Decontamination and Workplace Safety

Question 1

Biofilm

Answer 1

A collection of microorganisms that attach to surfaces to form a colony.

These are difficult to eradicate due to a protective gel that covers them.

Question 2

Bioburden

Answer 2

Gross debris containing organic material, such as blood

Question 3

Sharps

Answer 3

Any instrument that have sharp edges, points, or serrations.

Sharps can also be disposable in nature, such as hypodermic needles and scalpel blades. Great care must be given when coming into contact with any of these items.

Question 4

Lumen

Answer 4

Hollow tube of anatomy (vessel) or within a surgical instrument, such as the inner portion of a suction tip

Question 5

Best practices

Answer 5

Science-based techniques and how we use chemicals and or technologies, as decided by a peer review of professionals directly I’m involved with an industry.

Standard and regulations are often created and enforced based on data from best-practices research and empirical evidence.

Question 6

Turnover

Answer 6

The task of removing all soiled instruments, equipment, linen, and trash from the OR.

The floors are mopped, surfaces are wiped down with the correct disinfectants, and trash, linen, and red bags are placed in the correct receptacles.

Usually, a dedicated team of nursing assistants are assigned to do this task in between surgical cases, but it is technically the responsibility of everyone on the team to get the job done. Everyone is expected to help with turnover.

Question 7

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Answer 7

A process of water purification to remove all impurities by forcing the water through a semipermeable membrane

Question 8

Deionized water

Answer 8

Water that has had all minerals removed from it

Question 9

Distilled water

Answer 9

Water that has been heated to a steam state, then cooled and condensed to liquid. This process removes some bacteria and impurities such as organic material.

Question 10

pH

Answer 10

A description through a numeric scale to designate the alkalinity, acidity, or neutrality of a substance, such as water.

Question 11

“Milk”

Answer 11

The white liquid the lubricates an instrument.

Submerging the instrument in this liquid will help with stiffness and any catching a ratchet, box lock, or hinge may have.

Question 12

Chelating agent

Answer 12

A chemical that prevents soaps or detergents from reacting with hard water minerals.

Question 13

Cavitation

Answer 13

The process of an Ultrasonic cleaner that uses low-pressure bubbles to force soil and debris off the surface of the instrument.

Question 14

Surfactant

Answer 14

These chemicals lower the surface tension of water and increases solubility of organic compounds.

Question 15

Emulsifier

Answer 15

An ingredient that binds substances that normally would not be bound together.

Question 16

Sterile

Answer 16

Absence of all living microorganisms

Question 17

Universal precautions

Answer 17

Standard guidelines established to prevent the transmission of pathogens from one person to another.

Question 18

Bloodborne pathogen

Answer 18

Infectious microorganisms found in blood, which can cause harm.

Question 19

Occupational Health

Answer 19

A department within a healthcare facility designated to handle employ health-related injuries that occurred at work, or an injury that occurred elsewhere but effects their ability to return to work at full capacity.