Certified Surgical Technologist Aseptic Technique and Sterilization 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive, moisture-sensitive items such as fiber optic cables?
- Steam autoclave at 132°C
- Ethylene oxide (EO) gas (Correct answer)
- Dry heat oven
- Flash sterilization
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas
Ethylene oxide gas sterilizes at low temperatures and is safe for heat- and moisture-sensitive items like fiber optic cables.
Question 2: A sterile field has been set up and left unattended for 30 minutes. What is the correct action?
- Use the field if it appears untouched
- Consider the field contaminated and set up a new one (Correct answer)
- Cover the field with a sterile drape and continue
- Ask the circulator to verify sterility
Correct answer: Consider the field contaminated and set up a new one
A sterile field that has been left unattended and unwatched is considered contaminated and must be replaced.
Question 3: What is the standard biological indicator organism used to verify steam autoclave sterilization efficacy?
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Bacillus subtilis
- Geobacillus stearothermophilus (Correct answer)
- Clostridium sporogenes
Correct answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance.
Question 4: When passing a sharp instrument during surgery, the BEST method to maintain safety and sterility is:
- Hand it directly handle-first to the surgeon
- Drop it onto the sterile field from above
- Use the neutral/hands-free technique on a designated zone (Correct answer)
- Toss the instrument to the surgeon's dominant hand
Correct answer: Use the neutral/hands-free technique on a designated zone
The neutral or hands-free technique places the instrument in a designated zone to prevent needlestick injuries while maintaining sterility.
Question 5: Which of the following packaging materials is NOT acceptable for steam sterilization?
- Woven muslin wraps
- Nonwoven polypropylene wraps
- Aluminum foil (Correct answer)
- Sterilization pouches with paper-plastic sides
Correct answer: Aluminum foil
Aluminum foil does not allow steam penetration and is not acceptable for steam sterilization.
Question 6: During a procedure, the scrub technologist's gown sleeve accidentally touches the non-sterile kick bucket. What should occur?
- Continue the procedure carefully
- Inform the surgeon and change gown (Correct answer)
- Apply sterile drape over the sleeve
- Rinse the sleeve with sterile saline
Correct answer: Inform the surgeon and change gown
Any contact between a sterile gown and a non-sterile surface renders that area contaminated; the gown must be changed.
Question 7: What does a Class 5 chemical integrator (integrating indicator) confirm when found acceptable after sterilization?
- Only that the correct temperature was reached
- That all critical sterilization parameters were met (Correct answer)
- That the package was properly sealed
- That biological indicators are negative
Correct answer: That all critical sterilization parameters were met
Class 5 integrating indicators respond to all critical sterilization parameters (time, temperature, and steam) to confirm acceptable conditions.
Certified Surgical Technologist Aseptic Technique and Sterilization 2
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive, moisture-sensitive items such as fiber optic cables?