Save
Upgrade to remove ads
Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or
show password
Forgot Password?
Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or
Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account. Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.
focusNode
Didn't know it?
click below
 
Knew it?
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
0:00
edit
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how

Ch 21 L.O.

TermDefinition
Critical Instruments Instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone; high risk for transmission and must be heat sterilized.
Semicritical Instruments Instruments that touch mucous membranes but do not penetrate soft tissue; moderate risk and should be heat sterilized if possible.
Noncritical Instruments Instruments that contact intact skin only; very low risk and reprocessed with intermediate or low-level disinfectants.
Single-Loop Workflow The required pattern for instrument processing: Dirty -> Clean -> Sterile -> Storage.
Ultrasonic Cleaner Cleaning device using high-frequency sound waves to create imploding bubbles (cavitation) to loosen bioburden in 5-15 minutes.
Holding Solution A biohazard-labeled liquid used when instruments cannot be cleaned immediately, preventing blood/saliva from drying.
Hand Scrubbing The least desirable precleaning method due to the high risk of direct hand contact and puncture wounds from sharp instruments.
Steam Autoclave Sterilization method using steam under pressure; fast and leaves no chemical residue, but can rust carbon steel.
Unsaturated Chemical Vapor Sterilizer using alcohol, formaldehyde, and acetone; does not rust dry instruments, but requires special ventilation.
Dry Heat Sterilizer Heats air to 320-375°F to sterilize instruments without rusting metal, but requires long cycles and melts plastics.
Liquid Chemical Sterilants Glutaraldehyde solutions requiring 10 hours of continuous immersion; used exclusively for heat-sensitive items.
Process Indicators External indicators (e.g., autoclave tape) on the outside of packs showing exposure to heat to distinguish processed packs.
Process Integrators Internal multiparameter indicators placed inside packages to respond to a combination of time, temperature, and steam.
Biological Monitoring Spore testing; the only guaranteed method to confirm sterilization and destruction of bacterial spores (CDC recommends weekly).
Wicking Process where bacteria pass through wet packaging materials onto sterile instruments inside; packs must dry fully before handling.
Event-Related Packaging Concept stating that packages remain sterile indefinitely unless an event occurs (e.g., tearing, wetting) that compromises sterility.
Sterilization Failure Protocol Immediately remove sterilizer from service, review for human error, retest, and recall all items processed since last passed test.
Sterilizer Return Rule After a failure or repair, a sterilizer requires three consecutive empty-chamber biological tests with negative results before re-use.
Biological Test Placement Place the spore test strip/vial in a test pack in the center of the sterilizer load, the hardest area for steam to reach.
Control Indicator An un-sterilized spore vial processed alongside the test indicator to confirm the viable growth of spores during testing.
Handpiece Pre-Sterilization Flush water/air through lines for 10-20 seconds with bur in place, clean exterior, lubricate if required, and pouch.
Handpiece Cooling Rule Handpieces must cool naturally in the pouch; never run under cold water to cool, which damages internal turbines.
Glutaraldehyde Rinsing Rule Items removed from liquid sterilants must be rinsed with sterile water to remove toxic chemicals that burn tissue.
Aluminum Foil Test Periodically tests ultrasonic cleaner efficiency; a properly functioning unit leaves evenly pitted foil after 20 seconds.
FIFO Storage Rule First-In, First-Out; practice of rotating sterile packages so that the oldest sterilization dates are used first.
Created by: Cocoalover
 

 



Voices

Use these flashcards to help memorize information. Look at the large card and try to recall what is on the other side. Then click the card to flip it. If you knew the answer, click the green Know box. Otherwise, click the red Don't know box.

When you've placed seven or more cards in the Don't know box, click "retry" to try those cards again.

If you've accidentally put the card in the wrong box, just click on the card to take it out of the box.

You can also use your keyboard to move the cards as follows:

If you are logged in to your account, this website will remember which cards you know and don't know so that they are in the same box the next time you log in.

When you need a break, try one of the other activities listed below the flashcards like Matching, Snowman, or Hungry Bug. Although it may feel like you're playing a game, your brain is still making more connections with the information to help you out.

To see how well you know the information, try the Quiz or Test activity.

Pass complete!
"Know" box contains:
Time elapsed:
Retries:
restart all cards