Chapter 9 - Instrument Preparation, Antisepsis and Desinfection Flashcards
What is a major cornerstone in preventing hospital-acquired surgical-site infections (SSI) in equine surgery?
A) Use of antibiotics post-surgery
B) Aseptic technique
C) Intravenous fluid administration
D) Intraoperative monitoring
B) Aseptic technique
What is essential for quality assurance in veterinary surgery when processing hospital instruments and textiles?
A) Continuous employee supervision
B) Validating cleaning and sterilization processes
C) Training staff on aseptic protocols
D) Using disposable instruments
B) Validating cleaning and sterilization processes
Lack of compliance with hygiene protocols and sterilization guidelines has been shown to lead to which of the following?
A) Increased surgical outcomes
B) Decrease in SSI outbreaks
C) Outbreaks of surgical-site infections (SSI)
D) Higher surgical success rates
C) Outbreaks of surgical-site infections (SSI)
What has been identified as a major risk factor for contamination of processed surgical instruments?
A) Poor handling practices by staff
B) Overuse of disinfectants
C) Excessive sterilization processes
D) Inadequate surgical technique
A) Poor handling practices by staff
What role do textiles play in hospital-acquired infections?
A) They reduce transmission of pathogens
B) They serve as a significant vehicle for transmission
C) They have no impact on pathogen transmission
D) They promote faster recovery
B) They serve as a significant vehicle for transmissio
Which microorganism can survive for over 90 days on pure polyester material?
A) Clostridium difficile
B) Staphylococci
C) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D) Enterococci
B) Staphylococci
According to the study, what percentage of home-laundered scrub suits were found to contain resistant microorganisms at the start of a shift?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 39%
D) 50%
C) 39%
What is a recommended laundry temperature for cleaning contaminated hospital textiles according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
A) 120°F (49°C)
B) 140°F (60°C)
C) 160°F (70°C)
D) 180°F (82°C)
C) 160°F (70°C)
How long should surgical textiles be washed at 80°C according to European guidelines?
A) 5 minutes
B) 10 minutes
C) 20 minutes
D) 30 minutes
B) 10 minutes
Why are special hospital washer-dryers recommended for laundering hospital textiles?
A) They use less water
B) They reduce pathogen numbers
C) They are cheaper to operate
D) They are easier to maintain
B) They reduce pathogen numbers
When in-clinic laundering is utilized, what should be followed to ensure cleanliness?
A) Use of household washing machines
B) Industrial machines and specific protocols
C) Lower water temperatures
D) Reuse of rinsing water
B) Industrial machines and specific protocols
What should be done with outdoor clothing, such as horse rugs, to prevent contamination?
A) Washed in the same machine as hospital textiles
B) Disinfected with chlorine
C) Washed at different locations with dedicated machines
D) Sprayed with antiseptics
C) Washed at different locations with dedicated machines
How are instruments classified for sterilization and disinfection purposes based on their risk for infection?
A) Nonsterile, semi-sterile, sterile
B) Low-risk, medium-risk, high-risk
C) Noncritical, semicritical, critical
D) Basic, intermediate, advanced
C) Noncritical, semicritical, critical
What is the primary distinction between sterilization and disinfection?
A) Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores
B) Disinfection eliminates spores but not vegetative bacteria
C) Sterilization is only for surgical tools
D) Disinfection can be applied to living tissue
A) Sterilization destroys all microbial life including spores
Which sterilization method is commonly used in health care facilities?
A) Cold water immersion
B) Steam under pressure
C) Liquid soap disinfection
D) Ultraviolet light
B) Steam under pressure
What is a key factor that affects the efficacy of disinfection and sterilization?
A) Type of medical device used
B) Temperature and pH of the process
C) Time of day the process is performed
D) Length of the surgery
B) Temperature and pH of the process
What should be done to ensure instruments are properly processed from dirty to clean?
