Infection Prevention and Microbiology Flashcards

Which type of microorganism is most resistant to standard sterilization methods and requires the highest level of killing?

Answer: Bacterial spores

Bacterial spores are the most resistant form of microbial life and are used as the benchmark for sterilization efficacy.

What is the Spaulding Classification for an instrument that contacts only intact skin?

Answer: Non-critical

Non-critical items contact intact skin only and require low-level disinfection at minimum.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are BEST prevented in the CS department by:

Answer: Ensuring complete decontamination and sterilization of reusable devices

Proper decontamination and sterilization of reusable devices is the CS department's primary role in HAI prevention.

Gram-positive bacteria appear what color after Gram staining?

Answer: Blue or purple

Gram-positive bacteria retain the crystal violet dye and appear blue or purple under microscopy.

Which bloodborne pathogen is MOST stable in the environment and can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days?

Answer: HBV

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is extremely stable and can remain infectious on environmental surfaces for up to 7 days.

The chain of infection is broken MOST effectively in CS by:

Answer: Proper hand hygiene before and after tasks

Hand hygiene is the single most effective intervention for breaking the chain of infection transmission.

What term describes microorganisms that can cause disease in healthy individuals?

Answer: True (primary) pathogens

True or primary pathogens have sufficient virulence to cause disease in otherwise healthy hosts.