South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What daily cleaning procedure should be performed in a sterile compounding area?

1. Disinfect the entire area with bleach

2. Dust all surfaces and instruments

3. Clean countertops, hoods, and equipment

4. Steam sterilize all tools and surfaces

The correct answer is: Clean countertops, hoods, and equipment

Cleaning procedures in a sterile compounding area are critical for maintaining a contamination-free environment essential for patient safety. The correct response identifies that cleaning countertops, hoods, and equipment is paramount in a sterile compounding area. This option encompasses the routine necessary to ensure that surfaces where compounding occurs are free from particulate matter and microbial contamination, which is crucial in preventing infections and ensuring the sterility of compounded preparations. Countertops and hoods are especially important because they are frequently used in the preparation of sterile products; thus, maintaining their cleanliness directly impacts the quality and safety of compounded medications. The other options, while they may involve cleaning methods, are less applicable or inappropriate for regular practice in a sterile compounding space. For instance, using bleach can be too harsh and may not be approved or recommended for all surfaces, as it can cause degradation of certain materials. Dusting surfaces does not adequately address microbial contamination, which is critical to control in a sterile area. Finally, steam sterilization of all tools and surfaces is impractical and not necessary for routine cleaning, as it is a specific method required under certain conditions and not for daily cleaning tasks. By selecting the procedure that focuses specifically on cleaning essential surfaces, the correct choice aligns with established best practices in