Instruments that come into contact only with the patient's mucous membranes should be?

Instruments that come into contact only with a patient's mucous membranes should be disinfected to effectively reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms present. Disinfection is a process that eliminates or reduces harmful organisms on surfaces or instruments, making it appropriate for items that do not penetrate tissues but may still come in contact with delicate areas like mucous membranes.

Sterilization is reserved for instruments that come into contact with sterile tissues or enter the vascular system, as it completely destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores. Sanitization typically refers to the reduction of microorganisms to safe levels, but it may not be adequate for items that interact closely with mucous membranes. Disposal is appropriate for single-use items or when instruments are no longer safe to use, but it is not a necessary action for reusable items that can be properly disinfected. Thus, disinfection is the most suitable practice for instruments that have contact with mucous membranes.