What best describes the care of instruments when performing chemical disinfection?

When performing chemical disinfection, the correct approach is to dry instruments prior to placing them in the chemical solution. The reason for this is that moisture can dilute the chemical agent, reducing its effectiveness in killing pathogens. If instruments are wet when immersed in the disinfectant, the water may prevent the disinfectant from coming into full contact with the surfaces of the instruments, thus impairing the disinfection process.

Proper disinfection relies on the active ingredients of the chemical being able to interact directly with the microorganisms present on the instrument's surfaces. Therefore, ensuring that instruments are thoroughly dried allows for optimal contact and effectiveness of the disinfectant.

In contrast, storing instruments in a dry location is also important for preventing contamination and maintaining sterility, but it does not specifically pertain to the disinfection process itself. Immersing instruments in water before disinfection can lead to dilution and is counterproductive. Using boiling water is not an appropriate method for chemical disinfection; instead, it's typically a physical means of sterilization, which does not replace the need for chemical agents in specific disinfection scenarios.