Final answer:
Intermediate-level disinfection with a Cal/EPA registered hospital disinfectant and a tuberculocidal claim shall be used on items visibly contaminated with blood or OPIM. This level is effective against most viruses, fungi, and vegetative bacteria, aligning with the requirements for semicritical items.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the appropriate level of disinfectant to use when an item is contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). According to the standards for infection control and the categorization of medical items based on their usage, the correct answer is: c) Intermediate, disinfection.
For an item visibly soiled with blood or OPIM, an intermediate-level disinfectant should be used. Intermediate-level disinfectants are effective against vegetative bacteria, most viruses, and most fungi but may not be effective against bacterial spores. This level of disinfectant is appropriate for items that come into contact with mucous membranes or nonintact skin, known as semicritical items.
High-level germicides are required when the item is critical and requires sterilization because it will penetrate sterile tissues or enter the bloodstream. Low-level disinfectants are suitable for noncritical items that come into contact with intact skin.