Decontamination. Sterilization, and Disinfection Flashcards

1
Q

An authoritative source of standards for sterilization and disinfection.

A

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)

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2
Q

A process that greatly reduces the number of microorganisms on skin or other tissue.

A

antisepsis

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3
Q

Able to kill bacteria.

A

bactericidal

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4
Q

Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

A

bacteriostatic

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5
Q

Dense colonies of bacteria that adhere tightly to surfaces and are resistant to chemical disinfectants; are a matrix of extracellular polymers produced by microorganisms, which bind the microorganisms tightly to a living or nonliving surface, thus making them highly resistant to antimicrobial action.

A

biofilms

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6
Q

A quality control mechanism used in the process of sterilization, consisting of a closed system containing harmless, spore-forming bacteria that can be rapidly cultured after the sterilization process.

A

biological indicator

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7
Q

A method of receiving clean and sterile equipment and preparing it for transportation to a central decontamination area; all equipment is contained within a covered, movable storage cart.

A

case cart system

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8
Q

A process in which air bubbles are imploded (burst inward), releasing particles of soil or tissue debris.

A

cavitation

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9
Q

The area of the hospital where medical devices and equipment are processed (aka Central Surgical Supply or Surgical Processing department).

A

Central Processing (CP) department

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10
Q

Skilled professionals who specialize in processing and maintenance of medical devices used in the healthcare facility.

A

Central Processing (CP) technicians

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11
Q

A method of testing a sterilization parameter - chemical strips sensitive to physical conditions, such as temperature, are placed with the item being sterilized and change color when the parameter is reached; sometimes called a sterile monitor.

A

chemical indicator

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12
Q

A process that uses chemical agents to achieve sterilization.

A

chemical sterilization

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13
Q

A suffix indicating death (ex. “bactericidal” means “to kill bacteria”).

A

-cidal

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14
Q

A process that removes organic or inorganic soil or debris using detergent and washing.

A

cleaning

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15
Q

A method of institutional bulk sterilization used by manufacturers to sterilize prepackaged equipment using ionizing radiation.

A

Cobalt-60 radiation

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16
Q

Rendered non-sterile and unacceptable for use in critical areas of the body.

A

contaminated

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17
Q

A process in which recently used and soiled medical devices and instruments are rendered safe for personnel to handle.

A

decontamination

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18
Q

A chemical that breaks down organic debris by emulsification (separation into small particles) to aid in cleaning.

A

detergent

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19
Q

Destruction of microorganisms by heat or chemical means (note: spores are usually not destroyed by this method).

A

disinfection

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20
Q

A specific chemical used in detergents and cleaners to penetrate and break down biological debris, such as blood and tissue.

A

enzymatic cleaner

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21
Q

A highly flammable gas that is capable of sterilizing an object.

A

ethylene oxide (EO, EtO)

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22
Q

A wrapped sterile item may become contaminated by environmental conditions or events, such as a puncture in the wrapper. Event-related sterility refers to sterility based on the absence of such events. The shelf life of a sterilized pack is event related, not time related.

A

event-related sterility

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23
Q

Methods and procedures proven to be valid by rigorous testing and professional research.

A

evidence-based practices

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24
Q

The amount of time goods are held at a specific time, temperature, and pressure during a sterilization process; varies with the size of the load, type of materials being sterilized, type of materials being sterilized, and type of sterilizer (note: exposure time is sometimes called the hold time).

A

exposure time

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25
Q

Able to kill fungi.

A

fungicidal

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26
Q

A process that uses the form of matter known as plasma (e.g. hydrogen peroxide plasma) to sterilize an item; also referred to as plasma sterilization.

A

gas plasma sterilization

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27
Q

Able to kill germs (bacteria).

A

germicidal

28
Q

A type of sterilizer that removes air by gravity.

A

gravity displacement sterilizer

29
Q

A process that reduces the bioburden to an absolute minimum.

A

high level disinfection (HLD)

30
Q

A type of steam sterilizer that removes air in the chamber by vacuum and refills it with pressurized steam; also known as a pre-vacuum sterilizer.

A

high-vacuum sterilizer

31
Q

Non-living.

A

inanimate

32
Q

Defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “a device that is placed into a surgically or naturally formed cavity of the human body if it is intended to remain there for a period of 30 days or more”.

A

implant

33
Q

Items to be sterilized shortly before surgery must be processed so they are ready as close to the time of surgery as possible; previously called “flash sterilization”.

A

immediate-use sterilization

34
Q

International organization that represents Central Service Technicians by providing opportunities for continuing education, professional development, and communication among its members. Certification programs are offered for Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS), and Certified in Healthcare Leadership (CHL).

