Aseptic Technique

Question 1

What is included in the ‘sterile field’?

Answer 1

Incision site, drapes, instrument trolley, surgical team (on front, above waist, below neck, arms and hands)

Question 2

Name 3 steps in preparation of the patient

Answer 2

Hair removal (clipping), draping, and preparing the patient’s skin

Question 3

Name 3 steps in preparation of personell

Answer 3

Non sterile barriers (scrub suits, face mask etc), Sterile barriers (gowns, gloves), and scrubbing up

Question 4

What are some advantages/disadvantages of using chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub) for scrubbing up?

Answer 4

Kills broad spectrum of bacteria, some viruses, but not spores. Rapid initial kill, residual activity, can be used on farms (organic material), toxicity not usually a problem.

Question 5

What are some advantages/disadvantages of using Povidone Iodine for scrubbing up?

Answer 5

Kills bacteria, viruses and fungi, but not spores. Action decreased by organic material and hard water. May cause reaction in sensitive people.

Question 6

What are some advantages/disadvantages of using Alcohol products (Ethyl alchohol 70%, Isopropyl alcohol 99%) for scrubbing up?

Answer 6

Kills broad spectrum of bacteria, rapid initial kill. Enhances action of chlorhexidine and iodine. Avoid near open wounds.

Question 7

What does closed gloving involve? What kind of surgeries is it used for?

Answer 7

Long sleeved gown, glove covers cuff of gown. Most surgical procedures use this.

Question 8

What does open gloving involve? What kind of surgeries is it used for?

Answer 8

Procedure involved sterile hands only. Used for urinary catheter, central venous line.

Question 9

In what ways can surgical equipment be sterilised?

Answer 9

Physical (heat - steam, boiling, dry heat, Irridation - uses radiation, filtration), Chemical (Ethylene oxide, H2O2 gas plasma, cold sterilisation - disinfectant)

Question 10

How can you check that surgical equipment has been steriled properly?

Answer 10

Sterilisation indicators e.g. tape, use indicator containing bacterial spores, temp/pressure check.

Question 11

How is it important to prepare the patients skin?

Answer 11

Clip, use antiseptics (chlorhexidine, iodine), move in a circular pattern from inside to outside. 5 minutes minimum contact time.