ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What practice is used to retard the growth of pathogenic bacteria?

1. Antisepsis

2. Disinfection

3. Sterilization

4. Medical asepsis

The correct answer is: Antisepsis

The practice of antisepsis involves the application of antimicrobial substances, such as antiseptics, to living tissues to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. This is crucial in medical settings to reduce the risk of infections during procedures or when handling wounds. Antiseptics are often applied to skin or mucous membranes to lower the microbial load and prevent the spread of infection, making this approach vital for patient care. Disinfection, while also aimed at reducing microbial viability, typically refers to the treatment of inanimate objects and surfaces rather than living tissues. Sterilization goes a step further, completely eliminating all forms of microbial life, including spores, but is not a practice aimed directly at retarding bacteria growth in living tissues. Medical asepsis focuses on practices that reduce the risk of infection by maintaining cleanliness, but it does not specifically target the growth of bacteria like antisepsis does. Therefore, antisepsis is the correct choice for the specific intention of retarding pathogenic bacteria growth in living organisms.