CFA Sterile Field Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When transferring a sterile item using a transfer forceps, how should the forceps be stored between uses?
- In a dry sterile container on the back table
- In a chemical disinfectant solution (Correct answer)
- On the unsterile mayo stand between transfers
- Wrapped in a sterile towel inside the sterile field
Correct answer: In a chemical disinfectant solution
Transfer forceps must be stored in a chemical disinfectant solution when not in use to maintain their sterility between transfers.
Question 2: During a procedure, a scrubbed team member sneezes without being able to turn away. What is the required action?
- Wipe the mask area with a sterile towel and continue
- Step back, turn away, and change the surgical mask before re-entering the sterile field (Correct answer)
- Apply a second mask over the current one and continue
- Inform the surgeon but continue if no visible contamination occurred
Correct answer: Step back, turn away, and change the surgical mask before re-entering the sterile field
After a sneeze, the scrubbed person must step away, change their surgical mask, and re-scrub if necessary before returning to the sterile field.
Question 3: Which principle governs why sterile persons should pass each other back-to-back?
- To avoid disturbing the surgical drapes
- To prevent their sterile fronts from contacting each other or non-sterile areas (Correct answer)
- To maintain visual contact with the patient
- To reduce noise and distraction in the OR
Correct answer: To prevent their sterile fronts from contacting each other or non-sterile areas
Sterile persons pass back-to-back to protect their sterile front gown panels and gloves from inadvertent contact with each other or non-sterile surfaces.
Question 4: A sterile drape has been placed on the OR table. A non-sterile person accidentally touches the top surface of the drape. What is the correct response?
- Mark the contaminated spot with a sterile marker and avoid that area
- Remove and replace the entire drape setup (Correct answer)
- Apply an additional sterile drape over the contaminated area
- Continue if the contact was brief and no visible soiling occurred
Correct answer: Remove and replace the entire drape setup
Any drape touched by a non-sterile person must be replaced entirely, as partial redraping cannot guarantee the integrity of the sterile field.
Question 5: Which statement about sterile field establishment timing is correct?
- Sterile fields may be set up the day before surgery and covered
- Sterile fields should be set up as close to the time of use as possible (Correct answer)
- A covered sterile field is considered safe for up to 8 hours
- Sterile fields may be uncovered by non-sterile personnel as long as gloves are worn
Correct answer: Sterile fields should be set up as close to the time of use as possible
Sterile fields should be established as close to the time of use as possible because the risk of contamination increases with time.
Question 6: When the First Assistant opens a peel-pack sterile item for the scrub person, how should the item be presented?
- Toss the item gently onto the center of the sterile field
- Peel the package back and allow the item to drop or be retrieved by the scrub person (Correct answer)
- Reach into the sterile field and place the item directly on the mayo stand
- Tear the entire package open and hand the inner contents to the scrub person
Correct answer: Peel the package back and allow the item to drop or be retrieved by the scrub person
The circulator or First Assistant peels the package back securely and allows the sterile item to be flipped or retrieved by the scrubbed person without contamination.
Question 7: What is the correct action if the First Assistant is unsure whether an item on the sterile field has been contaminated?
- Inspect the item visually and use it if no contamination is visible
- Ask a senior scrub tech to inspect the item before use
- Treat the item as contaminated and remove it from the sterile field (Correct answer)
- Document the concern and monitor the patient postoperatively
Correct answer: Treat the item as contaminated and remove it from the sterile field
When in doubt, an item must be considered contaminated and removed from the sterile field — 'if in doubt, throw it out' is a fundamental sterile technique principle.
CFA Sterile Field Management 3
When transferring a sterile item using a transfer forceps, how should the forceps be stored between uses?