Microbiology: A Systems Approach 4th Edition by Marjorie Kelly Cowan

Exercise 20

Critical thinking is the ability to reason and solve problems using facts and concepts. These questions can be approached from a number of angles and, in most cases, they do not have a single correct answer.
For each item on the following list, select the method that will provide proper sterilization of the item without destroying the material or product. You cannot use the same method more than three times. After considering a workable method, think of one method that would not work. Note: Where an object containing something is given, you must sterilize everything (e.g., both the jar and the Vaseline in it). Some examples of methods are autoclave, ethylene oxide gas, dry oven, and ionizing radiation.
room air
a vial of influenza vaccine
a pot of soil
plastic Petri dishes
cloth dressings
soiled bedding and clothing from an infected patient
a cheese sandwich
green beans for consumption
carcasses of cows infected with "mad cow" disease
inside of a refrigerator
apple juice
a jar of Vaseline
fruit in plastic bags
human hair (for wigs)a flask of nutrient agar
an entire room (walls, floor, etc.)rubber gloves
disposable syringes
metal surgical instruments
mail contaminated with anthrax spores