Author Question: The nurse is providing education to a group of surgical nurses and surgical scrub technicians. To ... (Read 34 times)

ts19998 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is providing education to a group of surgical nurses and surgical scrub technicians.

To evaluate the participants' knowledge of antiseptics and disinfectants, the nurse asks them to choose which of the following antiseptics, disinfectants, or processes are correctly matched with their purpose or action. (Select all that apply.)
a. Disinfectants; decontamination of surgical instruments
b. Disinfectants; only used topically to cleanse wounds
c. Sterilization; kills all microorganisms
d. Sanitization; sanitizes surgical equipment
e. Germicide; reduces the growth and replication of microorganisms

Question 2

A group of nurses is receiving continuing education about wound care. The wound care nurse teaching the class asks, Which agent would be most appropriate for cleansing open wounds and loosening debris?

The correct answer, provided by the class, is
a. hydrogen peroxide and saline.
b. thimerosal.
c. hexachlorophene.
d. benzalkonium chloride.

morrie123456 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C
A disinfectant is used to decontaminate surgical instruments. Sterilization is used to kill all microorganisms.
Disinfectants are too harsh to be applied to living tissue.
Sanitization implies only that contamination has been reduced to a level compatible with public health standards; it may not be used to sanitize surgical equipment.
Germicides kill microorganisms; they do not reduce their growth.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant and sterilizing agent. It loosens wound debris and facilitates cleansing because of the liberation of oxygen, which leads to a frothing action in the wound.
Thimerosal has only weak bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties and is reduced in the presence of blood and tissue proteins, therefore it would not be appropriate for cleansing an open wound.
Hexachlorophene has little or no effect on gram-negative bacteria and actually encourages overgrowth with gram-negative organisms. It is not used in the clinical setting.
Benzalkonium chloride is used preoperatively as a surgical scrub, and concentrated solutions can cause severe local injury, especially in open wounds.