Surgical Asepsis and Sterility Flashcards

Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is preferred for which category of items?

Answer: Heat- and moisture-sensitive items such as flexible endoscopes

EtO sterilization is used for heat- and moisture-sensitive items that would be damaged by steam.

Which biological indicator organism is used to monitor the efficacy of steam sterilization?

Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam sterilization because of their high heat resistance.

What is the minimum safe distance an unsterile person must maintain from a sterile field?

Answer: 18 inches

Unsterile personnel must maintain at least 18 inches from any sterile field to prevent inadvertent contamination.

During a procedure, a sterile instrument accidentally contacts the anesthesia screen. The instrument should be:

Answer: Considered contaminated and removed from the sterile field

The anesthesia screen is in the unsterile anesthesia zone; any item contacting it is immediately considered contaminated.

Which statement about sterile draping is correct?

Answer: Once placed, sterile drapes should not be moved

Once sterile drapes are placed, they must not be moved because shifting could bring contaminated undersurfaces into the sterile field.

Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization is contraindicated for which items?

Answer: Cellulose-based materials such as gauze and paper

Cellulose-based materials absorb hydrogen peroxide, interfering with the sterilization process and preventing proper plasma formation.

Which action is required before any item is considered sterile and safe to use in a sterile field?

Answer: Verification of chemical indicator color change, intact packaging, and expiration date

All three elements — chemical indicator, packaging integrity, and expiration date — must be verified before using any sterile item.