A) All processing steps should take place in the same room
B) Each step should occur in a separate room
C) Use only disposable instruments
D) Instruments should bypass the cleaning step if sterilization is fast-tracked
B) Each step should occur in a separate room
How should instruments be handled in the preparation and packing room before sterilization?
A) They should be immediately packed
B) They should be tested for functionality and cleanliness
C) They should be washed with disinfectant
D) They should be left in open containers
B) They should be tested for functionality and cleanliness
What is the risk if the preparation and packing process is not regarded as clean?
A) Increased turnaround time
B) Recontamination with organic material
C) Loss of instrument functionality
D) Delay in surgical procedures
B) Recontamination with organic material
What is the role of antiseptics in the disinfection process?
A) They are toxic to living tissues
B) They are used only on inanimate objects
C) They are nontoxic to living tissues
D) They eliminate bacterial spores
A) They are toxic to living tissues
Which chemical method is NOT commonly used for sterilization in healthcare facilities?
A) Dry heat
B) Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas
C) Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
D) Cold-water disinfection
D) Cold-water disinfection
Which factor does NOT influence the efficacy of sterilization and disinfection?
A) Material of the instrument
B) Organic or inorganic load on the instrument
C) Cost of the disinfecting agent
D) Type and level of contamination
C) Cost of the disinfecting agent
What is a critical factor to consider when applying disinfectants to inanimate objects?
A) Temperature of the room
B) Toxicity to living tissues
C) Color of the disinfectant
D) Contact time and concentration
D) Contact time and concentration
What is the main difference between a disinfectant and an antiseptic?
A) Disinfectants are for living tissues, while antiseptics are for objects
B) Disinfectants are for inanimate objects, while antiseptics are for living tissues
C) Disinfectants kill all microorganisms, while antiseptics kill spores
D) Disinfectants are more effective than antiseptics
B) Disinfectants are for inanimate objects, while antiseptics are for living tissues
What should personnel working in the clean and packing rooms of a surgical facility wear?
A) Casual clothing
B) Surgical scrubs
C) Regular outdoor attire
D) Protective gowns
B) Surgical scrubs
How should packed instruments be moved after preparation?
A) Directly to the surgery room
B) To a sterilization room
C) Stored without sterilization
D) Sent for further cleaning
B) To a sterilization room
Which factor is crucial in processing textiles and instruments to prevent contamination?
A) Speed of the washing cycle
B) Training of staff handling surgical clothing
C) Use of disposable clothing
D) Lack of follow-up after sterilization
B) Training of staff handling surgical clothing
What method of sterilization is typically used for instruments that cannot withstand high heat?
A) Cold sterilization
B) Steam sterilization
C) Dry heat sterilization
D) Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization
D) Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization
What is an example of a critical instrument that requires complete sterilization before use?
A) External splint
B) Thermometer
C) Scalpel
D) Hospital bed sheets
C) Scalpel
What is the primary purpose of prewashing instruments?
A) To sterilize the instruments
B) To remove visible organic and inorganic material
C) To lubricate the instruments
D) To check for instrument damage
B) To remove visible organic and inorganic material
Why is it important to wipe instruments during surgery before placing them back on the surgical table?
A) To prevent loss of the instrument
B) To prevent blood from drying on the instrument
C) To lubricate the instrument
D) To improve surgical efficiency
B) To prevent blood from drying on the instrument
What should be done to instruments immediately after returning from the surgery room?
A) Sterilize them directly
B) Rinse them in cold water
C) Leave them overnight for soaking
D) Pack them for storage
B) Rinse them in cold water
For how long can instruments be left soaking before final processing is recommended?
A) 1 hour
B) 6 hours
C) 12 hours
D) 24 hours
B) 6 hours
What role does water play in the cleaning and sterilizing of instruments?
A) Dissolves detergents and unclotted blood
B) Increases the temperature of instruments
C) Removes organic material with heat
D) Dissolves the sterilizing agents
A) Dissolves detergents and unclotted blood
How does water hardness affect the cleaning process?
