Question

The following is an example of a critical item, according to the Spaulding classification system:

A) Laryngoscope blade
B) Pulse oximeter
C) IV catheter
D) Nasopharyngeal airway
E) None of the above

Answer 1

In the Spaulding classification system, critical items must be sterilized as they will penetrate sterile tissues or the vascular system, and among the given choices, the laryngoscope blade is a critical item.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Spaulding classification system is a protocol used to determine the level of disinfection or sterilization required for medical equipment. According to this system, critical items are those that are intended to enter sterile tissue or the vascular system. Therefore, these items must be sterilized to eliminate all microbial life, including bacterial spores. Types of critical items include surgical instruments, cardiac and urinary catheters, and any item that penetrates through the skin or mucous membranes.

In the presented multiple choice question, the correct answer is A) Laryngoscope blade. This is because a laryngoscope blade is used during intubation, which involves insertion into the patient’s airway, a procedure that potentially exposes sterile body tissues to the equipment. Therefore, it must be sterilized before use.