Medical and Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique

Question 1

What materials are used to create sterile fields?

Answer 1

Sterile drapes and wrappers.

Question 2

Why should you never turn your back on or walk away from a sterile field?

Answer 2

It risks accidental contamination by moving out of the line of sight.

Question 3

Why should you never turn your back on or walk away from a sterile field?

Answer 3

It risks accidental contamination by moving out of the line of sight.

Question 4

How can air contamination be minimized around the sterile field?

Answer 4

Avoid talking, sneezing, or reaching across the field.

Question 5

: How should you open sterile packages?

Answer 5

Open away from the sterile field, with the last flap toward the nurse.

Question 5

Where should sterile objects be kept during procedures?

Answer 5

Above waist level for proper visibility.

Question 6

What happens if solutions are spilled on the sterile field?

Answer 6

The field is considered contaminated due to moisture drawing microorganisms.

Question 7

What part of the sterile field is considered contaminated?

Answer 7

The 1-inch border around the edges.

Question 8

What should you do if you are unsure of an object’s sterility?

Answer 8

Assume it is not sterile.

Question 9

Are items sterile if they touch skin?

Answer 9

No, any item that touches skin is considered non-sterile.

Question 10

Can sterile items touch non-sterile items?

Answer 10

No, only sterile items should touch other sterile items.

Question 11

What is required when opening sterile liquids?

Answer 11

Follow facility policy for time-limited use after opening.

Question 12

How do unnecessary traffic and air currents affect sterility?

Answer 12

They can introduce airborne contamination.

Question 13

What happens to unused sterile items after a procedure?

Answer 13

They are no longer considered sterile.

Question 14

What must sterile personnel do if they become contaminated?

Answer 14

Reestablish sterility immediately.

Question 14

How should liquids be poured onto sterile items?

Answer 14

Place items near the edge of the field to minimize contamination.

Question 14

What is the proper way to open peel packages?

Answer 14

Pull back flaps gently, without tearing them.

Question 15

How should sterile contents be lifted from packages?

Answer 15

Reach down, lift straight up, and keep elbows high without touching the package edges.

Question 15

Which part of a draped table is sterile?

Answer 15

Only the top; the edges and sides are not.

Question 16

Can microorganisms travel through moist surfaces?

Answer 16

Yes, moisture facilitates microorganism travel through capillary action.

Question 17

What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis?

Answer 17

Medical asepsis reduces pathogens; surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms.

Question 18

When should surgical asepsis be used?

Answer 18

For surgeries, sterile cavity access, and immunocompromised patients.

Question 18

Why is moisture dangerous in a sterile field?

Answer 18

Capillary action allows microorganisms to travel through moisture.

Question 19

What part of the sterile field is considered non-sterile?

Answer 19

The outer 1-inch border.

Question 19

How should you check if an item is sterile?

Answer 19

Ensure the package is labeled “sterile,” intact, and not expired.

Question 20

What should you do if you forget supplies after setting up a sterile field?

Answer 20

Use sterile methods to retrieve them or ask for assistance, have patient push call light

Question 21

What must be done before donning sterile gloves?

Answer 21

Wash hands thoroughly.

Question 22

Can you leave a sterile field unattended?

Answer 22

No, sterility is not guaranteed if it’s out of sight.

Question 23

How should sterile liquids be handled?

Answer 23

Apply them without spilling and follow facility guidelines for open bottles.

Question 24

Why must patient identity be verified before procedures?

Answer 24

To ensure the correct procedure is performed on the right patient using a source document.

Question 25

what are the gloves located on the wall of a patients room called?

Answer 25

clean gloves (not sterile)

Question 26

what is it important to remember about the positioning of your hands during a procedure?

Answer 26

always keep them above the waist or considered non-sterile

Question 27

what is lipping?

Answer 27

pouring some liquid out of a container with the purpose to wash off the edge of the container before pouring onto a sterile field

Question 28

what are “lucky gloves”?

Answer 28

and extra set of sterile gloves in your size kept in your pocket in case you need another pair

Question 29

what should you do if you have sterile gloves on and forget to open an essential item?

Answer 29

strip gloves off-open item then put on “lucky gloves”

Question 30

when should you prepare all of your sterile supplies?

Answer 30

before you put sterile gloves on

Question 31

how do you apply sterile technique principles if you are doing a procedure in the patients bed?

Answer 31

how reliable is patient not to move? ask for help with pt. staying still

Question 32

you should take off an old dressing before or after putting on sterile gloves?

Answer 32

before

Question 33

what is a “time out”?

Answer 33

checking correct patient, procedure with a written source document before surgery begins

Question 34

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

medication administration

Answer 34

medical asepsis

Question 35

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

inserting an IV

Answer 35

medical asepsis and surgical asepsis

Question 36

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

a dressing change with a decubitus ulcer

Answer 36

Medical asepsis

Question 37

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

urinary catheter in hospital

Answer 37

surgical asepsis

Question 38

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

insert nasogastric tube

Answer 38

medical asepsis

Question 39

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

a simple dressing change of a new surgical incision

Answer 39

medical asepsis

Question 40

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

a complex dressing change in an abdominal wound

Answer 40

surgical asepsis

Question 41

medical or surgical asepsis gloves:

assisting with a surgical procedure at bedside

Answer 41

surgical asepsis