Exam 1 Flashcards
Master the first principle of the operating room sterilization
Principle 1
A sterile field is created for each surgical procedure
If in doubt about the sterility of an item
consider it non-sterile and DO NOT USE IT.
The Sterile field should be created as close as possible to the time of use and be monitored at all times.
As time passes, a sterile filed may become contaminated by error or airborne.
If a case is switched to another OR,
do not cover the sterile field with a with a sterile drape to move,because it is impossible to remove the drape without contaminating the sterile supplies and instruments.
The surgical Technologist must check the chemical indicators
to ensure the instruments have been exposed to the sterilizer
Instruments that come into contact with the skin of a patient
should not be reused
For clean-contaminated and contaminated procedures,
separate setups should be used for the clean and dirty portions of the procedure.
When removing contents from the autoclave,
do not touch the edge of the sterilizer with the instruments, instrument tray, gown, OR GLOVES
The inner edge of a heat-sealed peel pack
is considered the line between sterile and nonsterile
The inside of paper wrappers containing sterile items is considered sterile except
for a 1-inch perimeter around the outside edge of the wrapper.
The circulator is responsible for opening a sterile package using
aseptic technique to prevent contamination of the enclosed sterile items.
The top of a sterile, draped table is the
only portion that is considered sterile
Any item extending or falling below the table edge is
considered nonsterile
Once sterile drapes have been placed,
they should not be repositioned
The integrity of sterile packages must be
checked before opening
Sterile packages found in storage areas commonly used to store nonsterile items
must not be used
If a sterile packaged that is wrapped in a pervious woven material drops to the floor,
this can allow for the implosion of air into the package.
Punctures, tears, or strike-through
comprises the sterility of drapes
If a permeable drape covers a table or sterile field and any liquid penetrates the drape either from above or below,
the drape must be considered contaminated.
Sterile packages and drapes should be stored on
smooth, clean, dry surfaces to prevent damage to packaging materials.
Unnecessary pressure should not be placed on sterile packs in order to
prevent forcing out air and allowing air to be pulled inward.
If towel clips used on the sterile field puncture any draping material,
the tips of the instrument must be considered contaminated and should be left in place until the end of the procedure.
