Which type of instruments require sterilization after each use?

The correct choice is critical instruments that contact sterile tissue because these instruments pose a high risk of infection if not properly sterilized after each use. Critical instruments are involved in invasive procedures and directly interact with the body’s sterile areas, such as surgical instruments used during operations, hollow-bore needles, or tools used for internal examinations. Since these instruments enter normally sterile environments, they must undergo sterilization to eliminate all microbial life and ensure patient safety.

In contrast, instruments used for patient education typically do not come into direct contact with the body and, therefore, do not require the same level of sterility. Instruments used in cleaning procedures are often decontaminated rather than sterilized, as they may not necessarily be used on sterile tissues. Finally, reusable instruments that do not contact skin may be subjected to high-level disinfection rather than full sterilization, depending on their intended use and the risk of infection associated with that use.