Question

When instruments are "opened but not used" and returned to the CS/SPD from user departments, they are considered?

1) Contaminated
2) Sterile
3) Clean
4) Used

Answer 1

Instruments that are opened but not used are considered contaminated as they have been exposed to the environment. They require reprocessing before patient use to maintain sterility.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instruments are "opened but not used" and returned to the CS/SPD (Central Sterile Services Department/Sterile Processing Department) from user departments, they are considered contaminated. Despite not being used, these instruments have been exposed to the environment, which potentially compromises their sterility.

The classification and the level of decontamination required for medical items depend on their intended use and the risk of infection involved. Critical items, such as surgical instruments that come into contact with sterile tissues, must be sterile. On the other hand, semicritical and noncritical items, which come in contact with mucous membranes or intact skin, respectively, require varying levels of disinfection.