CDC 4A151 Volume 1 – Fundamentals of Medical Materiel Practice Test

Maintaining consistent humidity levels is crucial for sensitive medical supplies because fluctuations in humidity can lead to damage or degradation of these items. Many medical supplies, such as certain pharmaceuticals, sterile products, and electronic medical devices, are sensitive to moisture, which can affect their stability and effectiveness. For instance, high humidity can promote mold growth and alter the chemical composition of medications, while low humidity can lead to the desiccation of products.

In contrast, exposure to varying temperatures can also be harmful, but it is specifically the humidity levels that can severely compromise the integrity of products that require specific moisture conditions. Ensuring that the environment where medical supplies are stored has controlled humidity helps protect their quality and prolongs their shelf life, thereby better serving patient care.

Options involving free access for all pharmacy staff or open storage without restrictions may lead to unauthorized access or contamination, which can further jeopardize the quality and safety of medical supplies.