What category of risk of infection pertains to items that come into contact with mucous membranes?

The category of risk of infection that pertains to items coming into contact with mucous membranes is classified as semi-critical. Semi-critical items are those that may come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin, and they require a higher level of disinfection than non-critical items, which only contact intact skin.

In the context of infection control, semi-critical items often include instruments such as endoscopes, respiratory therapy equipment, and some dental instruments that are exposed to mucous membranes during their use. These items must be either sterilized or subjected to high-level disinfection to reduce the risk of transmitting pathogens.

Critical items, on the other hand, are those that are introduced directly into the body or sterile tissue, requiring sterilization. Non-critical items only touch intact skin, and thus, require lower levels of disinfection. The term "high-risk" is not a standard classification in infection control and doesn't specifically refer to the context of mucous membrane contact. Therefore, semi-critical is the appropriate classification for items that interact with mucous membranes.