AORN Aseptic Technique 2

Question 1

When setting up a sterile field, which action correctly maintains sterility?

Accepted Answer

Open sterile packages by peeling edges away and dropping contents onto the field

Answer

Reach across the sterile field to adjust items on the far side

Answer

Place sterile items at the edge of the drape nearest the circulator

Answer

Flip sterile instruments onto the field from a distance to avoid contamination

Question 2

Which zone around a sterile-draped table is considered the sterile field boundary per AORN guidelines?

Accepted Answer

The top surface of the drape only

Answer

The entire surgical suite floor

Answer

A 12-inch perimeter extending beyond the drape edges

Answer

The drape top and sides down to table height

Question 3

A circulator notices a small tear in a sterile gown cuff during a procedure. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Notify the scrub and change the gown immediately

Answer

Cover the tear with sterile tape and continue

Answer

Double-glove over the existing glove to compensate

Answer

Continue if gloves are intact, since gloves are the primary barrier

Question 4

Which of the following is an acceptable method for pouring sterile solution onto a sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Pour close to the sterile receptacle without splashing, after discarding the first few drops

Answer

Hold the bottle over the field and pour slowly from any height

Answer

Pour from a distance of 6 inches, keeping the bottle cap sterile side down

Answer

Hand the open bottle to the scrub technician to pour directly

Question 5

What is the rationale for keeping the sterile field at or above waist level?

Accepted Answer

Items below waist level are considered contaminated per aseptic principles

Answer

It improves visibility for all team members

Answer

OSHA regulations require table height to be waist level

Answer

It reduces the risk of ergonomic injury to the scrub person

Question 6

During a procedure, the sterile field is inadvertently left unattended for 15 minutes. What should happen?

Accepted Answer

The field is considered potentially compromised and must be re-established

Answer

Resume the procedure if no one entered the room during that time

Answer

Cover the field with a sterile towel and resume after confirming no contamination

Answer

Document the event and continue if the patient's safety allows

Question 7

Which behavior by a scrubbed team member violates aseptic technique?

Accepted Answer

Turning their back to the sterile field to retrieve a dropped instrument

Answer

Keeping hands above the level of the sterile drape

Answer

Passing instruments within the sterile field with controlled movements

Answer

Changing positions with another scrubbed team member face-to-face