Which of the following best describes semi-critical items?

Semi-critical items are defined by their interaction with the body's surfaces, specifically mucous membranes. These items come into contact with mucous membranes but do not penetrate them, making them critical in terms of infection control but not as high-risk as items that are introduced into sterile tissues.

When these items contact mucous membranes, they have a potential risk for transmitting infections if they are not properly processed. This necessitates a higher level of disinfection, such as high-level disinfection, to ensure that any pathogens present are eliminated. It is essential to understand that while these items must be clean and disinfected, they do not require the same sterilization processes as critical items that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system.

The other options describe characteristics of items that do not fit the semi-critical category. Items that pose a high risk of infection refer to critical items which directly enter sterile tissue. Items that only contact intact skin are considered non-critical, and those that are sterilized before use are typically categorized as critical items. Thus, the selection that best encompasses the definition and handling requirements of semi-critical items is the one that identifies their contact with mucous membranes.