Chapter 10: Decontamination,
Sterilization, and Disinfection
Antiseptic - correct answer-Chemical used to remove microorganisms from tissue
Bacteriostatic - correct answer-Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Bioburden - correct answer-Number of live bacterial colonies on a surface before it is
sterilized
Contaminated - correct answer-Surface or tissue that has been in contact with a
microorganism
Cleaning - correct answer-Removal of blood, body fluids, and dirt and organic debris
(bioburden)
Decontamination - correct answer-Process by which instruments and supplies are cleaned
and processed
Disinfection - correct answer-Removal of most, not all, microorganisms
Disinfectant - correct answer-A chemical used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate or
nonliving
objects
Reprocessing - correct answer-Act of rendering items safe for use in subsequent cases
Sterilization - correct answer-The complete destruction of microorganisms on an object
Spaulding Classification System - correct answer-a way to determine if a patient care
device requires sterilization, disinfection, or cleaning
(washing)
Critical risk - correct answer-Sterile body tissues including the vascular system
Semicritical risk - correct answer-Mucous membranes and nonintact skin
Noncritical risk - correct answer-Intact skin
Ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer-Removes debris through cavitation
TASS - correct answer-Toxic anterior segment syndrome
Washer-sterilizer or decontaminator - correct answer-Use on instruments that tolerate water
turbulence and high-pressure steam
Sterilization, and Disinfection
Antiseptic - correct answer-Chemical used to remove microorganisms from tissue
Bacteriostatic - correct answer-Chemical agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria
Bioburden - correct answer-Number of live bacterial colonies on a surface before it is
sterilized
Contaminated - correct answer-Surface or tissue that has been in contact with a
microorganism
Cleaning - correct answer-Removal of blood, body fluids, and dirt and organic debris
(bioburden)
Decontamination - correct answer-Process by which instruments and supplies are cleaned
and processed
Disinfection - correct answer-Removal of most, not all, microorganisms
Disinfectant - correct answer-A chemical used to destroy microorganisms on inanimate or
nonliving
objects
Reprocessing - correct answer-Act of rendering items safe for use in subsequent cases
Sterilization - correct answer-The complete destruction of microorganisms on an object
Spaulding Classification System - correct answer-a way to determine if a patient care
device requires sterilization, disinfection, or cleaning
(washing)
Critical risk - correct answer-Sterile body tissues including the vascular system
Semicritical risk - correct answer-Mucous membranes and nonintact skin
Noncritical risk - correct answer-Intact skin
Ultrasonic cleaner - correct answer-Removes debris through cavitation
TASS - correct answer-Toxic anterior segment syndrome
Washer-sterilizer or decontaminator - correct answer-Use on instruments that tolerate water
turbulence and high-pressure steam
