Which of the following describes a non-critical infectious instrument?

A non-critical infectious instrument is defined as one that comes into contact with intact skin. This classification is part of infection control protocols in healthcare settings, where the level of risk associated with medical instruments is assessed based on their potential to transmit infections.

Instruments categorized as non-critical generally do not penetrate the skin or mucous membranes, which significantly reduces their potential to spread infectious organisms. Contact with intact skin is considered low-risk for infection transmission because the skin acts as a barrier. Thus, non-critical instruments can often be cleaned and disinfected with lower-level disinfectants rather than requiring sterilization.

In contrast, instruments that contact non-intact skin or are contaminated with blood, as well as those used in surgical procedures, present a higher risk of infection transmission and require more stringent sterilization and disinfection practices.