Which of the following is NOT a function of a bedpan steamer?

A bedpan steamer is specifically designed to sanitize and steam clean bedpans before they are reused, ensuring hygiene and preventing the spread of infection in medical settings. The main functions of a bedpan steamer include steaming bedpans to kill pathogens, preparing them for safe use, and in some cases, emptying bedpans, although this is often done manually rather than as a primary function of the steamer itself.

Cleaning medical instruments, however, is not a function of a bedpan steamer. Medical instruments require different cleaning and sterilization processes that often involve autoclaves or other sterilization equipment designed for that purpose. As a result, the correct answer identifies an activity that is outside the intended capabilities of a bedpan steamer, emphasizing the specialized nature of this equipment in the context of infection control and hygiene in healthcare settings.