National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

Boiling a metal probe in water for 15 minutes is an effective method for sterilization when a steam sterilizer is not available. This process leverages the high temperature of boiling water to kill most vegetative bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it a reliable option for sterilizing instruments. The duration of 15 minutes ensures that the heat penetrates adequately to achieve bactericidal effects throughout the metal probe.

While other options provided may have disinfectant properties, they do not offer the same level of sterilization. Soaking in alcohol can reduce microbial load but may not eliminate all spores, making it less reliable for complete sterilization. Using a bleach solution might require specific concentrations and contact time to be effective, and is primarily used for surface disinfection rather than sterilization of medical instruments. Wiping with disinfectant wipes also serves as a surface cleaning method that reduces germs but does not achieve complete sterilization, particularly not for heat-resistant pathogens.