Autoclaving is done at a pressure of:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Explanation

Autoclaving, or steam sterilization, relies on using saturated steam under pressure to achieve temperatures capable of killing all microbial life, including resistant bacterial spores.
The standard and most widely used setting for general autoclaving is a pressure of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) above atmospheric pressure.
This pressure raises the temperature of the steam to 121°C (250°F), which, when maintained for a holding time of 15-20 minutes, ensures complete sterilization of the load.

Option A: This pressure is insufficient to raise the steam temperature to the required 121°C for effective sterilization. The temperature achieved would not be high enough to reliably kill bacterial spores.
Option C: This is not the standard pressure for a general-purpose autoclave cycle. It corresponds to a higher temperature than the standard 121°C.
Option D: This pressure is significantly higher than the standard for a general-purpose autoclave cycle and would result in a temperature well above the standard 121°C.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Standard parameters for autoclaving (steam sterilization) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must ensure that autoclaves are functioning correctly and that cycles are run at the proper parameters (pressure, temperature, time) to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) from non-sterile equipment.
Proper sterilization is a fundamental pillar of infection control protocols in all healthcare settings, from operating rooms to outpatient clinics and laboratories.
The nurse's role includes verifying that sterilization indicators (chemical or biological) have changed appropriately, confirming the cycle was successful before using the equipment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the operational parameters of an autoclave.
The keywords are 'Autoclaving' and 'pressure'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about standard sterilization methods.
Recall the relationship between pressure and temperature in steam sterilization: increased pressure raises the temperature of steam above water's normal boiling point.
Remember the most common standard cycle: 121°C at 15 psi for 15-20 minutes. This is the benchmark for general sterilization.
Compare this standard to the options provided and select the one that matches.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 50-52

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.