Q. What is the main advantage of using steam sterilization over dry heat sterilization?
A.Faster sterilization time
B.Lower temperatures required
C.More effective against spores
D.All of the above
Solution
Steam sterilization has the advantages of faster sterilization time, lower temperatures required, and greater effectiveness against spores compared to dry heat sterilization.
Correct Answer: D — All of the above
Q. What is the primary difference between disinfection and sterilization?
A.Disinfection kills all microorganisms, sterilization does not
B.Sterilization kills all microorganisms, disinfection does not
C.Disinfection is faster than sterilization
D.Sterilization is only for surgical instruments
Solution
The primary difference is that sterilization kills all microorganisms, while disinfection reduces the number of viable organisms but may not eliminate all.
Correct Answer: B — Sterilization kills all microorganisms, disinfection does not
Q. What is the primary mechanism of action for alcohol-based disinfectants?
A.Denaturation of proteins
B.Disruption of cell membranes
C.Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis
D.Oxidation of cellular components
Solution
Alcohol-based disinfectants primarily work by denaturing proteins, which disrupts cellular functions and leads to cell death.
Correct Answer: A — Denaturation of proteins
Q. Which of the following is a common indicator used to verify the effectiveness of sterilization?
A.Biological indicators
B.Chemical indicators
C.Physical indicators
D.All of the above
Solution
All of the above types of indicators can be used to verify the effectiveness of sterilization processes.
Correct Answer: D — All of the above
Q. Which of the following is a limitation of using ethylene oxide for sterilization?
A.It is effective against spores
B.It requires long exposure times
C.It is non-toxic
D.It can be used for heat-sensitive items
Solution
Ethylene oxide requires long exposure times to achieve sterilization, which can be a limitation in clinical settings.
Correct Answer: B — It requires long exposure times
Q. Which of the following is a method of disinfection that uses high-energy radiation?
A.Chemical disinfection
B.Ultraviolet light
C.Autoclaving
D.Boiling
Solution
Ultraviolet light is a method of disinfection that uses high-energy radiation to kill or inactivate microorganisms.
Correct Answer: B — Ultraviolet light
Q. Which of the following methods is NOT considered a form of sterilization?
A.Autoclaving
B.Dry heat sterilization
C.Chemical disinfection
D.Filtration
Solution
Chemical disinfection is a method used to reduce microbial load but does not guarantee the elimination of all microorganisms, thus it is not considered sterilization.