A) Increases cleaning efficiency
B) Reduces effectiveness of blood removal in cold water prewashes
C) Has no effect on cleaning
D) Speeds up the sterilization process
B) Reduces effectiveness of blood removal in cold water prewashes
What is the optimal type of water to use for cleaning surgical instruments?
A) Tap water
B) Distilled water
C) Demineralized or softened water
D) Rainwater
C) Demineralized or softened water
What is a prerinsing alternative to manual cleaning for surgical instruments?
A) Alcohol-based rinses
B) Enzymatic detergent solution
C) Boiling in water
D) Chlorine rinse
B) Enzymatic detergent solution
How long does a typical enzymatic detergent need for effective cleaning at room temperature?
A) 2-5 minutes
B) 10-20 minutes
C) 30-45 minutes
D) 1-2 hours
C) 30-45 minutes
What type of detergent solution is recommended after prewashing instruments?
A) Acidic
B) Neutral or near-neutral pH
C) Alkaline
D) Chlorine-based
B) Neutral or near-neutral pH
Why are instruments with narrow lumens, such as cannulas, difficult to clean?
A) They are too large
B) Their internal surfaces are not easily accessible
C) They require more detergent
D) They corrode faster
B) Their internal surfaces are not easily accessible
What should be used to clean instruments containing narrow lumens?
A) Metal brushes
B) Compressed air and soft, lint-free cloths
C) Steel wool
D) Household cleaning agents
B) Compressed air and soft, lint-free cloths
After cleaning, how should surgical instruments ideally be dried?
A) Air-dried
B) Dried with compressed air
C) Towel dried
D) Left in direct sunlight
B) Dried with compressed air
What cleaning method is most effective at removing impacted debris from complex surfaces?
A) Manual scrubbing
B) Boiling in water
C) Ultrasonic cleaning
D) Alcohol-based cleaning
C) Ultrasonic cleaning
Which detergent is preferred during ultrasonic cleaning?
A) Foaming enzymatic detergent
B) Nonfoaming enzymatic detergent
C) Alcohol-based detergent
D) Neutral pH detergent
B) Nonfoaming enzymatic detergent
Why must instruments be rinsed after ultrasonic cleaning?
A) To remove water
B) To cool them down
C) To remove loosened debris and cleaner residues
D) To sanitize them
C) To remove loosened debris and cleaner residues
Why is it important to avoid bacterial contamination of ultrasonic cleaning solutions?
A) They can corrode the instruments
B) They can damage the ultrasonic cleaner
C) They can result in endotoxin contamination of surgical instruments
D) They reduce cleaning efficiency
C) They can result in endotoxin contamination of surgical instruments
What is the function of an automated washer–disinfector in the cleaning process?
A) To sterilize instruments
B) To combine cleaning with heat disinfection
C) To lubricate instruments
D) To dry instruments
B) To combine cleaning with heat disinfection
What temperature is achieved during the disinfection phase in an automated washer–disinfector?
A) 60-65°C
B) 70-75°C
C) 90-93°C
D) 100°C
C) 90-93°C
What is the A0-value in the context of disinfection?
A) A measure of time at 100°C
B) A pH measurement
C) A time-temperature equivalent used to measure disinfection effectiveness
D) A measurement of mechanical cleaning efficiency
C) A time-temperature equivalent used to measure disinfection effectiveness
What is the recommended A0-value for highly secure disinfection?
A) 1000
B) 2000
C) 5000
D) 10,000
C) 5000
Why are household dishwashers not suitable for processing surgical instruments?
A) They achieve an A0-value of only 285
B) They are too expensive
C) They use too much water
D) They require special detergents
A) They achieve an A0-value of only 285
Why are professional dishwashers recommended over household dishwashers for instrument cleaning?
A) They are less expensive
B) They achieve better heat and water processing for safe disinfection
C) They use less energy
D) They are faster
B) They achieve better heat and water processing for safe disinfection
What type of lubricant should be used on surgical instruments before sterilization?
