Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
What is Isopropyl alcohol commonly used for in a healthcare setting?
As a disinfecting agent
As an anesthetic
As a preservative
As a patient medication
The correct answer is: As a disinfecting agent
Isopropyl alcohol is widely utilized in healthcare settings primarily as a disinfecting agent. Its efficacy in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens makes it an essential tool for maintaining sterile environments, especially in clinical and surgical areas. It is commonly used to sanitize surfaces, instruments, and even skin before injections or minor procedures, helping to reduce the risk of infection. In contrast, other choices do not accurately represent the primary functions of isopropyl alcohol in healthcare. It is not used as an anesthetic since those require specific medications capable of blocking pain sensations. While isopropyl alcohol can have some preservative properties, particularly in laboratory settings, it is not typically categorized or utilized as a preservative in a healthcare context. Finally, it is not used as a patient medication; medications must be carefully formulated to be safe and effective for patient treatment, which is not the case for isopropyl alcohol as it is primarily for external use and not administered to patients directly.