An autoclave is a pressure chamber used to sterilize equipment and supplies by maintaining?

IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: IGIMS Staff Nurse - 2018

Explanation

The standard for steam sterilization is a specific combination of temperature, pressure, and time designed to kill all microbial life.
The correct parameters are a temperature of 121°C and a pressure of 15 psi, which must be maintained for a holding time of 15-20 minutes.
According to Park's Textbook of Preventive & Social Medicine, applying pressure (15 lbs/sq. inch) allows saturated steam to reach a temperature of 122°C, which is necessary for effective sterilization.
This method ensures the complete destruction of all viable microorganisms, including highly resistant bacterial spores, achieving a state of sterility.

Option B: This is not a standard autoclave cycle. While higher temperatures can be used for shorter durations, this specific combination is not a recognized protocol for either standard or flash sterilization.
Option C: This is not a standard autoclave cycle. Flash sterilization typically uses a slightly lower temperature (134°C) for a much shorter time (3-5 minutes) at a higher pressure (30 psi).
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct answer is provided among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Principles of autoclave sterilization as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must ensure that all reusable critical items (e.g., surgical instruments, intravascular catheters) are properly sterilized to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Understanding autoclave principles is vital for any staff involved in patient care, as it underpins the safety of many procedures. A failure in sterilization can lead to severe patient infection, sepsis, and even death.
What if? If an instrument is needed urgently for a procedure, a 'flash' cycle (e.g., 134°C at 30 psi for 3-5 minutes) might be used. However, this is only for unwrapped, non-porous items and is not suitable for implants, as it offers a lower margin of safety.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the keywords in the question: 'autoclave', 'sterilize', and 'maintaining'. This indicates the question is asking for the standard operating parameters.
Recognize this as a factual recall question related to infection control and microbiology.
Analyze the options, noting that each provides a different combination of temperature, pressure, and time.
Recall the fundamental principle: an autoclave uses steam under pressure to raise the temperature above water's normal boiling point.
Select the option that matches the universally accepted standard for routine steam sterilization, which is 121°C at 15 psi for 15-20 minutes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 127-129, 126-128