Infection Control & Sterilization Flashcards

What is the correct order of instrument processing in a medical nail care setting?

Answer: Clean, disinfect, sterilize

Instruments must first be cleaned (removing visible debris), then disinfected (eliminating most pathogens), and finally sterilized (destroying all microorganisms including spores) for the highest level of safety.

What type of sterilization is most commonly used for metal nail care instruments?

Answer: Autoclave (steam sterilization under pressure)

Autoclaves use pressurized steam at 121°C (250°F) for 15-30 minutes to achieve sterilization, killing all microorganisms including bacterial spores. This is the gold standard for reusable metal instruments.

What are Standard Precautions in healthcare settings?

Answer: Infection control practices applied to all patient care regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status

Standard Precautions assume all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious, requiring hand hygiene, PPE, safe injection practices, and proper instrument processing for every client encounter.

What should a medical nail technician do if they accidentally cut a client's skin during a procedure?

Answer: Stop the procedure, apply pressure with sterile gauze, clean the wound with antiseptic, apply appropriate dressing, and document the incident

Any breach of skin integrity requires immediate attention: stop work, control bleeding, clean the wound, apply sterile dressing, document the incident, and follow bloodborne pathogen exposure protocols if applicable.

What is the purpose of biological indicator (spore test) monitoring for autoclaves?

Answer: To verify that the autoclave is actually achieving sterilization by testing with highly resistant bacterial spores

Biological indicators contain spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, one of the most heat-resistant organisms. If these spores are killed, the autoclave is confirmed to be achieving true sterilization.

When should a medical nail technician perform hand hygiene?

Answer: Before and after each client, before putting on gloves, after removing gloves, and after touching contaminated surfaces

Hand hygiene is the single most important infection control measure. It must be performed before and after every client contact, before and after gloving, and after touching potentially contaminated items.