Sterile Processing Questions and Answers Latest Updated 2026/2027 Rated A (150pages)

Decontamination Area ✔✔where soiled items are received and cleaned. *All levels for the same tray should be labeled w/a tag to identify the level number and set to which it belongs. Preparation and Packaging Area ✔✔where cleaned items are inspected, assembled, and packaged. Sterilization Area ✔✔where terminal sterilization is performed. Sterile Storage Area ✔✔where sterile items are stored until needed. Loaner Area ✔✔for the receipt and return of instruments borrowed for specialty procedures. Patient Care Equipment Clean-Up Area ✔✔where patient care equipment is cleaned and disinfected. Work Flow ✔✔how the work progresses through the department or processing area. *Dirty to Clean Function of CS/SPD ✔✔receives, cleans, decontaminates, assembles, inspects, disinfects, sterilizes reusable medical and surgical devices Sterile processing is A.K.A ✔✔Central Material Service, Sterile Processing Service, Central Service, Sterile Processing Department Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) ✔✔protects workers; OSHA standards are required by law; sets occupational exposure limits for all chemicals in the workplace under mSDS (material safety data sheet); "right to know"; Emergency eyewash stations Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) ✔✔voluntary; promotes health by preventing and controlling disease; publishes recommendations and guidelines; hand hygiene (15 second minimum); NO artificial nails; classifies medical devices according to Spaulding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ✔✔MUST be worn to protect from blood and bodily fluid disposable sharps must be disposed in ✔✔rigid biohazard container Sharps ✔✔instruments/devices with points/blades skull ✔✔cranium and facial bones hyoid bone ✔✔located in neck; supports tongue and swallowing; only bone NOT articulated w/another vertebral column ✔✔vertebrae separated by discs; lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine PLIF ✔✔Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Thoracic cage ✔✔sternum and 12 pairs of ribs; protect organs of chest and upper abdomen Making an opening into thoracic cavity to give surgeons access to lung and heart ✔✔Thoracotomy Appendicular skeleton ✔✔Appendages Pectoral girdle ✔✔scapula and clavicle connect bones of arms and aids movemnet Upper limb bones ✔✔humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges Carpal Tunnel Repair ✔✔removing tissue displaced bone in wrist area to release pressure on median nerve Lower limb bones ✔✔femur, tibia, fibula, patella, tarsals humerus, radius, ulna ✔✔connect at elbow joint carpals, metacarpals, phalanges ✔✔form wrist and hand femur, tibia, fibula ✔✔connect at knee joint patella ✔✔knee bone