instruments from the packaging material and ultrasonically clean them. 
D) Let the instrument packages dry inside the sterilizer before handling them. 
A) Immediately place the packages or cassettes on a countertop for cooling and drying in the room air. 
B) Unwrap the instruments and cool them down by dipping in cold sterile water. 
C) Remove the instruments from the packaging material and ultrasonically clean them. 
D) Let the instrument packages dry inside the sterilizer before handling them.

Question 2

Paper/plastic peel pouches cannot be used in a(n) _____ sterilizer.

Accepted Answer

A) dry heat 
B) steam 
C) unsaturated chemical vapor 
D) dry heat or steam 
A) dry heat 
B) steam 
C) unsaturated chemical vapor 
D) dry heat or steam

Question 3

What is the main concern or precaution with using a dry heat oven-type sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

A) There is no biological indicator that can be used to monitor the sterilization process. 
B) It has a long sterilization time. 
C) It causes corrosion of carbon steel instruments. 
D) It requires the purchase and use of a special chemical sterilizing solution. 
A) There is no biological indicator that can be used to monitor the sterilization process. 
B) It has a long sterilization time. 
C) It causes corrosion of carbon steel instruments. 
D) It requires the purchase and use of a special chemical sterilizing solution.

Question 4

What is the correct sequence of the instrument processing steps?

Accepted Answer

A) Pre-cleaning, holding, sterilization, corrosion control, packaging, monitoring, handling 
B) Holding, pre-cleaning, corrosion control, packaging, sterilization, monitoring, handling 
C) Corrosion control, pre-cleaning, packaging, holding, sterilization, monitoring, handling 
D) Pre-cleaning, corrosion control, holding, sterilization, packaging, handling, monitoring 
A) Pre-cleaning, holding, sterilization, corrosion control, packaging, monitoring, handling 
B) Holding, pre-cleaning, corrosion control, packaging, sterilization, monitoring, handling 
C) Corrosion control, pre-cleaning, packaging, holding, sterilization, monitoring, handling 
D) Pre-cleaning, corrosion control, holding, sterilization, packaging, handling, monitoring

Question 5

Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used to monitor which of the following sterilizers?

Accepted Answer

A) Dry heat sterilizer 
B) Unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer 
C) Steam sterilizer 
D) Dry heat sterilizer and steam sterilizer 
A) Dry heat sterilizer 
B) Unsaturated chemical vapor sterilizer 
C) Steam sterilizer 
D) Dry heat sterilizer and steam sterilizer

Question 6

According to the CDC, how often is one to perform mechanical monitoring of a sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

A) Once a day 
B) Once a week 
C) Once a month 
D) Every load 
A) Once a day 
B) Once a week 
C) Once a month 
D) Every load

Question 7

Paper bags for steam sterilization are best used to package:

Accepted Answer

A) metal impression trays. 
B) hand mirrors and napkin chains. 
C) explorers and periodontal probes. 
D) lightweight nonsharp items. 
A) metal impression trays. 
B) hand mirrors and napkin chains. 
C) explorers and periodontal probes. 
D) lightweight nonsharp items.

Question 8

When designing a sterilization facility and purchasing a new sterilizer, one should look for clearance of the desired sterilizer by what federal agency?

Accepted Answer

A) EPA 
B) OSHA 
C) CDC 
D) FDA 
A) EPA 
B) OSHA 
C) CDC 
D) FDA

Question 9

How would you sterilize burs made of carbon steel?

Accepted Answer

A) In a steam autoclave at 121° C 
B) In a steam autoclave at 134° C 
C) In a dry heat sterilizer 
D) In boiling water 
A) In a steam autoclave at 121° C 
B) In a steam autoclave at 134° C 
C) In a dry heat sterilizer 
D) In boiling water

Question 10

What is the rationale for the pre-cleaning step as part of instrument processing?

