Which of the following is the most appropriate agent for primary hood cleaning?

The most appropriate agent for primary hood cleaning is 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). This concentration of IPA is effective at killing a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it particularly suitable for disinfecting surfaces in a cleanroom environment. It evaporates quickly, leaving minimal residue, which is essential for maintaining the sterility of the hood and preventing contamination of intravenous solutions or medications.

When used properly, 70% IPA can penetrate cell walls of microorganisms and disrupt their function, making it a reliable choice for sanitizing the surfaces of a hood before compounding sterile preparations. This is crucial in an IV technician's practice as cleanliness directly impacts patient safety.

Other agents, while they have their uses, are not ideal for primary cleaning in this context. For example, chlorine bleach can be corrosive to certain materials and may leave harmful residues if not properly rinsed, which can compromise the sterility of the environment. Hydrogen peroxide is another disinfectant but may also leave residues or potentially damage certain surfaces over time. Soap and water, while effective for general cleaning, do not possess the same antimicrobial properties and might not ensure that surfaces are disinfected to the necessary level required in sterile compounding environments.