WEEK 10 STERILE FIELDS

Question 1

What is the textbook definition of medical asepsis?

Answer 1

Practices that reduce the number of microorganisms

Question 2

What is the textbook definition of surgical asepsis?

Answer 2

Practices that eliminate microorganisms

Question 3

What kind of procedures call for surgical asepsis?

Answer 3

Procedures that break the skin or enter a sterile part of the body

Question 4

Name 5 principles of surgical asepsis

Answer 4

1. Sterile objects must be kept in your field of vision
2. Sterile objects must be kept above waist level
3. Instruments must always be held with tips facing downwards
4. Sterile objects can become unsterile with prolonged exposure
5. Do not reach over the sterile field

Question 5

Which key factor determines the frequency of dressing changes?

Answer 5

Amount of drainage

Moisture should never reach the outer layer of dressing

Question 6

What is meant by the abbreviation WOCN?

Answer 6

Wound and ostomy care nurse

Question 7

What are 6 factors that determine the need for a wound dressing?

Answer 7

1. Prevent from infection
2. Maintain humidity/moisture
3. Absorb drainage
4. Protect from mechanical injury
5. Splinting/immobilization
6. Provide comfort

Question 8

What is important to remember when placing the garbage within reach for a dressing change?

Answer 8

The garbage should never be right next to the sterile field

Question 9

Why should the sterile field be placed near the patient’s head rather than their feet?

Answer 9

You can assess the patient’s reactions to the procedure

Question 9

When opening the package for a dressing change, how is the top flap opened?

Answer 9

Away from you

Question 10

When adding extra items to your sterile field, what is a key point to remember?

Answer 10

Do not open packaging over the sterile field

Question 11

What are 5 important points to remember regarding sterile water?

Answer 11

1. Placing the cap face down on the table breaks sterility
2. A bottle is good for 24 hours after opening (label)
3. Pour with the label against your palm
4. When using an opened bottle, pour out a little water into the garbage first
5. If you spill any water onto your field the whole thing is considered contaminated

Question 12

What product is never considered sterile?

Answer 12

Tape

Question 13

What is the difference between transpore, micropore, and medipore tape?

Answer 13

Transpore: Clear, waterproof

Micropore: Paper, gentle on fragile skin, not as sticky

Medipore: Fabric tape, perforated for easy tearing

Question 14

What are 3 purposes of skin prep solution?

Answer 14

1. Protects skin from contact allergy
2. Prevents adhesive related skin tears
3. Improves tape adhesion