Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is meant by the term 'Bioburden' in the context of sterilization?
What is meant by the term 'Bioburden' in the context of sterilization?
- The viable microorganisms present on a product before and after sterilization (correct)
- The process of killing all microorganisms
- A type of sterilization indicator
- The expiry date of sterile items
Which of the following statements about sterilization and bioburden is correct?
Which of the following statements about sterilization and bioburden is correct?
- Bioburden is rendered inert during the sterilization process
- Bioburden is not relevant in the context of surgical instruments
- Bioburden can remain on instruments after sterilization if not properly cleaned (correct)
- All bioburden is killed during sterilization without exception
Which statement accurately describes a Biological Indicator in sterilization?
Which statement accurately describes a Biological Indicator in sterilization?
- It indicates the packaging integrity of sterile items.
- It monitors for moisture in sterilization containers.
- It is an instrument used to sterilize surgical tools.
- It consists of viable spores that test the effectiveness of the sterilization process. (correct)
What happens when an item has a passed expiry date?
What happens when an item has a passed expiry date?
What is the desired outcome of surgical sterilization protocols?
What is the desired outcome of surgical sterilization protocols?
Which of the following is NOT a common spore-forming bacterium mentioned in sterilization protocols?
Which of the following is NOT a common spore-forming bacterium mentioned in sterilization protocols?
What should be assessed prior to using a sterile item?
What should be assessed prior to using a sterile item?
What is the role of Infection Control (I/C) in the sterilization process?
What is the role of Infection Control (I/C) in the sterilization process?
What is required for critical items to prevent infections?
What is required for critical items to prevent infections?
Which of the following items is classified as semi-critical?
Which of the following items is classified as semi-critical?
Which type of sterilization is the method of choice dependent on?
Which type of sterilization is the method of choice dependent on?
During the decontamination phase, what is the first action taken with surgical instruments?
During the decontamination phase, what is the first action taken with surgical instruments?
What level of disinfection is required for non-critical items?
What level of disinfection is required for non-critical items?
What environment is suitable for the use of bronchoscopes and cystoscopes?
What environment is suitable for the use of bronchoscopes and cystoscopes?
What happens to instruments after they are washed in the ultrasonic washer?
What happens to instruments after they are washed in the ultrasonic washer?
Which statement accurately describes chemical sterilization methods?
Which statement accurately describes chemical sterilization methods?
What is the primary reason for allowing instrument packs to dry for 15-20 minutes after sterilization?
What is the primary reason for allowing instrument packs to dry for 15-20 minutes after sterilization?
Which of the following are crucial factors in the effectiveness of steam sterilization?
Which of the following are crucial factors in the effectiveness of steam sterilization?
What does the Bowie Dick Test help to monitor in steam sterilizers?
What does the Bowie Dick Test help to monitor in steam sterilizers?
Why is flash sterilization generally discouraged in surgical settings?
Why is flash sterilization generally discouraged in surgical settings?
What is the consequence of allowing steam to condense inside sterilized packs?
What is the consequence of allowing steam to condense inside sterilized packs?
Which type of sterilizer is specifically indicated for handling heat-sensitive items?
Which type of sterilizer is specifically indicated for handling heat-sensitive items?
What is the primary reason for wrapping instruments before sterilization?
What is the primary reason for wrapping instruments before sterilization?
What should be done immediately before using a flash sterilizer?
What should be done immediately before using a flash sterilizer?
What is a key characteristic of muslin as a wrapping material?
What is a key characteristic of muslin as a wrapping material?
What is a necessary condition for the successful destruction of microorganisms during steam sterilization?
What is a necessary condition for the successful destruction of microorganisms during steam sterilization?
Which type of wrapping is not considered labor-heavy?
Which type of wrapping is not considered labor-heavy?
What is the maximum weight allowed per pack to ensure steam penetration during sterilization?
What is the maximum weight allowed per pack to ensure steam penetration during sterilization?
