Final answer:
Option D. Using an antiseptic on the skin demonstrates antisepsis, which is a process of applying antiseptic agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol, to living tissues to reduce the number of microorganisms and viruses, specifically potential pathogens, without causing tissue damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using an antiseptic on the skin is an example of antisepsis. Antiseptics are antimicrobial chemicals safe for use directly on living tissue to prevent infection by reducing the microbial load. This is different from sterilization, which is meant to completely eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. The comparable options are:
- Sterilization - the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including spores, usually accomplished with steam under pressure (autoclaving), dry heat, or chemical sterilants.
- Sanitization - the process of cleaning to reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels as deemed appropriate for public health standards, often using detergents or disinfectants.
- Disinfection - the elimination of most pathogenic microorganisms (except bacterial spores) on inanimate objects.
- Antisepsis - the reduction in the number of microorganisms and viruses, particularly potential pathogens, on living tissue.
Therefore, the answer to the student's question is D. Antisepsis. This is also the term that best describes the suitability of certain substances for use on tissue for microbial control to prevent infection, which typically include antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol.