Infection Control & Sterilization Flashcards

Which sterilization method is considered the gold standard for heat-stable medical instruments?

Answer: Steam autoclave (moist heat under pressure)

Steam autoclaving at 121°C under pressure for 15–20 minutes is the most reliable method for sterilizing heat-stable instruments, destroying all microbial life including spores.

What is the correct sequence for reprocessing a contaminated nail nipper?

Answer: Clean → Disinfect → Sterilize

Instruments must first be cleaned to remove organic matter (which inactivates disinfectants), then disinfected, then sterilized if required.

In the Spaulding classification, nail nippers used on intact skin are classified as:

Answer: Semi-critical items

Items that contact mucous membranes or non-intact skin (including instruments that may nick skin) are semi-critical and require at minimum high-level disinfection.

Which personal protective equipment is mandatory when handling contaminated nail instruments?

Answer: Gloves, mask, and eye protection

Standard precautions require gloves to prevent blood contact, mask for aerosol protection during grinding, and eye protection against nail debris and splatter.

How should a sharps container be disposed of when it is three-quarters full?

Answer: Sealed and disposed of as regulated medical waste through an approved contractor

Sharps containers should be sealed at the three-quarters mark and disposed of through a licensed medical waste contractor per OSHA and EPA regulations.

What is the minimum contact time for most EPA-registered intermediate-level disinfectants applied to environmental surfaces?

Answer: 10 minutes

Most EPA-registered disinfectants require a 10-minute wet contact time on surfaces to achieve the claimed kill rate against pathogens including mycobacteria.