Surgical NursingDifficulty 2/5
Why must instruments be cleaned before they are sterilised?
- ABecause detergents deactivate the chemical indicators used in packs
- BBecause sterilisation removes debris only from hinged box-lock joints
- CBecause organic debris shields microorganisms from the sterilising agent
- DBecause cleaning is required to keep the instruments visually presentable
Show answer and rationale
Correct: C. Organic material physically protects microorganisms from steam or gas, so sterilisation cannot be assured on a soiled instrument. Cleaning is a prerequisite, not a finishing step.
- D — Appearance is not the reason sterility fails.
- A — Indicators are not deactivated by appropriate cleaning agents.
- B — Sterilisation does not remove debris at all.