QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
\.Identify the types of microorganisms that are most resistant and least resistant
to control
Measures. - ANSWERS✔-
\.Describe critical, semi-critical and non-critical medical devices and describe the
appropriate way to
reduce or eliminate microbes on each type. - ANSWERS✔-Critical medical devices:
expected to come into contact with sterile tissues ie) surgical instruments,
IV needles
,Semi-critical medical devices: come into contact with the mucosal membranes ie)
thermometer,
Respiratory equipment, colonoscopy camera
Noncritical medical devices: those that do not touch the patient or are only
expected to touch
intact skin ie) stethoscope
\.List the desired properties of chemical antimicrobial agents. (8) - ANSWERS✔--
rapid action even in low concentrations
-solubility in water or alcohol and long term stability
-broad spectrum microbial action without being toxic to humans (selective
toxicity)
-penetration of inanimate surfaces to sustain a cumulative or persistent action
-resistance to becoming inactivated by organic matter
-non-corrosive or non-staining properties
-sanitizing and decolorizing properties
,-affordable and readily available
\.Recognize that an antimicrobial chemical with a higher phenol coefficient is
more effective - ANSWERS✔--Phenolics destroy vegetative bacteria, fungi and
some viruses
-Able to act in the presence of organic matter
-Too toxic to use as antisepsis
-ie) Lysol has a phenol coefficient of 5.0 against staphylococcus aureus but only
3.2 against
Salmonella Typhi
\.Name four categories of cellular targets for physical and chemical agents. -
ANSWERS✔--cell wall
-cell membrane
-cellular synthetic processes (DNA/RNA)
-proteins
\.Recognize examples of surfactants.
Describe the mechanism of action of surfactants, and upon which cellular
components they act. - ANSWERS✔--Detergents are polar molecules that act as
surfactants
, -Soaps
"Surfactants are of 2 types: detergents and soaps. They reduce membrane surface
tension,
causing membrane rupture. Cationic detergents or quats are low-level germicides
limited by the amount of organic matter present and the microbial load"
-limited microbial power
-activity due to amphipathic (contain both hydrophobic/philic components) nature
of the molecule
-varied effects
-activity reduced by the presence of organic matter
\.Describe the mechanism of action of alkalis and acids. - ANSWERS✔-Acids and
alkalis target bacteria, viruses and fungi
They act by altering the pH
Used in food manufacturing, deodorants, and deodorizers