Final answer:
The respiratory therapist should send the contaminated mouthpieces to be resterilized, as viable spores indicate that they are not safe for use.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the disposable biological indicator in a package of non-disposable mouthpieces shows the presence of viable spores, the correct action for the respiratory therapist to take is to send the equipment to be resterilized. Using mouthpieces contaminated with viable spores can pose a serious health risk to patients as it can lead to infections.
None of the other options—wiping the mouthpieces with alcohol, soaking them in Cidex for 10 minutes, or placing them into service without resterilization—are adequate for ensuring the elimination of resistant spores like those of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can survive harsh conditions. Therefore, the equipment must undergo a proper sterilization process, usually including high temperatures and pressures, to ensure patient safety and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections.