The Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I)

Antiseptics & Disinfectants

QUESTIONS

  1. Why must organic material such as dirt, dust, grease, faeces, urine, blood and vomit be physically removed from surfaces prior to disinfection for efficient results?
  2. List the precautions that should be taken when using disinfectants.
  3. What is meant by the "recommended routine strength" of a disinfectant?
  4. Why is it potentially dangerous to mix disinfectants or detergents together?
  5. List 6 criteria that affect the action of disinfectants.
  6. What regulations govern the control of disinfectants used in veterinary practice?
  7. Many disinfectants, if used incorrectly, may represent a risk to personnel. List factors relevant to the safe use of disinfectants in practice.
  8. List disadvantages of the use of chemical disinfectants.
  9. State the tests made upon disinfectants against specific significant organisms; of these stated - which is the most efficient?
  10. Bacteria may be classified as gram positive, gram negative, acid fast or spore formation. List their resistance against disinfection in order, with the most resistant listed first.
  11. What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic disinfectants?
  12. What species are allergic to phenols?
  13. What are hypochlorites commonly called?
  14. What is meant by surfactants?
  15. What are the main disadvantages of aldehydes?
  16. What is the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?

Note: Two Key Notes tables - Antiseptics and Disinfectants - accompany this module.