Chapter 13 Flashcards
What is sterilization?
The process of killing all microorganisms (bacterial, viral, and fungal) with the use of either physical or chemical agents.
What is a disinfectant?
A chemical substance that kills microorganisms on inanimate objects.
What is an antiseptic?
A chemical that is applied to a living body to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
What is asepsis?
The absence of harmful microorganisms in living tissue.
True or False: Skin can be completely sterile.
False
What is contamination?
What occurs when there is a break in sterility or asepsis.
Who proved that bacteria were a cause of disease?
Louis Pasteur.
What did Joseph Lister develop?
Antiseptic technique for performing surgery.
What is the critical number of bacteria required to cause an infection?
105 microorganisms per gram of tissue or milliliter of fluid.
What is the primary goal of asepsis?
To prevent the addition of bacteria to the surgical site.
What are the three factors that dictate the success of steam sterilization?
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Exposure time
What device is used for steam sterilization?
Autoclave.
What is the minimum time, temperature, and pressure required to sterilize items using steam?
10 minutes at 275 °F or 15 minutes at 250 °F and 15 pounds per square inch of pressure.
What gas is used for sterilizing heat-sensitive items?
Ethylene oxide.
True or False: Ethylene oxide is environmentally safe.
False
What does plasma sterilization use to sterilize items?
Reactive ions, electrons, and neutrons.
What is the common chemical used in cold chemical sterilization?
Glutaraldehyde.
What are the characteristics of an ideal antiseptic?
- Active against pathogens
- Non-irritating
- Cleansing
- Cost effective
- Long shelf life
- Safe for patient and handler
- Stable in the presence of organic matter
What is ‘hospitalism’?
The phenomenon of fatal infections becoming commonplace in hospitals due to large numbers of pathogenic bacteria.
What is isopropyl alcohol used for?
An effective disinfectant for spot cleaning.
What must instruments be free of before sterilization?
All blood, pus, feces, oil, and any other material.
What should be done if instruments are contaminated?
Soak them in a detergent-disinfectant solution until thorough cleaning is possible.
What is the maximum time instruments should remain in a soaking solution?
One hour.
What is the primary concern with using disinfectants in ultrasonic cleaners?
The heat generated may inactivate them.