Accepted Answer

A) To remove as much of the bioburden as possible to give the sterilization step the best chance to work 
B) To help ensure the proper functioning of the instruments after instrument processing 
C) To help maintain sterility of the instruments after instrument processing 
D) To facilitate the cleaning process by keeping the debris on the instruments from drying 
A) To remove as much of the bioburden as possible to give the sterilization step the best chance to work 
B) To help ensure the proper functioning of the instruments after instrument processing 
C) To help maintain sterility of the instruments after instrument processing 
D) To facilitate the cleaning process by keeping the debris on the instruments from drying

Question 11

The reason for holding (presoaking) instruments prior to cleaning is to:

Accepted Answer

A) prevent rusting. 
B) kill microbes. 
C) reduce water spotting. 
D) facilitate cleaning. 
A) prevent rusting. 
B) kill microbes. 
C) reduce water spotting. 
D) facilitate cleaning.

Question 12

According to the CDC, semi-critical instruments are those that:

Accepted Answer

A) penetrate soft tissue, contacts, bone, enters into or contacts the bloodstream or other normally sterile tissue. 
B) contact mucous membranes but will not penetrate soft tissue, contact bone, enter into or contact the bloodstream or other normally sterile tissue. 
C) contact the skin. 
D) are very expensive and in short supply. 
A) penetrate soft tissue, contacts, bone, enters into or contacts the bloodstream or other normally sterile tissue. 
B) contact mucous membranes but will not penetrate soft tissue, contact bone, enter into or contact the bloodstream or other normally sterile tissue. 
C) contact the skin. 
D) are very expensive and in short supply.

Question 13

Why should handpieces be heat sterilized rather than wiped off with a disinfectant between patients?

Accepted Answer

A) Because wiping off the outside will cause the handpiece to rust 
B) Because wiping off the outside will not kill the microbes that were retracted up inside the handpiece 
C) Because wiping off the outside could allow some of the damaging disinfectant to get inside the handpiece and destroy it 
D) Because heat sterilization will help the internal lubricant spread to all surfaces in the turbine chamber 
A) Because wiping off the outside will cause the handpiece to rust 
B) Because wiping off the outside will not kill the microbes that were retracted up inside the handpiece 
C) Because wiping off the outside could allow some of the damaging disinfectant to get inside the handpiece and destroy it 
D) Because heat sterilization will help the internal lubricant spread to all surfaces in the turbine chamber

Question 14

According to the CDC, how should non-heat-sensitive semi-critical instruments be prepared for use?

Accepted Answer

A) Thoroughly wiped down with alcohol 
B) Processed with high-level disinfection 
C) Sterilized in an ultrasonic cleaner 
D) Heat sterilized 
A) Thoroughly wiped down with alcohol 
B) Processed with high-level disinfection 
C) Sterilized in an ultrasonic cleaner 
D) Heat sterilized

Question 15

Why should ultrasonic cleaning or automatic instrument washers be used instead of routine hand-scrubbing to clean contaminated dental instruments?

Accepted Answer

A) Ultrasonic cleaning and instrument washers sterilize the instruments. 
B) Ultrasonic cleaning and instrument washers are less expensive. 
C) Hand-scrubbing does not get the instruments clean. 
D) Hand-scrubbing increases the chances of sharps injuries. 
A) Ultrasonic cleaning and instrument washers sterilize the instruments. 
B) Ultrasonic cleaning and instrument washers are less expensive. 
C) Hand-scrubbing does not get the instruments clean. 
D) Hand-scrubbing increases the chances of sharps injuries.

Question 16

What is the main reason for packaging instruments before they are placed in a sterilizer?

Accepted Answer

A) To prevent dirt or dust in the sterilizer from depositing on the instruments 
B) To protect the instrument from recontamination after sterilization 
C) To keep the killed microbes inside the packages so they won't contaminate the sterilizer chamber 
D) To prevent rusting of the instruments 
A) To prevent dirt or dust in the sterilizer from depositing on the instruments 
B) To protect the instrument from recontamination after sterilization 
C) To keep the killed microbes inside the packages so they won't contaminate the sterilizer chamber 
D) To prevent rusting of the instruments

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true about ultrasonic cleaning of dental instruments?

