Midterm Week 4 (Instrument Processing) Flashcards
Autoclave =
A steam sterilizer (uses moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure)
Bioburden =
A population of viable microorganism on a product
Tests to see if the Autoclave work (2)
1) Biological Indicators
2) Bowie-Dick Test
Biological Indicators =
= A sterilization monitor consisting of a known population of resistant spores that is used to test the sterilizer’s ability to kill microorganisms
Bowie-Dick Test =
= An air removal test designed to test the ability of the autoclave to remove air and gases from the chamber and of steam to penetrate into a specific pack
Chemical Indicator =
= Device used to monitor one or more process parameters in the sterilization cycle. The device response with a chemical or physical change (usually a color change). They are usually supplied as a paper strip, tape, label that changes color when parameters are met
Disinfectant =
= An antimicrobial agent used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate surfaces
Disinfection =
= Process that destroys pathogenic microorganisms through the use of liquid chemical germicide. Does not kill high number of spores
Note: Does not provide same margin of safety asctd with sterilization.
Flash Sterilization =
= (immediate use sterilization) - steam sterilization process for sterilizing items that are needed immediately ex) emergency: when inst. Falls and central sterile doesn’t have any
Spore =
= An inactive or dormant, but viable state of microorganism that is diff to kill. Sterilization methods are monitored by their ability to kill a known pop of highly resistant spores
Sterile =
= Free of all viable organisms, including spores
Sterilization =
= A process that kills all living microorganisms, including spores
Biofilm =
= A collection of microscopic organisms that exist in a polysacchride matrix that adheres to a surface and prevents antimicrobial agents from reaching the cells
Contaminated =
= Refers to items that are not sterile → soiled or potentially soiled, that were open for surgery, whether or not actually used
Decontamination =
= Process that renders a contaminated item safe for handling, accomplished manually or with an automated system
Washer-Decontaminator =
= Automated processing units used to decontaminate instruments; includes washing and rinsing and maybe ultrasonic cleaning
Washer Sterilizer =
= An automated processing unit used to decontaminate AND sterilize instruments; includes washing, rinsing, and sterilization. Instruments processed in this manner are not ready for patient use and must go through final sterilization process
Nursing Diagnosis rt surgical instrumentation
High risk for infection secondary to contact with contaminated instruments and injury from instrumentation failure
Nursing Responsibilities for surgical instrumentation
- knowledge of principles of cleaning, inspecting, packaging and storage of sterile supplies
Desired pt outcome rt surgical instrumentation
- Freedom of Infection rt postop wound infection/SSI
Central Sterile processing is considered what type of area? what should be worn?
Semi restricted = hair cover, proper OR attire
Spaulding Classifications of Items (3)
1) Critical
2) Semicritical
3) Non-Critical
1) Critical =
Critical items (4)
= Must be sterile, items that come in contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system
- Surgical instruments, Orthopedic implants, Sutures, Cardiac Caths
2) Semicritical =
Semicritical items (3)
= High-level disinfection* but may be sterile: Items that contact unbroken mucous membranes but do not penetrate them
- Thermometers, Cytoscopes, Dental Dams
3) Non-Critical =
Non-Critical items (3)
= Low-level disinfection: contact skin
- Crutches, BP cuffs, Stethoscopes
What is Spaulding Classification used for?
To determine whether an item must be sterilized or whether disinfection is sufficient
Methods of Sterilization are chosen based on what?
Choice of method depends on compatibility of item to be sterilized with sterilization process, configuration of item, required equipment, cost, availability, safety factors, packaging of item and length of time of sterilization process. Each method has advantages & disadvantages
Types of Sterilization (2)
1) Thermal Sterilization
(Autoclave - Gravity Displacement/Prevacuum Sterilizer)
2) Chemical Sterilzation
(EO/Low Temp Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma)
Autoclave
- Is e____, s____, and e____
- Used for the ____ of _____
- For sterilization to be achieved, what must happen?
- economical, safe, effective
- majority of instruments
- steam must penetrate every fiber of packaging and contact every surface of the item, and intended parameters be met
What are the parameters of the autoclave? (4)
1) Moisture/Humidity
2) Temperature
3) Time
4) Pressure
What is autoclave made up of?
Rectangular metal chamber and a shell
What is the term for the space in between the chamber and the shell?
Jacket
What happens when the autoclave is activated?
Steam and heat fill the jacket and maintained at constant pressure, keeping autoclave in heated ready state
Autoclave Advantages
Steam is:
- A____, F___, E____, and E____ safe
- ______ with most in house _____ materials
- leaves no ____ residue
- Suitable for a ____ range of instruments
- Available, Fast, Economical, Environmentally
- Compatible, packaging
- Toxic
- Wide