CST Chapter 10 Quiz

Explanation
Thermal disinfection refers to the use of heat to eliminate all microorganisms except spores. This process involves subjecting the objects or surfaces to high temperatures for a specified period of time, effectively killing the majority of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, spores, which are highly resistant to heat, may survive this process. Therefore, thermal disinfection is not as effective as sterilization, which completely eradicates all forms of microbial life. Mechanical disinfection and high-level disinfection are not specifically related to the use of heat for killing microorganisms.

Explanation
Antiseptics are used on animate objects to slow the growth of microorganisms. They are specifically designed to be used on living tissues and are effective in preventing or reducing infections. Glutaraldehydes, disinfectants, and halogens are also used to kill microorganisms, but they are more commonly used on inanimate objects or surfaces. Antiseptics, on the other hand, are safe to use on the skin or mucous membranes without causing harm.

Explanation
Items that are introduced directly into the bloodstream or other normally sterile areas of the body are classified as critical items because they pose a high risk of infection if not properly sterilized. These items must undergo strict sterilization processes to ensure the safety of patients and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Explanation
Sterilization refers to the process of completely destroying all forms of microorganisms. It is a highly effective method that ensures the elimination of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, as well as their spores. This process is commonly used in medical settings, laboratories, and food industries to prevent the transmission of infections and diseases. Unlike other methods such as high-level disinfection, thermal disinfection, or chemical disinfection, sterilization guarantees the highest level of microbial destruction and is considered the gold standard for achieving a completely sterile environment.

Explanation
Iodophors are a type of disinfectant that falls into the category of intermediate to low level disinfectants. This means that they are effective in killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but may not be able to completely eliminate all types of bacterial spores. Iodophors are commonly used in healthcare settings for disinfection of surfaces, medical equipment, and skin. They are considered to be less potent than high level disinfectants and sterilants, which have the ability to kill all forms of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

Explanation
Glutaraldehyde and OPA are classified as high-level disinfectants. Glutaraldehyde is a chemical compound commonly used for the disinfection of medical equipment and surfaces. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. OPA (ortho-phthalaldehyde) is another high-level disinfectant that is used for the sterilization of medical instruments. It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and is particularly effective against mycobacteria. Both glutaraldehyde and OPA are considered high-level disinfectants because they are capable of killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacterial spores.

Explanation
Thermal disinfection is accomplished using heated water because high temperatures can effectively kill or deactivate microorganisms. By heating water to a certain temperature, it becomes a powerful disinfectant that can be used in various applications, such as cleaning medical instruments or sanitizing surfaces. The heat helps to break down the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, rendering them unable to survive or reproduce. Therefore, heated water is a reliable method for achieving thermal disinfection.

Explanation
To achieve a reasonable level of disinfection, alcohol must remain in wet contact with an item for at least 5 minutes. This duration allows enough time for the alcohol to effectively kill bacteria and viruses on the surface. A shorter contact time may not be sufficient to eliminate all pathogens, while a longer contact time may not provide any additional benefits in terms of disinfection. Therefore, 5 minutes is considered an appropriate timeframe for alcohol to effectively disinfect an item.

Explanation
OPA (Ortho-phthalaldehyde) would be the best choice for high-level disinfection of instruments. OPA is a fast-acting, broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It has a low toxicity profile and does not require activation or mixing. OPA is also compatible with a variety of materials commonly found in medical instruments and does not cause discoloration or damage. Overall, OPA provides a reliable and efficient method for high-level disinfection, making it the preferred choice in healthcare settings.

Explanation
This statement is incorrect. Both sterilization and disinfection processes require items to be cleaned before they are performed. Cleaning removes dirt, debris, and organic matter from the surfaces, allowing the sterilization or disinfection agents to work effectively. Failure to clean the items beforehand can compromise the effectiveness of the sterilization or disinfection process. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation
When liquid chemicals are labeled as both a high level disinfectant and a sterilant, it means that they can effectively kill or eliminate a wide range of microorganisms. However, achieving sterilization requires more time compared to achieving high level disinfection. This is because sterilization involves the complete destruction or elimination of all forms of microbial life, including spores, which are highly resistant. On the other hand, high level disinfection only requires the elimination of most pathogenic microorganisms, but not necessarily spores. Therefore, the statement that the time required to achieve sterilization is longer than the time required to achieve high level disinfection is true.

Explanation
Mechanical washers and washer decontaminators are not regulated by the CDC. The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is an agency that focuses on public health and safety in the United States. While they provide guidelines and recommendations for the proper use and maintenance of medical devices, they do not directly regulate mechanical washers and washer decontaminators. These devices are typically regulated by other organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Therefore, the statement that mechanical washers and washer decontaminators are regulated by the CDC is false.

Explanation
This statement is false. While liquid disinfectants are effective in killing many types of microorganisms, they are not capable of sterilization. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination of all forms of life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. Liquid disinfectants may reduce the number of microorganisms present, but they do not guarantee complete sterilization. Achieving sterilization usually requires more intensive methods such as heat, pressure, or chemical agents specifically designed for sterilization purposes.

Explanation
Log books should be maintained when using glutaraldehyde and OPA because these are high-level disinfectants that require careful handling and monitoring. Glutaraldehyde and OPA are commonly used in healthcare settings to disinfect medical equipment and instruments. Keeping a log book helps to track the usage, concentration, and contact time of these disinfectants, ensuring that they are used correctly and effectively. It also provides a record for quality control and regulatory compliance purposes. Therefore, it is important to maintain log books when using glutaraldehyde and OPA.