A

International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM)

35
Q

A government-mandated requirement for all chemicals used in the workplace; must be available for each chemical an employee is required to handle in his/her work. It describes the formulation, safe use, precautions, and emergency response.

A

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

36
Q

Any equipment, instrument, implant, material, or apparatus used for the diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of patients.

A

medical device

37
Q

Items that are not required to be sterile because they do not penetrate intact tissues (i.e. patient care items such as blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, etc.).

A

non-critical items

38
Q

A fabric or material that is bonded together as opposed to a process of interweaving individual threads.

A

non-woven

39
Q

A chemical used in the sterilization of critical items, used in the Steris

A

peracetic acid

40
Q

Approved attire worn during the reprocessing of medical devices and the cleaning of patient areas; protects the wearer from contamination by microorganisms.

A

personal protective equipment (PPE)

41
Q

Proteinaceous infectious particle; a unique pathogenic substance that contains no nucleic acid. It is transmitted by direct contact or ingestion and is resistant to all forms of disinfection and sterilization normally used in the health care setting. Responsible for Creutzfeld-Jakob disease (CJD)

A

prion

42
Q

A sealed, harmless bacteriological sample included in a load of goods to be sterilized. The sample is recovered following the sterilization process and cultured to test for viability; also called biological monitoring.

A

process challenge monitoring

43
Q

Activities or tasks that prepare used medical devices for use on another patient; includes cleaning, disinfection, decontamination, and sterilization.

A

reprocessing

44
Q

A method that reduces the number of bacteria in the environment to a safe level.

A

sanitation

45
Q

The length of time a wrapped item remains sterile after it has been subjected to a sterilization process.

A

shelf life

46
Q

A system used to determine the level of microbial destruction required for medical devices and supplies based on the risk of infection associated with the area of the body where the device is used.

A

Spaulding system

47
Q

Able to kill spores.

A

sporicidal

48
Q

A process by which all microorganisms, including spores, are destroyed.

A

sterilization

49
Q

Thorough cleaning and disinfection of supplies or an environment, such as the operating room suite, after patient use; specific protocols are used.

A

terminal decontamination

50
Q

Equipment that cleans instruments using ultrasonic waves.

A

ultrasonic cleaner

51
Q

Able to kill viruses.

A

viricidal

52
Q

Equipment that washes and decontaminates instruments after an operative procedure.

A

washer-sterilizer/disinfector

53
Q

Fabric cloths used to wrap clean, disinfected supplies in preparation for a sterilization process; also called linen or cloth wrappers.

A

woven wrappers

54
Q

Condition that occurs postoperatively after cataract surgery when various substances, including those not removed during reprocessing, enter the eye’s anterior chamber during or after surgery; can result in damage to the intraocular tissue and loss of vision.

A

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS)

55
Q

What agents/substances can cause TASS?

A

— Detergents used on instruments during washing/decontamination

— Lubricants used on instruments during washing/decontamination

— Topical antiseptics and lubricating agents

— Powder from surgical gloves

— Mytomycin C

— Improperly reconstituted intraocular preparations

56
Q

The professional association for perioperative nurses that publishes standards and guidelines of practice for all areas of perioperative care.

A

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

57
Q

The professional organization of surgical technologists that publishes guidelines for many practices in the perioperative setting.

A

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)

58
Q

The federal agency that provides research and protocols in all areas of public health.

A

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

59
Q

Joint federal agencies that provide research and protocols in all areas of public health and infection control, including those in the professional environment.

A

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (CDC-HICPAC)

60
Q

Research and consulting organization that applies scientific research to determine which medical procedures, devices, drugs, and processes are best for patient care; formerly known as Emergency Care Research Institute

A

ECRI Institute

61
Q

The accreditation agency for all health care organizations in the United States that oversees compliance with environmental and patient safety regulations and enforces compliance with standards.

A

The Joint Commission (TJC)

62
Q

The federal agency responsible for the regulation of medical devices, drugs, food, and cosmetics.

A

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

63
Q

What attire (PPE) is required in the decontamination area?

A

— Protective eyewear (i.e. goggles with side shields)

— Face shield

— Gloves approved for contact with chemical disinfectants (surgical or patient care gloves are not permitted)

— Full protective body suit or gown with waterproof apron and sleeves

— Waterproof shoes and covers

64
Q

How are instruments grouped/sorted for reprocessing?

A

— Non-immersible equipment or instruments

— Instruments with sharp edges or points

— Small gaskets, screws, pins, other small parts

— Heavy instruments

— Delicate instruments

— Heat- and pressure-sensitive instruments

— Instrument containers

— Basins and cups

— Tubing, suction tips, instruments with a lumen

— Instruments or equipment requiring repair or replacement

65
Q
A