Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Infection Control Yr1 > Sterilisation Methods + Instrument Cleaning (+CR) > Flashcards

Sterilisation Methods + Instrument Cleaning (+CR) Flashcards

1
Q

Why can’t boiling be considered an adequate method of sterilization?

A

Does not reach a high enough temperature to destroy bacterial spores

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

State the 7 steps used to clean endotracheal tubes

A

1. Rinse in running water
(Any debris + fluid could deactivate detergent)

2. Soak in detergent
(Soften residual debris)

3. Scrub inside + out with brush
(Remove all debris + mucus, lumen must maintain clean + patent)

4. Rinse thoroughly
(All detergent must be removed, to prevent chemical + ischaemic tracheitis)

5. Dry thoroughly + check cuff inflation + for any wear and tear
(Faulty tubes can comprimise anaesthetic + increase morbidity)

6. Sterilize - Rubber = Ethylene Oxide - air for 48hrs + Silicone = Autoclave
(Heat damages rubber tubes = cannot be autoclaved. EO sterilization requires airing to avoid chemical tracheitis)

7. Store in dry, cool + enclosed environment, out of direct sunlight
(Correct care + storage = prolong life)

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

What two chemical solutions can be considered as a method of disinfection?

A

Chlorhexidine
or
Glutaraldehyde

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

What type of heat does a hot-air oven produce?

A

Dry heat

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

Are microorganisms more resistant to dry heat?

A

Yes

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

If dry heat was to be used as a method of sterilization, what must be considered?

A

That the instrument needing sterilized, is subjected to dry heat for a long period of time

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

If dry requires long periods of time to be sterilized, then how long of a cooling period is required?

A

A longer cooling period

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

What are chemical indicator strips?

A
  • Paper strips
  • Changes colour when the correct time + temp has been reached + maintained
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What method of sterilization do you use chemical indicator strips for?

A

The Autoclave
(Ethylene Oxide)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is a Browne’s tube?

A
  • Small glass tubes
  • Filled with an orange liquid
  • Turns green when the correct time + temp has been reached + maintained
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What method of sterlization are Browne’s tubes used for?

A

Autoclave
+
Hot-air

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

What is Bowie-Dick indicator tape?

A
  • A beige tape
  • Impregnated with chemical stripes
  • Changes to black when a temp of 121 degrees celsius
  • Does not indicate that the pack has been exposed for the correct amount of time
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What method of sterlization is Bowie-Dick indicator tape used for?

A

Autoclave

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

What is Ethylene Oxide tape?

A

Same as Bowie-Dick indicator tape, but the tape is green
+
Lines change red, when exposed to EO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What method of sterlization is Ethylene Oxide tape used for?

A

Ethylene Oxide

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

What are spore strips?

A
  • Strips of paper
  • Impregnanted with spores - Bacillus stearothermophilius
  • After sterilization - culutred for 72hrs
  • If no sterilization has been achieved - no growth will be visable
  • Accurate
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the disadvantage of Spore strips?

A

Despite the accuracy, there is a long delay in awaiting results

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the 3 methods of sterlization can Spore strips be used for?

A
  1. Autoclave
  2. Ethylene Oxide
  3. Hot-air oven
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are Thermocouples?

A
  1. Electrical leads with temp-sensitive tips
  2. Placed in autoclave, with leads passed out + attached to a recording device
  3. Temp is checked throughout the cycle
  4. Results recorded
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What method of sterlization is Thermocouples used for?

A

Autoclave

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the advantages of Self-seal pouches for packaging materials?

A
  1. Easy to pack
  2. Clear front - easy visablility
  3. Paper back + sterilization indicator
  4. Ideal for individual instruments
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the 2 main disadvantages of Self-seal pouches for packaging materials?

A
  1. Can be punctured easily by heavy or sharp instruments
  2. May have to use double packaing to further prevent puncturing - but increases costs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What 2 methods of sterilization are suitable for Self-seal pouches?

A
  1. Autoclave
  2. Ethylene Oxide
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are 3 the advantages of Nylon film for packaging materials?

A
  1. Cheap
  2. Reusable
  3. Sealed with Bowie-Dick tape
25
Q

What are the disadvantages of Nylon film for packaging materials?

A
  • Repeated use = leads to brittleness
  • Brittleness = Cause tiny holes, which can go unnoticed
  • Thus sterility can be comprimised
26
Q

What method of sterilization is suitable for Nylon Film?

A

Autoclave

27
Q

What are the 2 advantages of Polythene bags for packaging materials?

A
  1. Easy to pack
  2. Strong material
28
Q

What is the disadvantages of utilising Polythene bags for packaging materials?

A

If over-packed = poor gas circulation

29
Q

What method of sterilization is suitable for Polythene bags?

A

Ethylene Oxide

30
Q

What are the 4 advantages of Linen drapes, for packaging materials?

