Infection Control, Medical Asepsis, and Sterilization Flashcards

Which type of isolation is used for a patient with tuberculosis?

Answer: Airborne infection isolation

Tuberculosis is transmitted via airborne droplet nuclei, requiring airborne infection isolation with a negative-pressure room and N95 respirators.

What is the minimum temperature required for moist heat (autoclave) sterilization at standard pressure?

Answer: 121°C (250°F)

Standard autoclave sterilization uses 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for a minimum of 15–30 minutes to destroy all microorganisms.

A medical assistant is caring for a patient with MRSA. Which PPE is required beyond standard precautions?

Answer: Gown and gloves

MRSA requires contact precautions, which add a gown and gloves to standard precautions to prevent transmission via direct or indirect contact.

Which chemical is most commonly used for high-level disinfection of semicritical items such as endoscopes?

Answer: Glutaraldehyde 2%

Glutaraldehyde 2% (e.g., Cidex) is a commonly used high-level disinfectant for heat-sensitive semicritical items like endoscopes.

What is the purpose of a biological indicator (spore test) in sterilization monitoring?

Answer: To verify that all microorganisms including spores were destroyed

Biological indicators contain highly resistant bacterial spores (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus) to verify that the sterilization process destroyed all life forms.

Hand hygiene with soap and water is preferred over alcohol-based hand rub when hands are contaminated with which organism?

Answer: Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile forms spores that are resistant to alcohol; soap and water physically removes the spores from hands.

Which item is classified as a critical item and MUST be sterilized before use?

Answer: Surgical scalpel

Critical items (e.g., surgical scalpels) penetrate sterile tissue or the vascular system and must be sterile to prevent infection.