In a case study, a surgical instrument was found to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Which sterilization method would be most effective?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In a case study, a surgical instrument was found to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Which sterilization method would be most effective?
Boiling water
Ethylene oxide gas
Alcohol wipes
Ultraviolet light
Ethylene oxide gas is effective for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments and can eliminate Staphylococcus aureus.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In a case study, a surgical instrument was found to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. Which sterilization method would be most effective?
Solution: Ethylene oxide gas is effective for sterilizing heat-sensitive instruments and can eliminate Staphylococcus aureus.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Identify the problem - A surgical instrument is contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria.
Step 2: Understand sterilization - Sterilization is a process that kills all microorganisms, including bacteria.
Step 3: Consider the type of instrument - Determine if the instrument is heat-sensitive, meaning it cannot be exposed to high temperatures.
Step 4: Choose a sterilization method - For heat-sensitive instruments, ethylene oxide gas is a suitable option because it can effectively sterilize without heat.
Step 5: Confirm effectiveness - Ethylene oxide gas is known to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and other harmful microorganisms.
