NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)
Applied Microbiology & Infection control
Easy
Which of the following disinfectant solution can be used to clean COVID-19 patient linen?
Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)
Explanation
- 1% Sodium hypochlorite solution is a potent, broad-spectrum disinfectant recommended by health authorities for decontaminating linen exposed to pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
- As a chlorine-releasing agent, it is highly effective (virucidal) against enveloped viruses by denaturing their proteins and nucleic acids.
- It is an inexpensive, fast-acting, and widely used disinfectant for laundry and surfaces in hospital infection control protocols.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option B: Savlon contains chlorhexidine and cetrimide, which are primarily skin antiseptics used for cleaning wounds or hands.
- Option C: Betadine (povidone-iodine) is a skin antiseptic used for pre-surgical skin preparation. It causes significant staining, making it unsuitable for laundry.
- Option D: Alcohol evaporates too quickly to ensure the necessary contact time for disinfection on porous materials like linen. It is also flammable and not cost-effective for large items.
Related Visual
- Visual 1: Infographic: Step-by-step guide on 'Safe Handling and Disinfection of Infectious Linen', showing a healthcare worker in full PPE, the soaking process in sodium hypochlorite, and the final washing machine step.
- Visual 2: Chart: 'Comparison of Common Disinfectants' detailing the spectrum of activity, uses, and limitations of sodium hypochlorite, alcohol, iodine compounds, and chlorhexidine.
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Infection control and disinfection protocols for contaminated linen in a healthcare setting, specifically in the context of COVID-19 to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
- Proper disinfection of patient linen is a critical nursing responsibility to break the chain of infection and prevent nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections.
- Failure to use the correct disinfectant and procedure can lead to the spread of pathogens to other patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community.
- What if? If the linen was only soiled with non-infectious material (e.g., food), a standard hot water wash with detergent would be sufficient. Chemical disinfection with sodium hypochlorite is reserved for linen contaminated with potentially infectious body fluids.
How to Approach the Question
- Identify the core of the question: It asks for the correct disinfectant for a specific application (COVID-19 patient linen).
- Analyze the context: The keywords are 'COVID-19' (a virus) and 'linen' (fabric). This requires a disinfectant that is virucidal and suitable for laundry.
- Evaluate each option based on its primary use: Is it a surface disinfectant, a skin antiseptic, or suitable for fabrics?
- Recall standard infection control guidelines. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the universally recognized standard for disinfecting contaminated hospital laundry.
- Eliminate options based on their unsuitability: Savlon and Betadine are skin antiseptics, and alcohol is impractical for large fabric items.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Infection control and disinfection protocols for contaminated linen in a healthcare setting, specifically in the context of COVID-19.
- Stem keywords: disinfectant solution, clean, COVID-19, patient linen
- Lead-in keywords: Which
Question ID
QhTaVqLY0zLtzatr1NK7vD
Practise the full NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1)
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
More Disinfection and Sterilization Questions
- The best and safest method of sterilization is:
- This is a solution used in hospitals. After how many days will you change this solution?
- Which solution is used for management of blood spillage?
- The ratio of mixing bleaching powder and water for acting as a disinfectant is:
- Covid face shield is sterilized by?
- Best method described for the asepsis of any surgical instrument?
- One of the principles of a sterile area?
- Which one of the following methods is commonly used for sterilization of this device?
- Inoculating loops are sterilized by?
- What is the optimum temperature in an autoclave to achieve sterility?
More NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-1) Questions
- A patient is getting IV fluid through peripheral cannula, shows redness, cool, oedema and decreased flow rate. The possible diagnosis is?
- The Endemic Disease that occurs every 4 years of interval is called?
- The nurse witnesses a neighbour's husband sustain a fall from the roof of his house. The nurse rushes to the victim and determines the need to open t…
- Which of the following is NOT included in the National Vector borne disease control Programme?
- In a patient IV site shows redness, heat, tenderness, decrease flow rate, are the classical sign of?
- Which measure is used for growth monitoring at Anganwadi centre?
- Which of the following muscles should always be avoided for IM Injection to prevent sciatic nerve injury?
- The doses of Elemental Iron and folic acid in Anaemia Mukht Bharat (AMB) program for pregnant women?
- When is the world patient safety day observed?
- A child is suffering from diarrhoea with restlessness, agitation and irritability. Which of the following clinical sign is not indicating to severe d…