Sx Nursing

Question 1

Sterilization

Answer 1

The destruction of all organisms and spores on an object

Question 2

Disinfection

Answer 2

The destruction of the vegetative forms of bacteria but not the spores

Organisms may still remain, but they have been altered to a state in which they are no longer harmful. With sterilization, everything is destroyed or eliminated. It is possible to sterilize instruments, but it is not possible to sterilize our patients. That is why we disinfect them

Question 3

Disinfectant

Answer 3

Chemicals applied to inanimate objects to destroy the vegetative forms of bacteria, but not necessarily the spore forms

Question 4

Antisepsis

Answer 4

Prevention of infection by inhibiting the growth of infectious agents

Question 5

Disinfection time

Answer 5

Time required for a particular agent to produce the maximal effect

Question 6

Autoclave standard

Autoclave tape versus indicator strip
Dry heat

Answer 6

15 min at 15 psi, 121 C or 250 F

Steam exposure versus right time/temp/psi

1 hr, 170 C (340 F)

Question 7

Flash sterilization

Answer 7

For emergencies

131 C or 270 F, 15 psi, 3 min non porous 10 for porous

Question 8

Ethylene oxide

Answer 8

Things that can’t be autoclaved. Cautery pens, light source wiring for endoscopes, nitrogen drill tubing, staplers

Question 9

Cold sterilization

Answer 9

Chlorhexidine, benzalkonium, glutaraldehyde

Sterility cannot be guaranteed,for minor procedures only. 3 hour soak minimum

Question 10

Hydrogen peroxide gas sterilization

Answer 10

Inactivate Mycobacterium, bacterial spores, fungi, viruses. Create vacuum within chamber. Free radicals created kill microorganisms. One hour

Biological indicator sterility
Chemical indicator h2o2 present

Question 11

Aseptic technique

Answer 11

Maintains the absence of disease causing organisms in the surgical field. Goal is to protect the patient from an infection