Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the first step in the sterilization process?
What is the first step in the sterilization process?
- Instrument Inspection
- Sterilization
- Decontamination (correct)
- Packaging
Which method of sterilization is known for being the oldest and most economical?
Which method of sterilization is known for being the oldest and most economical?
- Chemical Sterilization Methods
- Steam Sterilization (correct)
- Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization
- Gas Plasma Sterilization
What is one critical factor in steam sterilization that is necessary for destroying microorganisms?
What is one critical factor in steam sterilization that is necessary for destroying microorganisms?
- Humidity
- Cooling
- Time (correct)
- Air Pressure
Which sterilization method would be chosen based on item type and required equipment?
Which sterilization method would be chosen based on item type and required equipment?
What is the main differentiator between the various types of steam sterilizers?
What is the main differentiator between the various types of steam sterilizers?
Which of the following steps occurs after decontamination in the sterilization process?
Which of the following steps occurs after decontamination in the sterilization process?
What type of rinsing is typically included in the mechanical decontamination process?
What type of rinsing is typically included in the mechanical decontamination process?
Which of the following is a consideration when choosing a sterilization method?
Which of the following is a consideration when choosing a sterilization method?
What is the primary goal of sterilization in a medical setting?
What is the primary goal of sterilization in a medical setting?
Which of the following definitions accurately describes sterility?
Which of the following definitions accurately describes sterility?
Which method is NOT a part of the sterilization process?
Which method is NOT a part of the sterilization process?
Why is it critical to minimize bioburden on surgical instruments before sterilization?
Why is it critical to minimize bioburden on surgical instruments before sterilization?
Which of the following best describes the roles of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)?
Which of the following best describes the roles of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)?
Which test is used to monitor the effectiveness of sterilization processes?
Which test is used to monitor the effectiveness of sterilization processes?
What is the primary factor that determines how items are reprocessed in the Spaulding Classification System?
What is the primary factor that determines how items are reprocessed in the Spaulding Classification System?
Which of the following practices is NOT recommended during the instrument cleaning process after surgery?
Which of the following practices is NOT recommended during the instrument cleaning process after surgery?
What is the primary purpose of the Bowie Dick Leak Test?
What is the primary purpose of the Bowie Dick Leak Test?
Which phase in the sterilization process involves packing and loading the sterilizer?
Which phase in the sterilization process involves packing and loading the sterilizer?
What is a contraindication for immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS)?
What is a contraindication for immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS)?
What is the required exposure time for destruction of spores at 270F (132C) with 27 lbs of pressure?
What is the required exposure time for destruction of spores at 270F (132C) with 27 lbs of pressure?
What is a necessary step after sterilization cooling that ensures items do not become wet?
What is a necessary step after sterilization cooling that ensures items do not become wet?
Which of the following items is NOT suitable for use in steam sterilizers?
Which of the following items is NOT suitable for use in steam sterilizers?
Immediate-use steam sterilization is typically recognized in which of the following scenarios?
Immediate-use steam sterilization is typically recognized in which of the following scenarios?
What type of indicators are packed in the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)?
What type of indicators are packed in the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD)?
What does the Bowie Dick test specifically indicate?
What does the Bowie Dick test specifically indicate?
Which option is NOT a characteristic of appropriate packaging for sterilization?
Which option is NOT a characteristic of appropriate packaging for sterilization?
What is a significant advantage of using ethylene oxide (EO) gas for sterilization?
What is a significant advantage of using ethylene oxide (EO) gas for sterilization?
What is a common disadvantage of chemical sterilization methods?
What is a common disadvantage of chemical sterilization methods?
What is the maximum temperature for materials in chemical sterilization?
What is the maximum temperature for materials in chemical sterilization?
What is the minimum aeration time required after sterilization with ethylene oxide?
What is the minimum aeration time required after sterilization with ethylene oxide?
Which of the following statements about gas plasma sterilization (Sterrad) is true?
Which of the following statements about gas plasma sterilization (Sterrad) is true?
Which sterilization method generally requires the longest exposure cycle?
Which sterilization method generally requires the longest exposure cycle?
What is the primary function of high-level disinfectants?
What is the primary function of high-level disinfectants?
How long must glutaraldehyde be used for an item to be considered sterile?
How long must glutaraldehyde be used for an item to be considered sterile?
