Autoclave Attack
How long do items remain sterile after being autoclaved?
30 days
Identify an item usually disinfected with chemicals.
instruments that do not penetrate body tissue, dental instruments, percussion hammers, scissors, thermometers
The ultrasonic unit cleans with ______ waves.
sound
All patients must be considered potential sources of _________, regardless of their disease or diagnosis.
infection
Define sterile
free from all organisms, including spores and viruses
What is the minimum temperature for dry heat sterilization?
320°F to 350°F
What do chemicals generally not kill?
spores and viruses
Why should you avoid getting the cleaning solutions on the skin?
toxic, can cause skin irritation
Name three (3) types of PPE utilized in health care facilities.
gloves, gowns, lab coats, masks, eye protection, face shields
What part of a sterile field or tray is considered contaminated?
The two-inch border around the sterile field
The wrap on a sterile bowl is wet. What should you do?
rewrap and autoclave the item
What must be placed on the container while the articles are in the chemical solution?
A tight-fitting lid
What should you do if a white coating appears on the bottom of the glass beakers?
discard and replace the beakers
Identify two (2) times when gloves must be worn.
Whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin is possible; when handling any contaminated items or surfaces; when performing invasive procedures or blood tests
Why should you never reach across the top of a sterile field?
Microorganisms can drop from your arm or clothing and contaminate the field.
List two (2) types of wraps that can be used in the autoclave.
Muslin, autoclave paper, special plastic or paper bags, autoclave containers
Can anti-rust tablets be added to all chemical solutions?
No. They can cause a chemical reaction with some solutions and reduce effectiveness
Does ultrasonic cleaning remove all organisms and pathogens? Why or why not?
No. It does not remove spores or viruses
Should gloves be washed or disinfected for reuse? Why or why not?
NO. Washing may allow penetration of liquids through undetected holes and disinfecting agents may cause deterioration of the gloves.
Why must a sterile field be kept dry?
organisms and pathogens travel quickly through a wet surface
List three (3) rules that must be followed while loading an autoclave.
Leave space between all pieces; packages placed on side, not flat; jars, basins, and cans placed on sides; no articles in contact with side, door, or top of the autoclave
Three (3) examples of chemical solutions.
90 percent isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde–alcohol, 2 percent phenolic germicide, 10 percent bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solution, glutaraldehyde, iodophor, Lysol, Cidex, benzalkonium (Zephiran
Define cavitation.
Bubbles strike the article being cleaned, explode, and drive the solution onto the article
Where must you discard a dressing contaminated with blood and pus?
infectious waste or biohazard material bag
How should hands be held to avoid contamination after applying sterile gloves?
Away from the body and above the waist