Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

Which class of chemical indicator reacts to all critical parameters during sterilization?

1. Class III

2. Class IV

3. Class II

4. Class I

The correct answer is: Class IV

The appropriate answer indicates that Class IV chemical indicators are specifically designed to respond to all critical parameters during the sterilization process, which includes time, temperature, and the presence of certain chemicals. These indicators provide a more comprehensive assessment of the sterilization process than other classes because they react to multiple factors that ensure effective sterilization. Class IV indicators undergo a chemical change only when all specified conditions for sterilization are met, making them reliable for verifying that the items being sterilized have undergone sufficient exposure to the sterilizing agent. This level of monitoring is crucial in maintaining patient safety and ensuring that instruments are adequately sterilized before use in surgical procedures. In contrast, other classes of indicators do not offer the same level of comprehensive assessment; for example, Class I indicators merely indicate that the sterilization process has occurred without providing detailed information on whether all critical parameters were met.