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the goal of instrument processing is to: the goal of instrument processing is to: eliminate water spots. clean instruments free of visible debris. sterilize contaminated instruments. provide sterile instruments at chairside for use on a subsequent patient.

2 Answers

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Final answer:

The goal of instrument processing is to sterilize contaminated instruments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal of instrument processing is to:

a. eliminate water spots.
b. clean instruments free of visible debris.
c. sterilize contaminated instruments.
d. provide sterile instruments at the chairside for use on a subsequent patient.

The correct answer is c. sterilize contaminated instruments. Instrument processing involves cleaning and disinfecting instruments to remove any visible debris and microorganisms, but the ultimate goal is to sterilize the instruments to ensure they are free from all infectious agents. Sterilization is necessary, especially for critical items, such as surgical instruments, that come into contact with sterile tissues or the bloodstream.

User Distagon
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1 vote

Final answer:

The primary goal of instrument processing is to provide sterile instruments for use on a patient, involving cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, to prevent infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal of instrument processing in healthcare is multi-faceted but ultimately aims to provide sterile instruments at chairside for use on a subsequent patient. This process involves the removal or killing of all vegetative cells, endospores, and viruses from the instruments to ensure their safety and prevent patient infections. There are levels to instrument processing: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Cleaning instruments free of visible debris is typically the first step, which may involve methods like sonication.

Sterilization is the most advanced form of microbial control and is essential for critical items that will contact sterile tissues or the bloodstream. An autoclave is an example of a device used for sterilization, exerting high heat and pressure to achieve this objective. However, not all instruments require such extreme measures; the protocol depends on the item's classification as critical, semicritical, or noncritical. Ensuring aseptic technique and maintaining a sterile field are also vital components of the process.

User Bobazonski
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