Question

Which step should be taken when a wet pack is noticed while unloading the sterilizer?

a) Dry it with a towel immediately
b) Re-run the entire sterilization process
c) Allow it to air dry
d) Discard the pack as it is compromised

Answer 1

The correct action when noticing a wet pack post-sterilization is to re-run the entire sterilization process to ensure the contents are sterile and to investigate the cause of the moisture.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a wet pack is noticed while unloading the sterilizer, the appropriate step to take is b) Re-run the entire sterilization process. This is necessary because moisture in a sterilization pack can act as a vehicle for microorganisms, potentially compromising the sterility of the contents. The wet pack should not be used, and a full investigation should be conducted to determine the cause of the wetness and fix any issues with the sterilization process to prevent recurrence.