Accepted Answer

A) Never use a basket when cleaning loose instruments. 
B) Using dishwashing detergent is best for cleaning dental instruments. 
C) Used cleaning solution contains live microbes. 
D) Instrument cassettes cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. 
A) Never use a basket when cleaning loose instruments. 
B) Using dishwashing detergent is best for cleaning dental instruments. 
C) Used cleaning solution contains live microbes. 
D) Instrument cassettes cannot be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.

Question 18

Proper steam sterilization involves placing the instruments in a completely closed container before processing them through the sterilizer.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

How should instrument packages or cassettes be placed into the sterilizer chamber?

Accepted Answer

A) On their edges or in a single layer 
B) Layered flat and stacked upon one another 
C) Packed tight to reduce any air space between the packages or cassettes 
D) One cassette or package at a time regardless of its size 
A) On their edges or in a single layer 
B) Layered flat and stacked upon one another 
C) Packed tight to reduce any air space between the packages or cassettes 
D) One cassette or package at a time regardless of its size

Question 20

"Autoclave" tape is used for which type of sterilization monitoring?

Accepted Answer

A) Chemical 
B) Biological 
C) Mechanical 
D) Mechanical and biological 
A) Chemical 
B) Biological 
C) Mechanical 
D) Mechanical and biological

Exam 12: Instrument Processing

What should be done to the instruments at the end of a steam sterilization cycle?

Paper/plastic peel pouches cannot be used in a(n) _____ sterilizer.

What is the main concern or precaution with using a dry heat oven-type sterilizer?

What is the correct sequence of the instrument processing steps?

Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used to monitor which of the following sterilizers?

According to the CDC, how often is one to perform mechanical monitoring of a sterilizer?

Paper bags for steam sterilization are best used to package:

When designing a sterilization facility and purchasing a new sterilizer, one should look for clearance of the desired sterilizer by what federal agency?

How would you sterilize burs made of carbon steel?

What is the rationale for the pre-cleaning step as part of instrument processing?

The reason for holding (presoaking) instruments prior to cleaning is to:

According to the CDC, semi-critical instruments are those that:

Why should handpieces be heat sterilized rather than wiped off with a disinfectant between patients?

According to the CDC, how should non-heat-sensitive semi-critical instruments be prepared for use?

Why should ultrasonic cleaning or automatic instrument washers be used instead of routine hand-scrubbing to clean contaminated dental instruments?

What is the main reason for packaging instruments before they are placed in a sterilizer?

Which of the following statements is true about ultrasonic cleaning of dental instruments?

Proper steam sterilization involves placing the instruments in a completely closed container before processing them through the sterilizer.

How should instrument packages or cassettes be placed into the sterilizer chamber?

"Autoclave" tape is used for which type of sterilization monitoring?

Scope of Microbiology and Infection Control

Characteristics of Microorganisms

Development of Infectious Diseases

Emerging Diseases

Oral Microbiology and Plaque-Associated Diseases

Bloodborne Pathogens

Oral and Respiratory Diseases

Infection Control Rationale and Regulations

Immunization

Hand Hygiene

Personal Protective Equipment

Surface and Equipment Asepsis

Dental Unit Water Asepsis and Air Quality

Aseptic Techniques

Laboratory and Radiographic Asepsis

Waste Management

Preventing Sharps Injuries

A Clinical Asepsis Protocol

General Office Safety and Asepsis

Greener Infection Control

Cross-Contamination Between Work and Home

About the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Osha Inspections

Management of the Office Safety Program

Managing Chemicals Safely

Employee Fire Prevention and Emergency Action Plans

Infection Control Concerns During Remodeling or Construction

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