Medical and Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique Flashcards
What materials are used to create sterile fields?
Sterile drapes and wrappers.
Why should you never turn your back on or walk away from a sterile field?
It risks accidental contamination by moving out of the line of sight.
Why should you never turn your back on or walk away from a sterile field?
It risks accidental contamination by moving out of the line of sight.
How can air contamination be minimized around the sterile field?
Avoid talking, sneezing, or reaching across the field.
: How should you open sterile packages?
Open away from the sterile field, with the last flap toward the nurse.
Where should sterile objects be kept during procedures?
Above waist level for proper visibility.
What happens if solutions are spilled on the sterile field?
The field is considered contaminated due to moisture drawing microorganisms.
What part of the sterile field is considered contaminated?
The 1-inch border around the edges.
What should you do if you are unsure of an object’s sterility?
Assume it is not sterile.
Are items sterile if they touch skin?
No, any item that touches skin is considered non-sterile.
Can sterile items touch non-sterile items?
No, only sterile items should touch other sterile items.
What is required when opening sterile liquids?
Follow facility policy for time-limited use after opening.
How do unnecessary traffic and air currents affect sterility?
They can introduce airborne contamination.
What happens to unused sterile items after a procedure?
They are no longer considered sterile.
What must sterile personnel do if they become contaminated?
Reestablish sterility immediately.
How should liquids be poured onto sterile items?
Place items near the edge of the field to minimize contamination.
What is the proper way to open peel packages?
Pull back flaps gently, without tearing them.
How should sterile contents be lifted from packages?
Reach down, lift straight up, and keep elbows high without touching the package edges.
Which part of a draped table is sterile?
Only the top; the edges and sides are not.
Can microorganisms travel through moist surfaces?
Yes, moisture facilitates microorganism travel through capillary action.
What is the difference between medical and surgical asepsis?
Medical asepsis reduces pathogens; surgical asepsis eliminates all microorganisms.
When should surgical asepsis be used?
For surgeries, sterile cavity access, and immunocompromised patients.
Why is moisture dangerous in a sterile field?
Capillary action allows microorganisms to travel through moisture.
What part of the sterile field is considered non-sterile?
The outer 1-inch border.
How should you check if an item is sterile?
Ensure the package is labeled “sterile,” intact, and not expired.
What should you do if you forget supplies after setting up a sterile field?
Use sterile methods to retrieve them or ask for assistance, have patient push call light
What must be done before donning sterile gloves?
Wash hands thoroughly.
Can you leave a sterile field unattended?
No, sterility is not guaranteed if it’s out of sight.
How should sterile liquids be handled?
Apply them without spilling and follow facility guidelines for open bottles.
Why must patient identity be verified before procedures?
To ensure the correct procedure is performed on the right patient using a source document.
what are the gloves located on the wall of a patients room called?
clean gloves (not sterile)
what is it important to remember about the positioning of your hands during a procedure?
always keep them above the waist or considered non-sterile
what is lipping?
pouring some liquid out of a container with the purpose to wash off the edge of the container before pouring onto a sterile field
what are “lucky gloves”?
and extra set of sterile gloves in your size kept in your pocket in case you need another pair
what should you do if you have sterile gloves on and forget to open an essential item?
strip gloves off-open item then put on “lucky gloves”
when should you prepare all of your sterile supplies?
before you put sterile gloves on
how do you apply sterile technique principles if you are doing a procedure in the patients bed?
how reliable is patient not to move? ask for help with pt. staying still
you should take off an old dressing before or after putting on sterile gloves?
before
what is a “time out”?
checking correct patient, procedure with a written source document before surgery begins
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
medication administration
medical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
inserting an IV
medical asepsis and surgical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
a dressing change with a decubitus ulcer
Medical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
urinary catheter in hospital
surgical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
insert nasogastric tube
medical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
a simple dressing change of a new surgical incision
medical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
a complex dressing change in an abdominal wound
surgical asepsis
medical or surgical asepsis gloves:
assisting with a surgical procedure at bedside
surgical asepsis
