CNOR - Certification Surgical Asepsis and Sterility Questions and Answers

Question 1

A circulating nurse needs to pour a sterile irrigation solution into a basin on the back table. To adhere to the principles of aseptic technique, which action is correct?

Accepted Answer

Pour the entire contents of the solution into the basin at once to prevent contamination of the bottle's edge.

Answer

Place the bottle cap on the sterile field with the inside facing up.

Answer

Hold the bottle so that the label is facing away from the sterile basin.

Answer

Maintain a distance of at least 12 inches above the basin while pouring.

Question 2

After completing a surgical hand scrub, the scrub person is gowning. Which part of the sterile gown is considered sterile once it is donned?

Accepted Answer

The front of the gown from the chest to the level of the sterile field, and the sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff.

Answer

The back of the gown from the waist to the neckline.

Answer

The entire front of the gown from the neckline to the bottom hem.

Answer

The cuffs of the gown, once covered by sterile gloves.

Question 3

During a procedure, a scrubbed team member who is double-gloved contaminates the outer glove by touching a non-sterile surface. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

The individual removes the outer contaminated glove and dons a new sterile glove over the inner glove.

Answer

Wipe the contaminated glove with a sterile alcohol wipe.

Answer

The individual must leave the field to perform a full re-scrub, re-gown, and re-glove.

Answer

The contaminated outer glove is removed by the circulator, and the team member continues with the single inner glove.

Question 4

Which of the following actions by a non-scrubbed (circulating) team member represents a break in sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Reaching over the sterile back table to point to an instrument.

Answer

Facing the sterile field when passing by it.

Answer

Maintaining a minimum distance of 12 inches from the sterile field.

Answer

Tossing a sterile item from 6 inches away onto the center of the back table.

Question 5

Biological indicators (BIs) are essential for sterility assurance. For monitoring steam sterilization cycles, the BI contains spores from which highly heat-resistant microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Clostridium difficile

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 6

A surgical tray wrapped for terminal sterilization has been processed in a steam autoclave. The external chemical indicator on the wrapper has changed color, but the internal chemical indicator has not. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Consider the entire tray unsterile and remove it from service for reprocessing.

Answer

Use the instruments, as the external indicator confirms exposure to the sterilant.

Answer

Send the tray for immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) to ensure sterility.

Answer

Open the tray but separate the instruments in the middle from those on the outside.