Infection Control and Sterilization Practices in Healthcare Settings Quiz

Non-critical items do not directly contact mucous membranes or nonintact skin.

Adequate handwashing should last at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs.

Standard precautions aim to prevent transmission of infectious agents from both recognized and unrecognized sources.

Autoclaving at 121°C under pressure effectively kills microorganisms, including spores.

Critical items penetrate sterile tissue or the vascular system, necessitating sterilization.

Pasteurization is a method of disinfection, not sterilization, as it does not eliminate all microbial life.

PPE serves as a barrier to prevent healthcare workers from direct contact with infectious agents.

Gloves should be worn when exposure to blood or bodily fluids is anticipated, but not continuously.

Disinfectants require sufficient contact time, typically 5 minutes, to effectively eliminate pathogens.

HAIs occur as a result of healthcare interventions and are not present or incubating at the time of admission.

Autoclave tape changes color upon exposure to high temperatures, indicating successful sterilization.

Sterilization processes should achieve complete eradication of viable microorganisms.

Proper temperature and pressure ensure that items inside the autoclave reach sterilization conditions.

Ethylene oxide can penetrate packaging and is effective for sterilizing items that cannot withstand high temperatures.

Chemical sterilization methods may damage heat-sensitive items due to prolonged exposure to chemical agents.