A) Oil-based lubricants
B) Water-soluble lubricants
C) Grease-based lubricants
D) Alcohol-based lubricants
B) Water-soluble lubricants
What is the primary function of packaging surgical instruments?
A) To protect them during surgery
B) To allow sterilization and maintain sterility until use
C) To make them easier to transport
D) To reduce the need for lubrication
B) To allow sterilization and maintain sterility until use
How should hinged instruments be packed before sterilization?
A) Closed
B) Partially opened
C) Fully opened
D) Disassembled
C) Fully opened
What is the most effective wrapping material for sterilization?
A) Cotton
B) Linen fabrics
C) Disposable nonwoven wrappers
D) Paper
C) Disposable nonwoven wrappers
Why is cotton fabric not ideal for wrapping instruments for sterilization?
A) It allows moisture to pass through
B) It is too strong for autoclaving
C) It damages the instruments
D) It prevents proper sterilization
A) It allows moisture to pass through
What type of instrument packaging is not compatible with hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?
A) Aluminum composite containers
B) Paper pouches
C) Cellulose-containing materials
D) Synthetic nonwoven materials
C) Cellulose-containing materials
Why should the sharp ends of instruments be protected during packing?
A) To avoid damaging the instrument
B) To prevent perforation of the packaging material
C) To prevent accidental cuts during handling
D) To allow air circulation
B) To prevent perforation of the packaging material
How should surgical packs be labeled?
A) Using a sharp object to engrave on the pack
B) Using a pen on the plastic side of pouches
C) Using a marker on the paper side of the pouch
D) Using adhesive stickers on all packs
B) Using a pen on the plastic side of pouches
What should be done if a surgical pack becomes wet?
A) Let it dry and store it
B) Use it within 24 hours
C) Reprocess it
D) Store it separately from other packs
C) Reprocess it
Why is it important to maintain relative humidity and temperature during packing?
A) To ensure packaging is easy
B) To avoid the instruments rusting
C) To prevent condensate buildup and contamination
D) To achieve faster sterilization
C) To prevent condensate buildup and contamination
Which process is considered the most secure for packing instruments?
A) Sequential envelope folding
B) Nonsequential wrapping
C) Single packing in plastic
D) Wrapping in cloth
A) Sequential envelope folding
Why is it important to wrap instruments snugly but not too tight?
A) To prevent heat loss during sterilization
B) To avoid strikethrough or material breakage
C) To prevent over-drying of the pack
D) To enhance air circulation
B) To avoid strikethrough or material breakage
What type of tray is a cost-effective alternative to medical trays for instrument sets?
A) Wooden trays
B) Plastic trays
C) Industrial kitchenware gastro-norm perforated trays
D) Paper trays
C) Industrial kitchenware gastro-norm perforated trays
What should be checked before storing sterilized surgical packs?
A) The cleanliness of the storage area
B) The integrity of the packs
C) The size of the pack
D) The sterilization method
B) The integrity of the packs
What is the shelf life of surgical packs in disposable nonwoven wrappers?
A) 30 days
B) 90 days
C) 1 year
D) Indefinite
C) 1 year
Why should packing materials be at room temperature before sterilization?
A) To prevent condensation and ensure sterility
B) To avoid damaging the instruments
C) To ensure faster drying
D) To increase sterilization effectiveness
A) To prevent condensation and ensure sterility
What is the advantage of using double packaging for surgical instruments?
A) Increases sterilization speed
B) Increases shelf life and extra security during surgery
C) Reduces weight of the pack
D) Avoids using disposable pouches
B) Increases shelf life and extra security during surgery
Why are packs best stored in closed shelving systems?
A) To maintain a sterile environment
B) To extend sterility shelf life
C) To avoid physical damage to instruments
D) To limit access to unauthorized personnel
B) To extend sterility shelf life
What is the primary reason surgical packs should not be stacked or pushed into drawers?
A) It causes difficulty in retrieval
B) It damages the integrity of the packing
C) It leads to contamination
D) It shortens the shelf life
Shelf life of surgical packs is primarily related to which factor?
