Question 1

The RN prepares the patient for the sterile procedure. Which of the following statements made by the patient, best demonstrates understanding of the need for sterile equipment and aseptic procedures?

Accepted Answer

Option A correctly states the purpose of using sterile equipment and aseptic procedures, which is to prevent the introduction of microorganisms that could cause infection. Options B, C, and D do not accurately describe the reason for using sterile equipment and aseptic procedures.

Question 2

Which of the following microbes are targeted by alcohol-based hand cleaners?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them a broad-spectrum choice for hand hygiene.

Question 3

The use of aldehydes as antimicrobial agents is limited due to ________.

Accepted Answer

Aldehydes are often unstable when exposed to high temperature or pH, which limits their use as antimicrobial agents. This instability can lead to the breakdown of the active agent and thus a loss of effectiveness.

Question 4

One disadvantage to using ortho-phthalaldehyde vs. glutaraldehyde as an antimicrobial agent is ________.

Accepted Answer

Ortho-phthalaldehyde is generally more expensive than glutaraldehyde, which is a key disadvantage of using it as an antimicrobial agent.

Question 5

To reduce the patient's risk of infection, the RN assists the physician with applying all of the following prior to the procedure except ________.

Accepted Answer

The option "clean gown" is not sufficient for reducing the risk of infection. A sterile gown or sterile draping is required. Therefore, the RN should assist the physician in applying sterile gloves, a cap, and a mask to reduce the patient's risk of infection.

Question 6

Phenols are useful antimicrobial compounds in that they are effective against bacteria fungi and viruses, disrupting several cellular targets, however, they have been removed from many consumer products because of their high toxicity and propensity to select for resistant strains of microorganisms.

Accepted Answer

Phenols are effective antimicrobial compounds but they have been removed from many consumer products due to their high toxicity and ability to select for resistant strains of microorganisms.

Question 7

If chlorhexidine is unavailable for the procedure, which of the following chemical agents would also be appropriate as a topical antiseptic?

Accepted Answer

2% iodine is a commonly used alternative to chlorhexidine as a topical antiseptic. Potassium iodide and formaldehyde are not typically used as topical antiseptics, and phenol carries a high risk of toxicity and is not recommended for use as a topical antiseptic.

Question 8

Chlorhexidine kills microbes by ________.

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is used to kill microbes such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. It works by targeting the cell membranes, and cell walls of microorganisms, which leads to the leakage of intracellular contents and eventual death of the organism. Additionally, it denatures proteins by disrupting the hydrogen bonding that maintains the tertiary structure, leading to loss of function of the proteins.

Question 9

Beginning Fall 2017, the FDA banned the use of phenolic compounds, such as triclosan, in consumer soaps and lotions. This is due to ________.

Accepted Answer

The FDA banned the use of phenolic compounds due to increased microbial resistance to these chemicals.

Question 10

When comparing the Bunsen burner and a hot-air oven, the Bunsen burner is more versatile since it can sterilize a wide range of materials, including plastics, cottons and oils.

Accepted Answer

The hot-air oven is more versatile since it can sterilize a wider range of materials, including not only plastics, cottons, and oils, but also metal and glass. The Bunsen burner is typically used for sterilizing items such as metal instruments or glass tubes, but is not suitable for sterilizing some materials like plastic.

Question 11

The RN practices proper handwashing technique when his hands are visibly dirty. Which of the following terms most appropriately describes the type of antimicrobial control provided by handwashing with germicidal soap and water?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis is the type of antimicrobial control provided by handwashing with germicidal soap and water. It reduces the number of microorganisms on the skin's surface and prevents the spread of infection. Sterilization is the complete destruction of all microorganisms and their spores, disinfection is the destruction of most microorganisms, and decontamination is the removal of infectious agents to a safe level.

Question 12

Aldehyde-based compounds, while effective sterilants, can be unstable and costly to use.

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde-based compounds, such as glutaraldehyde, can be effective as sterilants, but they can be unstable in certain conditions and can be expensive to use.

Question 13

Following successful placement of the central venous line, the RN is diligent to prevent infection when accessing the catheter and administering medications. Which of the following actions should be completed prior to use of the line?

Accepted Answer

All three actions should be completed prior to use of the line to ensure optimal infection prevention. Hand washing and glove use decrease the risk of introducing pathogens to the catheter and disinfection of the access port with alcohol reduces the risk of infection during medication administration.

Question 14

The RN utilizes an alcohol-based hand cleanser with friction rub when his hands are not visibly dirty. Which of the following terms appropriately describes the type of antimicrobial control provided by alcohol-based hand cleansers?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis is the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on living tissue, which is exactly what is achieved with the use of an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms and is not achieved with the use of alcohol-based hand cleansers. Disinfection is the process of eliminating most or all pathogenic organisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects or surfaces, and decontamination is the process of reducing the microbial load on non-living surfaces or objects to a safe level.

Question 15

The advantage of using ethylene oxide as a sterilant over moist heat sterilization in an autoclave is that ________.

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide can be used to sterilize plastics that would melt in an autoclave, which is an advantage over moist heat sterilization in an autoclave. The other options are incorrect – the autoclave can kill endospores, and ethylene oxide can be hazardous to humans if not used properly.

Question 16

Heavy metals such as silver, mercury and copper are effective antimicrobials due to their ability to bind to the regulatory site of enzymes, thus acting as an irreversible non-competitive inhibitor.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Heavy metals such as silver, mercury and...

Question 17

The RN cleanses the urethral opening with an iodine swab. Which of the following terms most appropriately describes this method of microbial control?

Accepted Answer

Antisepsis is the method of preventing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on living tissues, like the skin, and is achieved through the use of antiseptics. In this case, the iodine swab is used to cleanse the urethral opening, which is a living tissue, and therefore fits the definition of antisepsis. Disinfection, decontamination, and sterilization all involve methods to kill or remove microorganisms, but not necessarily on living tissue.

Question 18

All of the following are disadvantages to using compounds containing heavy metals, except ________.

Accepted Answer

The statement "they can only be taken in pill form, not applied as a lotion or ointment" is not a disadvantage to using compounds containing heavy metals, but rather a limitation in their application form. The other options listed are valid disadvantages.

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios are most appropriate for handwashing with an alcohol-based hand cleanser instead of soap and water?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following scenarios are most...

Question 20

Prior to placement of the central venous line, the patient's skin is scrubbed with chlorhexidine. Which of the following microorganisms are targeted by this chemical agent?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antiseptic that has activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is commonly used as a preoperative skin preparation to reduce the risk of surgical site infections.

Quiz 9: Physical and Chemical Control of Microbes