A
  1. It’s conforming
  2. It can be used to pack surgical equipment
  3. Strong
  4. Reusable
31
Q

What are the 3 disadvantages of Linen drapes for packaging materials?

A
  1. Permable to moisture
  2. Requires laundering
  3. Liable to wear
32
Q

What the 2 methods of sterilization that are suitable for Linen drapes?

A
  1. Autoclave (With drying cycle)
  2. Ethylene Oxide (If not too tightly packed)
33
Q

What are 3 the advantages of Paper drapes for packaging materials?

A
  1. Water-repellent
  2. Disposable
  3. Used to pack surgical equipment
34
Q

What are the 2 disadvantages of Paper drapes for packaging materials?

A
  1. Non-conforming
  2. Tears easily
35
Q

What 2 methods of sterilization is suitable for Paper drapes?

A
  1. Autoclave (With drying cycle)
  2. Ethylene Oxide (If not too tightly packed)
36
Q

What are the 3 advantages of using Metal tins for packaging materials?

A
  1. Long-lasting
  2. Cannot be punctured
  3. Useful for:
    * Gowns
    * Drapes
    * Swabs
    * Instruments
37
Q

What are the 3 disadvantages of using Metal tins for packaging materials?

A
  1. Expensive to buy
  2. Requires a large autoclave
  3. Often multi-use, can lead to contamination of contents
38
Q

What are the 2 methods of sterilization are suitable for Metal tins?

A
  1. Autoclave (With drying cycle)
  2. Hot-air oven
39
Q

What are the 4 advantages of Cardboard cartons for packaging materials?

A
  1. Reusable
  2. Cannot be punctured easily
  3. Sturdy
  4. Useful for specialised kits
40
Q

What are the 2 disadvantages of using Carboard cartons for packaging materials?

A
  1. Expensive to buy
  2. Bulky to store
41
Q

What method of sterilization is suitable for Carboard cartons?

A

Autoclave
(with a drying cycle)

42
Q

How many folds should drapes and gowns have?
+
Why?

A

3
+
Because 3 folds allow for sufficient penetration of steam in the autoclave

43
Q

How long can sterilized instruments + equipment be deemed sterile, within sterilized packs?

A

3 months from the date they were sterilized

44
Q

What is a benefit of choosing the appropriately sized packaging packs?

A

It will help reduce costs, by not having to re-use another pack (due to potential penetration etc)

45
Q

What can you use to protect sharp instruments + puncturing packs?

A

Point protectors
(Shar-tip protectors/covers)

46
Q

What is the term used to describe the technique of folding drapes + surgical gowns?

A

Concertina

47
Q

What is a drape called, that has an in-built, open surgical site area?

A

Fenestrated

48
Q

What must you be aware of when cleaning new insruments?

A

New instruments are frequently coated in a fine layer of metallic dust and lubricant, and should therefore be washed and dried thoroughly prior to sterilisation

49
Q

What temperature of water should you use to rinse the organic matter off of dirty instruments?

A

Use tepid water rather than very hot or very cold water

50
Q

Why should you avoid detergents with a high pH, when cleaning instruments?

A

Because detergents with a high pH may cause damage.

51
Q

How do high pH deteregents damage surgical instruments?

A

It can harm an instrument’s protective chromium oxide coating.
Once that layer is broken down, the stage is set for corrosion to begin.

52
Q

What type of brush should you use to scrub dirty instruments in cold water in the enzymatic instrument cleaner solution?

A

Soft-bristled brush

53
Q

Why should you not keep surgical instruments in for longer time that dictated by the manafacture’s guidelines?

A

Because prolonged soaking may cause corrosion + cause damage to the instruments

54
Q

Why should you make sure you thoroughly dry the instruments, after they have air-dired?

A

Because air-drying may take too long, so instruments can be sterilised ASAP
+
Any left-over moisture may cause corrosion

55
Q

What type of water should you use to fill an autoclave up?

A

Distilled/purified water

56
Q

What 5 minerals + type of bleach can cause spotting, staining or corrosion to surgical instruments?

A
  1. Iron
  2. Sodium
  3. Calcium
  4. Magnesium
  5. Copper
    +
    Traces of chlorine bleach

Chlorine bleach = may also cause staining or corrosion during autoclaving.

57
Q

Why should you seperate stainless steel + chrome-plated surgical instruments when autoclaving?

A

Autoclave stainless steel instruments separately to chrome plated instruments since any break in the surface of the chrome plate will allow an electrolytic action to develop between the dissimilar metals causing pitting and/or a rusty appearance.

58
Q

Apart from the danger of being burnt from quickly opening the Autoclave door, once the cycle has finished, why would this also cause damage to the surgical instruments?

A

Because, if it’s opened too quickly, excessive condensation will develop on the surface of the instruments

59
Q
A

Infection Control Yr1 (21 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions