Pack Prep & Sterilization Flashcards

1
Q

What do you call antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection?

A

Antiseptics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What do you call the state of being clean and conducive to health?

A

Sanitary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What do you call substances that are applied to inanimate objects to destroy microorganims that are living on the objects?

A

Disinfection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Disinfection does not kill all microorganisms - give one example?

A

Bacterial spores

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Which is more effective - disinfection or sterilization?

A

Sterilization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is a term used to refer to a process that eliminates or kills ALL forms of life?

A

Sterilization

This includes fungi, bacteria, viruses, spores, etc.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

When cleaning surgical instruments, what should be used for the initial cleaning?

A

Deionized or distilled water

This avoids excess salt build up and maintains a neutral pH

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What do chemical sterilization indicators provide verification of?

A

That the inside of the pack was exposed to the appropriate sterilization temperature for the appropriate length of time (DOES NOT CONFIRM STERILITY)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What should the label of a pack include?

A
  1. Date
  2. Contents
  3. Operator
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does autoclave tape provide verification of?

A

That the outside of the pack was exposed to appropriate sterilization temperatures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the most common means of instrument and pack sterilization used in veterinary medicine?

A

Moist heat in the form of staurated steam under pressure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which method of instrument and pack sterilization is no longer in use?

A

Ethylene oxide gas

This gas produces carcinogens

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which sterilization method can be used for heat sensitive items like cameras, arthroscopes, and laproscopes?

A

Cold chemical

Glutaldehyde or hydrogen peroxide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are 3 disadvantages to the autoclave?

A
  1. Destroys fiber optic lens
  2. Dulls sharp instruments
  3. Can destroy plastics, rubber
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the 2 types of sterilizers?

A

Pre-vacuum

Gravity displacement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the major difference between pre-vacuum and gravity displacement sterilizers?

A
  1. Pre-vacuum depends on MECHANICAL removal or air

2. In gravity displacement the air is displaced by steam with GRAVITY as the force pushing the air out

17
Q

What are the 3 steps involved in gravity displacement?

A
  1. Water is heated in a chamber
  2. Continued heating creates pressure
  3. Steam displaces air within the chamber forcing it out through a vent
18
Q

Which is more effective, pre-vacuum or gravity displacement?

A

Pre-vacuum

More efficient at removal of air

19
Q

What is the greatest resistance to steam sterilization?

A

Removal of air

20
Q

Up to what temperature can spores and bacteria survive if in an air pocket? How does pre-vacuum air removal help?

A

273 degrees F

Pre-vacuum air removal eliminates air pockets from all load types and maximizes steam penetration to instrument components

21
Q

Which type of autoclave has (1) higher temperature, (2) greater pressure, and (3) shorter time?

A

Pre-vacuum

22
Q

What is the usual cycle of a gravity displacement sterilizer?

A
Temperature = 250 F
Pressure = 15 psi
Time = 30 minutes
23
Q

What are some causes of wet packs after autoclaving?

A
  1. Clogged drain lines
  2. Incorrect loading
  3. Incorrect packaging
  4. Insufficient drying time
24
Q

What are the by product of low temperature plasma sterilization?

A

Oxygen

Water

25
Q

What is the turn around time of low temperature plasma sterilization?

A

28 minutes

26
Q

In low temperature plasma sterilization, a combination of which 2 things helps destroy bacteria?

A
  1. UV light

2. Free radicals (O & OH)

27
Q

What are the disadvantages to low temperature plasma sterilization?

A
  1. Can not sterilize linens or cellulose materials
  2. Cannot sterilize liquids
  3. Expensive
  4. Instruments must be completely dry
  5. Outer wraps must be non-woven polypropylene
28
Q

What is the best indicator for sterility and recommended method for verification of proper autoclave operation in veterinary clinics?

A

Biological indicators

29
Q

Are there any chemical indicators that prove sterilization?

A

NO

30
Q

What are the 2 types of cold chemical sterilization?

A
  1. Hydrogen peroxide

2. Glutaraldehyde

31
Q

How long of sterilization do the 2 types of cold chemical sterilization require?

A

Hydrogen peroxide = 30 minute high level disinfection OR 6 hours for sterilization

Glutaraldehyde = 45 minute sterilization

32
Q

What is Nolvasan used as?

A

A disinfectant

NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR STERILIZATION

NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR USE ON INSTRUMENTS

33
Q

What conditions are ideal for storage of sterile items?

A
Cool
Dry
Humidity controlled room
Closed or covered cabinets
Minimal handling
Temperature controlled