Basic sciences 1

Question: 1 of 2
Can gamma irradiation also be used to sterilise the following?
Disposable needles and syringes

Correct

Glassware

Correct

Latex catheters

Correct

Opening theatre linen

Incorrect answer selected

Saline for injection

Incorrect answer selected

Gamma radiation is a high-energy ionising radiation produced by many radioactive substances.

A major source for sterilisation is the isotope known as cobalt 60. This type of radiation has good
penetrating power and therefore can be used to sterilise pre-packaged materials such as petri dishes,
bandages, disposable needles and syringes and latex catheters.

Question: 2 of 2
Theme:Causes of disease
A Clostridium difficile
B Clostridium perfringens
C Escherichia coli
D Haemophilus influenzae
E none of these
F Staphylococcus aureus
G Streptococcus pyogenes
Select the most likely causative organism for the following infections:
Pelvic sepsis following abdominal hysterectomy.
Clostridium difficile

Incorrect - The correct answer is Escherichia coli

Post-operative diarrhoea.
Clostridium difficile

Correct

Urinary tract infection after catheterisation.

Clostridium difficile

Incorrect - The correct answer is Escherichia coli

The most likely cause of pelvic sepsis is due to E. coli as are most intra-abdominal abscesses.

Basic sciences 2

Other causes of pelvic abscesses include Pseudomonas spp and Mycobacterium.

Urinary tract infections are most commonly due to Escherichia coli.
Post-operative diarrhoea is most likely a consequence of pseudomembranous colitis due to Clostridium
difficile toxin.
Predisposing factors include the use of broad spectrum antibiotics but the condition can also be transmitted.