What is the correct maximum size for textile packs during sterilization?
What is the correct maximum size for textile packs during sterilization?
Which of the following statements is true regarding chemical indicators?
Which of the following statements is true regarding chemical indicators?
What is the primary challenge posed by prions, such as those causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?
What is the primary challenge posed by prions, such as those causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)?
Which method requires the lumens of instruments to be flushed with water before sterilization?
Which method requires the lumens of instruments to be flushed with water before sterilization?
What is necessary for ensuring instruments with screws and stylets are properly prepared for sterilization?
What is necessary for ensuring instruments with screws and stylets are properly prepared for sterilization?
What is a common method for preventing rubber items from sticking together during sterilization?
What is a common method for preventing rubber items from sticking together during sterilization?
Study Notes
Sterilization Overview
- Sterilization Terminology: Understanding terms related to sterilization, such as "sterile," "high-level disinfection," "bioburden," and "prion."
- Study Goals: Aim for freedom from infection; sterilization practices align with infection control policies as per the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
- Critical Role: Medical Device Reprocessing Departments (MDRD) are essential for perioperative nursing care and require certified technicians.
Medical Device Reprocessing (MDRD)
- Known as Central Sterilization Department (CSD) or Central Processing Department (CPD).
- Responsible for the sterilization and disinfection of medical instruments to prevent infection.
- Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microbial life.
Sterilization Process
- Efficacy: Dependent on meticulous cleaning of instruments to minimize bioburden, impacting sterilization effectiveness.
- Spaulding Classification: Items classified based on intended use and infection risk; influences reprocessing approaches.
Steps in Sterilization
- Step 1 - Decontamination: Initial cleaning using manual or mechanical methods (ultrasonic washers).
- Step 2 - Inspection: Instruments checked for accuracy and readiness for sterilization.
- Step 3 - Testing: Instruments tested to confirm readiness.
- Step 4 - Packaging: Items packaged in suitable materials to maintain sterility.
- Step 5 - Sterilization: Final sterilization process occurs once items are clean and packed.
Sterilization Methods
- Steam Sterilization (Autoclave):
- Most common and economical method.
- Effective under high pressure and temperature for microbial destruction.
- Chemical Sterilization:
- Includes Ethylene Oxide (EO), Gas Plasma (Sterrad), Liquid Chemosterilizer (Peracetic Acid), and Irradiation.
- Used for heat-sensitive items; varies by exposure time and safety.
Steam Sterilization
- Types: Gravity displacement, pre-vacuum, and immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS).
- Parameters: Depends on moisture, heat, and time; requires proper flushing of lumens for thorough sterilization.
- Bowie Dick Leak Test: Daily test to ensure air removal and steam penetration in the autoclave.
Five Phases of Sterilization
- Phase 1: Packing and loading autoclave with appropriate wrappers.
- Phase 2 & 3: Heating for destruction of spores; printouts document pressure, temperature, and time.
- Phase 4: Cooling and drying process to prevent condensation.
- Phase 5: Post-sterilization testing with chemical and biological indicators.
Chemical Sterilization Insights
- Advantages/Disadvantages:
- Effective for delicate items, but may have harmful exposure risks and lengthy aeration times.
- EO requires specialized handling due to explosiveness and toxicity.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Gas Plasma: Non-toxic alternative effective at lower temperatures and faster cycle times.
High-Level Disinfection (HLD)
- Kills most microorganisms except spores; important in cleaning semi-critical items.
- Glutaraldehyde used for both sterilization and HLD, with varying exposure times determining efficacy.
Best Practices for OR Sterilization
- Verification of chemical indicators and documentation of biological indicators by MDRD.
- Proper handling of textile packs (size and weight limits) and instrument preparation (disassembly when required).
- Lumens must be dry for EO or plasma sterilization; comprehensive training is vital for scrub nurses.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
- Fatal neurological disease caused by self-replicating prions impacting brain tissue.
- Resistance to conventional sterilization methods necessitates special protocols.
- Incubation period ranges from months to decades, emphasizing the need for stringent sterilization practices.
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Description
This quiz covers essential terminology and best practices related to sterilization methods and their importance in the medical device reprocessing department. Participants will compare sterilization with high-level disinfection techniques and learn about protocols to ensure sterility, particularly concerning CJD. Test your knowledge and understanding of these critical processes in perioperative nursing.