What must occur if an instrument has parts such as screws and stylets?
What must occur if an instrument has parts such as screws and stylets?
What is the significance of event-related shelf life in sterilization?
What is the significance of event-related shelf life in sterilization?
What does sequential double-wrapping enhance during sterilization?
What does sequential double-wrapping enhance during sterilization?
Why should rubber be separated from instruments during sterilization?
Why should rubber be separated from instruments during sterilization?
What is the purpose of the Bowie Dick Leak Test?
What is the purpose of the Bowie Dick Leak Test?
Which of the following is NOT a step required before placing an instrument into the sterilizer?
Which of the following is NOT a step required before placing an instrument into the sterilizer?
What type of sterilization method is suitable for delicate and heat-sensitive materials?
What type of sterilization method is suitable for delicate and heat-sensitive materials?
What must be done to items sterilized using ethylene oxide before they are used?
What must be done to items sterilized using ethylene oxide before they are used?
Which of the following statements about Gas Plasma Sterilization is accurate?
Which of the following statements about Gas Plasma Sterilization is accurate?
What is a characteristic of items sterilized with peracetic acid?
What is a characteristic of items sterilized with peracetic acid?
Which method uses gamma rays for sterilization?
Which method uses gamma rays for sterilization?
What is required when transferring items from the autoclave to the OR table?
What is required when transferring items from the autoclave to the OR table?
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Study Notes
Terminology and Definitions
- Sterile (Aseptic): Free from all microorganisms, including spores.
- Bioburden: Viable microorganisms present on instruments, assessed before and after sterilization. Effective cleaning is essential to eliminate bioburden.
- Spore: Dormant state of an organism that is tough to kill; sterilization methods must effectively eradicate spores.
- Common spore-forming bacteria: Include Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani, and Bacillus anthracis.
- Shelf Life: Duration items remain sterile; must inspect packaging integrity before use.
- Biological Indicator: A monitor consisting of resistant spores to test sterilization effectiveness.
Classification of Items
- Critical Items: Come into contact with sterile tissues or vascular systems. Must be sterile to prevent infection.
- Semi-Critical Items: Contact unbroken mucous membranes and require high-level disinfection.
- Non-Critical Items: Contact intact skin and require low-level disinfection.
Instrument Care
- Instruments should remain gross debris-free during procedures and wiped with sterile water.
- Decontamination Phase: Involves washing instruments post-surgery to remove bioburden.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam Sterilization (Autoclave): Most common and effective; utilizes steam under pressure.
- Chemical Sterilization: Preferred for heat-sensitive materials, includes methods like EO and Gas Plasma.
- Radiation: Uses gamma rays for disposable products sterilization.
Sterilization Process
- Decontamination: Instruments disassembled, cleaned, and packed for sterilization.
- Loading Sterilizer: Instruments positioned to ensure steam penetration.
- Sterilization Phases: Include packing, heating, destroying, cooling, and testing.
- Immediate Use Steam Sterilizing: Emergency sterilization, requires strict protocols.
Types of Sterilizers
- Steam Sterilizers: Include pre-vacuum and gravity displacement types; tested daily.
- Chemical Sterilizers: Utilized for heat-sensitive items, careful aeration required post-sterilization.
- Liquid Chemosterilizers: Such as peracetic acid, used for specific instruments like endoscopes.
Packaging and Storage
- Wrapping Types: Muslin, paper, plastic/paper peel backs, synthetic nonwoven materials, and reusable rigid containers.
- Double-Wrapping: Recommended for better microbial protection.
- Shelf Life: Event-related based on package integrity post-sterilization; max weight per pack ensures effective sterilization.
Quality Control
- Daily testing with biological indicators is standard to verify sterilizer performance.
- Proper drying and cooling procedures prevent condensation, which could compromise sterility.
Infection Control
- Sterilization practices monitored by Infection Control departments; staff must adhere to hospital policies.
- Key focus on achieving “Freedom from infection” in surgical procedures.
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