BHU NO-2019
Applied Microbiology & Infection control
Easy
The agent used to disinfect the bed linen of HIV positive patient is:
Appeared in: BHU NO-2019
Explanation
- Sodium hypochlorite is a chlorine-releasing compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including potent virucidal effects against pathogens like HIV.
- It is the standard chemical disinfectant recommended by health authorities for decontaminating surfaces and linens soiled with blood or body fluids.
- A 1% solution of sodium hypochlorite is effective for this purpose, ensuring the inactivation of bloodborne viruses.
- It is inexpensive, fast-acting, and effective at removing fixed organisms from surfaces.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Alcohol evaporates too quickly to ensure adequate contact time for disinfection on porous surfaces like linen. Its efficacy is also significantly reduced by the presence of organic matter such as blood.
- Option C: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, meaning it is formulated for use on living tissues (skin). It is not designed or effective for disinfecting inanimate objects (fomites) like bed linen.
- Option D: Soap and water are cleaning agents (detergents), not disinfectants. They physically remove dirt, debris, and some microbes but do not reliably kill viruses like HIV.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Disinfection protocols for materials contaminated with bloodborne pathogens to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
- Adherence to correct disinfection protocols is a cornerstone of infection control, protecting both patients from nosocomial infections and healthcare workers from occupational exposure.
- Understanding the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and antisepsis is critical for selecting the right agent for the right task, preventing the spread of pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B.
- What if? - If the task was to clean a patient's intact skin before an injection, the correct agent would be an antiseptic like 70% alcohol or a chlorhexidine swab, not a disinfectant like sodium hypochlorite which is too harsh for skin.
How to Approach the Question
- First, identify the keywords in the question: 'disinfect', 'bed linen', and 'HIV positive patient'. This points to the need for a chemical agent that can kill bloodborne viruses on an inanimate object.
- Next, differentiate the terms: 'disinfectant' (for objects), 'antiseptic' (for living tissue), and 'cleaning agent' (for removing dirt).
- Evaluate each option based on these definitions. Sodium hypochlorite is a well-known disinfectant.
- Consider the other options: Alcohol and chlorhexidine are primarily antiseptics. Soap water is a cleaning agent.
- Conclude that for disinfecting linen contaminated with a bloodborne pathogen, a chemical disinfectant is required. Sodium hypochlorite is the standard choice for this application.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Disinfection protocols for materials contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.
- Stem keywords: disinfect, bed linen, HIV positive patient
- Lead-in keywords: agent used
Question ID
Q9q-yh-LePVxJ21somnpAZ
Reference Book
E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) pp. 129-131, 128-130, 126-128
Practise the full BHU NO-2019
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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