Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true of disinfection?

1. Disinfecting an item means that all pathogens on the item are destroyed

2. Disinfection is carried out with an autoclave

3. Disinfection kills some pathogens but does not destroy all of them

4. Disinfection can be accomplished with regular soap and cold water

The correct answer is: Disinfection kills some pathogens but does not destroy all of them

Disinfection is a process aimed at reducing the number of pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces or objects to a level considered safe. The correct statement indicates that disinfection kills some pathogens but does not eliminate all of them. This means that while disinfection effectively lowers the risk of infection, certain resilient pathogens may still survive, which is particularly relevant in healthcare settings. Understanding that not all pathogens are destroyed during disinfection is crucial. It emphasizes the importance of using appropriate methods and agents based on the level of microbial control required for specific situations. For example, a surface that has been disinfected may still harbor some microorganisms, so it may not be sufficient in situations demanding complete sterility. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the disinfection process. For instance, stating that disinfecting an item means that all pathogens are destroyed is incorrect, as complete elimination defines sterilization rather than disinfection. While an autoclave is a method for sterilization through the application of high temperature and pressure, it is not specifically a disinfection method, although it can achieve disinfection among its broader sterilizing capabilities. Lastly, using regular soap and cold water is typically associated with cleaning rather than disinfection, as true disinfection requires specific chemical agents designed to reduce pathogens effectively