California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What term describes the complete destruction of all microorganisms?

1. Asepsis

2. Sterilization

3. Disinfection

4. Isolation

The correct answer is: Sterilization

The term that describes the complete destruction of all microorganisms is sterilization. This process is crucial in healthcare settings to ensure that surgical instruments, medical devices, and other surfaces are free from all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Achieving this level of cleanliness is essential for preventing infections, particularly during invasive procedures. Sterilization can be accomplished through various methods, such as steam (autoclaving), dry heat, chemical sterilants, or radiation. Each method works by destroying the pathogens and rendering the items safe for use in a clinical environment. Asepsis refers to the practices used to prevent contamination by pathogens, but it does not guarantee the complete destruction of all microorganisms. Disinfection reduces the number of viable organisms but does not eliminate all microbial life, especially spores. Isolation involves separating infected patients or materials to prevent the spread of infection but does not pertain to the destruction of microorganisms. Thus, the definition of sterilization distinctly encompasses the complete eradication of all microbes, making it the correct answer.