Medical Asepsis

Question 1

Medical Asepsis Objectives

Answer 1

Differentiate between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis.
Explain the difference between normal flora and transient flora.
Demonstrate the correct procedure for hand washing for medical asepsis.
Demonstrate the correct procedure for hand sanitization using an alcohol-based hand rub.

Question 2

Infection Control Objectives

Answer 2

Explain why it is important for medical assistants to understand the basic principles of infection control.
Explain the difference between nonpathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms.
Define the roles of the CDC.

Question 3

Surgical/Sterilization Asepsis Objectives

Answer 3

Differentiate among sanitization, disinfection
Explain the basic purpose and function of an autoclave.
Demonstrate the correct for wrapping items for the autoclave.
Demonstrate the correct procedure for performing steam sterilization of items in an autoclave.
Describe how the autoclave is maintained on a daily and monthly basis.
Explain the purpose of a sterilization strip.
List three factors that influence the shelf life of sterilized instruments.
Demonstrate the correct procedure for properly disposing of bio-hazardous materials.

Question 4

Assisting the Physician and Basic Clinical Procedures

Answer 4

Know how to set up the exam room with the appropriate equipment.
Know the names of basic instruments and equipment used in a medical office.
Completing Requisitions for lab, x-ray, ultrasound, pap smears (cytology) & explain these procedures.
Perform urinalysis and pregnancy testing and eye exams (using the Snellen Chart).
Have basic knowledge of different types of specialties.
How to weigh and measure babies and adults.

Question 5

Sanitization

Answer 5

the process of making or the quality of being made sanitary.
- does not destroy all microorganisms or spores.

Question 6

Disinfection

Answer 6

To use chemical substances to kill bacteria and other infecting agents outside the body or on the skin. Such substances include hexachlorophene, benzalkonium, cetrimide, phenol, merthiolate and various alcohols.
- destroys or inhibits the activity of pathogens but has no effect on spores.

Question 7

Sterilization

Answer 7

1. the complete elimination or destruction of all living microorganisms, including spores.
2. The destruction of all microorganisms in or about an object, as by steam (flowing or pressurized), chemical agents (alcohol, phenol, heavy metals, ethylene oxide gas), high-velocity electron bombardment, heat, or ultraviolet light radiation.

Question 8

Autoclave

Answer 8

1. a apparatus for the sterilization of materials by steam under pressure. 2. An apparatus for sterilization by steam under pressure consisting of a strong closed boiler in which are placed a small quantity of water and a wire basket holding the articles to be sterilized.
   - is the primary method for sterilizing instruments in the medical office.

Question 9

Maintenance of autoclave

Answer 9

• the inner chamber and door gaskets should be wiped with a damp, lint-free cloth daily.
• a mild detergent should be used to clean the autoclave monthly, with careful rinsing to remove any residue.
  Note: it should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent buildup of minerals and other debris in the chamber and on the outside surface. Proper maintenance of the autoclave is necessary for proper sterilization of the materials.

Question 10

Chemical indicators

Answer 10

alert the MOA after processing that conditions inside the autoclave (e.g., pressure, temp.) were right for sterilization.

Question 11

Sterilization strips

Answer 11

are embedded within the center of a dense pack to show that conditions for sterilization have occurred within the pack.

Question 12

Biological indicators

Answer 12

are used to determine the overall effectiveness of the autoclave.

Question 13

List 3 factors that influence the shelf-life of sterilized instruments.

Answer 13

1. type of packaging material
2. environment in the storage area, i.e. no moisture
3. how the package is sealed, among other factors.

Question 14

Responsibilities of employers to protect employees against exposure to potentially biohazardous materials.

Answer 14

Develop and exposure control plan.
Implement engineering controls and safe work practices.
Provide and train employees in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Keep accurate records and follow mandated procedures for exposure incidents.
Communicate potential hazards to employees.

Question 15

Information found on a material safety data sheet (MSDS), and explain how an MSDS supports the “right-to-know” law.

Answer 15

An MSDS contains information identifying a chemical, listing hazards and precautions for handing, identifying the chemical as carcinogenic (if applicable), providing first-aid procedures, and listing the contact information for the manufacturer.
There must be an MSDS on file for all chemicals in the medical office.
Requires the manufacturers of these chemicals to make MSDSs available, usually as a package insert.

Question 16

5 Steps of Sterilization

Answer 16

1. Rinse instruments in warm water.
2. Soak them in solution (check instructions of solution).
3. Scrub instruments free of all particles.
4. Air dry instruments.
5. Wrap and autoclave instruments.