Ch. 7 Infection Control: Clinical Procedures

Question 1

Sterilization and disinfection of patient items are categorized into

Answer 1

Critical
-things that come into contact with soft tissue and bone
-highest risk of disease transitions
-disposed of sterilized with heat
(Instruments; scalers , probes, etc)

Semi critical
-contact with intact mucous membranes
-disposed or sterilized with heat or high level disinfect
(Mouth mirrors, impression trays, radiology etc)

Non critical
-could potentially come in contact with intact skin lowest risk
(X-ray tube head, Bo cuff)

Question 2

Instrument Processing (recirculation)

Answer 2

Instrument cleaning and decontamination (thermal disinfector or ultrasonic)
Rinse and dry
Instrument packaging and management (bag)
Seal
Sterilize
Store packaged
Clinic use
Repeated

Question 3

Chemical Indicators

Answer 3

Not a confirmation that the instruments are properly sterilized only confirms that temperature was reached

Question 4

Approved methods for sterilization

Answer 4

Steam under pressure (autoclave)
Dry heat
Chemical vapor
Immediate use steam sterilization (flash)
Chemical (cold) sterilization - not recommended

Question 5

Moist Heat: Steam Under Pressure

Answer 5

All microorganisms destroyed quickly and efficiently (coagulation proteins and enzymes)
Most economical method of sterilization!
Autoclaves

Question 6

Dry Heat

Answer 6

Disadvantage
Not economical - long exposure time
Slow and uneven

Advantage
All materials and instruments, no corrosion

Question 7

Chemical Vapor Sterilizer

Answer 7

Advantage
Doesn’t cause corrosion or rust on carbon steel instruments

Disadvantage
Adequate ventilation is needed

Question 8

Intermediate use steam sterilization

Answer 8

Flash
Unwrapped instruments
Need to be immediately used
Can not be stored

Question 9

Chemical Liquid Sterilization

Answer 9

Cold sterile
Impossible to verify sterility

Question 10

Chemical Disinfectants

Answer 10

Always follow manufacturers guidelines
Levels
High disinfectant or sterilant, inter. Does not kill spores, low certain bacteria and viruses

Question 11

Selecting a chemical disinfectant

Answer 11

Effective in control of microorganisms (high level)
Practical use

Question 12

Properties of a Disinfectant

Answer 12

Broad spectrum
Fast acting
Unaffected by physical factors
Nontoxic
Surface compatibility
Residual effect on treated surfaces
Easy to use
Odorless
Economical

Question 13

Barriers

Answer 13

Serve a purpose, prevents contamination
Areas heavily soiled

Question 14

When removing contaminated barriers

Answer 14

Always wear PPE