Final answer:
Instruments should be inspected for residue after a cycle in an ultrasonic cleaning unit. If clear, they are rinsed with water, dried, placed in a sterilization pouch, and prepared for reuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once the cleaning cycle of an ultrasonic cleaning unit is completed, instruments should be thoroughly inspected for residue. This is because the main cleaning action is achieved through cavitation, which can sometimes leave behind microscopic particles that must be removed to ensure instruments are fully clean. If any residue is found, the instrument should be subjected to additional cleaning cycles as needed.
After inspection and confirmation that the instruments are free of residue, they should be rinsed with water to remove any cleaning solution that might be present. Finally, the instruments can be dried with a cloth, placed in a sterilization pouch, and prepared for their next use.