Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What is the primary function of chemical indicators in the sterilization process?

1. To confirm that sterilization has been achieved

2. To measure microbial killing power

3. To serve as an outside process indicator

4. To provide resistant spores for testing

The correct answer is: To serve as an outside process indicator

The primary function of chemical indicators in the sterilization process is to confirm that sterilization has been achieved. Chemical indicators are designed to change color or otherwise signal that a specific condition has been met during the sterilization cycle, such as exposure to steam, heat, or gas for an adequate amount of time. These indicators typically respond to physical parameters like temperature and pressure, indicating whether the conditions necessary for sterilization were attained. Their presence helps the healthcare team ensure that the sterilization process was effective, especially in recognizing any gaps in the procedure that could compromise instrument safety and patient outcomes. While options referring to microbial killing power, resistant spores for testing, and outside process indicators describe aspects related to sterilization and monitoring, they do not embody the primary role of chemical indicators, which focus squarely on affirmatively signaling the achievement of the sterilization process.