Infection Control, Medical Asepsis, and Sterilization Flashcards

In the chain of infection, which link does hand hygiene primarily interrupt?

Answer: Mode of transmission

Hand hygiene removes pathogens from hands and interrupts the mode of transmission, preventing pathogens from reaching a new host.

Which disinfection level is required for a thermometer used in the mouth?

Answer: Intermediate-level disinfection

Oral thermometers are semicritical items that contact mucous membranes and require intermediate-level disinfection at minimum.

What does the term 'sanitization' mean in the context of instrument processing?

Answer: Reducing microbial count to a safe level and removing debris

Sanitization (cleaning) reduces microbial count and removes gross soil/debris; it is the first step before disinfection or sterilization.

A medical assistant notices a package sterilized 45 days ago. What should they do?

Answer: Inspect the package integrity and chemical indicator before use

Sterility is event-related; a package should be inspected for intact seals, no moisture, and a color-changed chemical indicator before use.

Which type of precaution should be implemented for a patient with influenza?

Answer: Droplet precautions

Influenza is spread via large respiratory droplets (>5 microns), requiring droplet precautions including surgical masks within 3–6 feet.

What is the role of the EPA in infection control for medical offices?

Answer: Registering and regulating disinfectants used on environmental surfaces

The EPA registers hospital-grade disinfectants used on environmental surfaces; products must carry an EPA registration number to be used in medical settings.

Which practice is an example of surgical asepsis?

Answer: Maintaining a sterile field during a minor surgical procedure

Surgical asepsis involves maintaining a completely sterile environment during invasive procedures to prevent any microorganisms from entering the body.