Chapter 7 Key Terms

Question 0

autoclave

Answer 0

Device to accomplish steam or gas sterilization

Question 1

asepsis

Answer 1

Absence of microorganisms

Question 2

bioburden

Answer 2

Amount of gross organic debris or the number of microorganisms on an object at any given time

Question 3

biological indicator

Answer 3

A method for testing the sterilization capability of a sterilizer; contains microorganisms that are killed when exposed to a sterilization process; only method of guaranteeing the sterility of an item (s).

Question 4

Bowie-Dick test

Answer 4

Specifically designed for use with a precacuum steam sterilizer to test for air entrapment.

Question 5

cavitation

Answer 5

Mechanical process used by ultrasonic cleaners during which air pockets implode to dislodge debris and soil from the crevices and serrations of surgical instruments and equipment.

Question 6

chelation

Answer 6

A method of cleaning instruments in which the chosen cleaning solution uses the process of binding ions, such as iron and magnesium, in the solution to prevent their deposit on the surface of surgical instruments.

Question 7

chemical indicator

Answer 7

Internal or external monitor that changes color when exposed to the sterilization process, only indicates that the sterilization process has occurred it does not

Question 8

colonization

Answer 8

The growth and collection of microbes into a group that lives in a particular area, such as the colonization of S. aureus in the nares of humans.

Question 9

contaminated

Answer 9

Soiled w/ gross debris or by the presence of microbes.

Question 10

endoscopes

Answer 10

A general term used to describe the various types of flexible or rigid scopes used to view the internal structures of the body.

Question 11

event-related sterility

Answer 11

Sterility determined by how a sterile package is handled rather than time elapsed; the package is considered Sterile until opened, or until the integrity of the packaging material is compromised.

Question 12

flash sterilization

Answer 12

A process of quickly sterilizing unwrapped items (such as a surgical instrument that has dropped on the floor on the floor and is needed right away) using a prevacuum or gravity steam sterilizers.

Question 13

immersion

Answer 13

Placing an item in a container so it is completely covered by a liquid, such as immersing a surgical instrument in glutaraldehyde.

Question 14

integrity

Answer 14

Complete with no breaks or tears.

Question 15

intermediate-level disinfection

Answer 15

Level of disinfection in which mast microorganisms are killed except spores.

Question 16

Julian date

Answer 16

Calendar days that are sequentially numbered through the year; often used when maintaining sterilization records. Ex. February 1 would be the 32nd day of the Julian calendar.

Question 17

Lister

Answer 17

Joseph Lister; an English surgeon in the 19th century and the “father of antiseptic surgery”; applied Pasteur’s principles to the surgical practice. His contributions led to the establishment of the principles of asepsis in the operating room.

Question 18

Lumen

Answer 18

The opening in a tube or vessel.

Question 19

pathogens

Answer 19

Microorganism that is capable of causing disease.

Question 20

permeability

Answer 20

The condition of being permeable; capable of allowing the passage of fluids or substances.

Question 21

sterile field

Answer 21

Area of sterility maintained by the surgical team during procedure

Question 22

sterile technique

Answer 22

Methods used to prevent contamination of the sterile field and prevent the patient from acquiring a postoperative wound infection.

Question 23

sterilization

Answer 23

(1) procedure to render an individual incapable of reproduction; (2) process by which all microorganisms; including spores are destroyed.

Question 24

surgical conscience

Answer 24

The basis for the practice of strict adherence to sterile technique by all surgical team members; involved of level of honesty and moral integrity that must be upheld.

Question 25

ultrasonic cleaner

Answer 25

Removed small organic particles and soil from areas of instrumentation that manual or mechanical cleaning cannot reach.

Question 26

Surgical Site Infection

Answer 26

SSI- an infection of the surgical wound that was acquired during the course of the surgical procedure.