Chapter 10: Decontamination, Sterilization, and Disinfection

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts from Chapter 10 on Decontamination, Sterilization, and Disinfection.

__________is the destruction of microorganisms by heat or chemical means. Spores usually are not destroyed by disinfection.

Disinfection

Sterile instruments and supplies are loaded onto the _____ before surgery and transported to the surgical suite.

Case Cart

What is the first phase of reprocessing instruments?

Sorting.

Why should paper documentation be kept free from contamination?

Because paper products are difficult or impossible to decontaminate.

What is the purpose of flash sterilization?

To rapidly sterilize clean, decontaminated equipment for immediate use.

What has replaced the term flash sterilization?

Immediate-use sterilization.

What is ethylene oxide used for?

To sterilize objects that cannot tolerate the heat, moisture, and pressure of steam sterilization.

What is conditioning in steam sterilization?

The phase when air is removed from the chamber and replaced with steam.

What are the two types of steam sterilizers used in clinical settings?

Gravity displacement and dynamic (prevacuum) sterilizers.

What is the Spaulding classification?

It categorizes instruments based on risk levels: critical, semicritical, and noncritical.

What is cavitation in ultrasonic cleaning?

A process where high-frequency sound waves create tiny air spaces that implode and remove debris.

What is a chemical indicator?

A paper strip or tape that changes color when exposed to specific temperature, pressure, and humidity.

Why is wrapping an item before sterilization important?

To protect it from contamination after the sterilization process.

What does Class 5 indicator do?

It reacts to all critical values in the sterilization process, providing the most accurate readings.

What is the primary factor that chemical indicators do not show?

They do not indicate sterility; they only confirm conditions necessary for sterility.

What is the role of Central Processing Technicians (CPTs)?

They are skilled professionals responsible for materials management, decontamination, and sterilization.

What is the purpose of terminal decontamination?

It is performed following every surgical case to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the operating room.

________items must be sterile. These items enter sterile tissue or the vascular system.

Critical

The temperature of the gas directly affects the penetration of items in the chamber. Operating temperatures range from_________ for a “cold” cycle and __________ for a “warm cycle

85-100 and 130-145

The recommended practice to damp dust the surgical lights, furniture, and fixed equipment in the operating suite is ______

Before the first case of the day