A) Expiration date
B) Time of sterilization
C) Event-related factors
D) Type of instruments packed
C) Event-related factors
Which environmental factors increase the risk of contamination of surgical packs?
A) Bioburden and traffic
B) Lighting and storage temperature
C) Noise levels and cleanliness
D) Distance from the sterilization unit
A) Bioburden and traffic
Sterility maintenance covers should be used in which of the following circumstances?
A) When instruments are being immediately used
B) When the packs will be stored for long periods
C) When the sterilization process is ongoing
D) When the items are hot and moist
B) When the packs will be stored for long periods
When should sterility maintenance covers be applied?
A) Before sterilization begins
B) During the drying process
C) After items are cool and dry
D) Immediately after the sterilization process
C) After items are cool and dry
What contamination risk is common during the unpacking of surgical instruments?
A) Airborne contamination
B) Temperature fluctuations
C) Improper handling
D) Lack of sterilization indicators
C) Improper handling
Which type of contamination is most common in processed surgical instruments?
A) Fungal
B) Viral
C) Protein residues and biofilm
D) Prions
C) Protein residues and biofilm
Which instrument design increases the adherence of biofilm?
A) Smooth surfaces
B) Instruments with lumens and crevices
C) Stainless steel tools
D) Short and simple tools
B) Instruments with lumens and crevices
Which of the following is a key factor in reducing biofilm formation?
A) Using chemical sterilizers
B) Delaying the sterilization process
C) Shortening the time between use and reprocessing
D) Increasing water temperature
C) Shortening the time between use and reprocessing
ATP bioluminescence tests are used to detect:
A) Heat sterilization effectiveness
B) Residual contamination
C) Humidity levels in storage rooms
D) Proper mechanical indicator function
B) Residual contamination
Which sterilization indicator provides the highest level of sterility assurance?
A) Chemical indicators
B) Mechanical indicators
C) Biological indicators
D) Temperature gauges
C) Biological indicators
What does a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶ imply?
A) One in a million chance for a non-sterile unit
B) One in a million chance for successful sterilization
C) One in ten thousand chance for contamination
D) One in a billion chance for recontamination
A) One in a million chance for a non-sterile unit
How should bowls be arranged in an autoclave to ensure proper sterilization?
A) Placed flat on the surface
B) Stacked on top of each other
C) With openings facing down or to the side
D) Filled with water
C) With openings facing down or to the side
Which type of bacteria spores are used to calibrate steam sterilization effectiveness?
A) Coagulase-negative staphylococci
B) Bacillus subtilis
C) Geobacillus stearothermophilus
D) Escherichia coli
C) Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Why should packs be loaded loosely in the autoclave?
A) To prevent moisture buildup
B) To allow for even steam circulation
C) To reduce the number of packs sterilized at once
D) To protect them from physical damage
B) To allow for even steam circulation
What is a critical feature of proper sterilization in valve containers?
A) Sealing the container tightly
B) Using chemical sterilants inside
C) Ensuring the valve is open
D) Adding extra cotton plugs inside
C) Ensuring the valve is open
What happens when steam contacts a cooler surface during sterilization?
A) Evaporation
B) Condensation
C) Temperature equalization
D) Air displacement
B) Condensation
What is the recommended drying time for low-density items like plastic or rubber after steam sterilization?
A) 5 minutes
B) 15 to 30 minutes
C) 60 minutes
D) No drying time is needed
B) 15 to 30 minutes
Why is flash sterilization not recommended for routine use?
A) It uses chemical sterilants
B) It does not remove bioburden effectively
C) It involves high temperatures
D) It is used only in emergencies or for contaminated items
D) It is used only in emergencies or for contaminated items
What is the purpose of the Bowie-Dick test?
A) To check for leaks in autoclaves
B) To confirm that air removal and steam penetration are complete
C) To measure ATP levels in autoclaves
D) To test mechanical indicator accuracy
B) To confirm that air removal and steam penetration are complete