Demonstration should include
- the chemicals and equipment used to clean and disinfect selected surgical instruments
- the steps followed in cleaning and disinfecting selected surgical instruments
- preparation of a surgical pack following standard veterinary guidelines.
Teacher Resources:
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why are instrument packs important in a veterinary setting?
- What differences typically exist between instrument packs for small animal and those for large animals? Why?
- What are the differences between a general pack and an emergency pack?
- What are the guidelines for identifying sterilized surgical packs?
- What are the functions of autoclave tape and indicator strips?
- What is the difference between gas and steam sterilization, and when would one be used over the other?
- Why is it important to use neutral pH instrument cleaners and not scrub solutions for cleaning instruments?
- What is the minimum standard for temperature/time/psi in a steam autoclave?
- How are surgical blades removed from the handles and how are they disposed of?