CNOR Surgical Asepsis and Sterility 5

Question 1

The principle of 'strike-through' contamination refers to:

Accepted Answer

Moisture passing through a sterile barrier, rendering it contaminated

Answer

Strike-through occurs when moisture migrates through a sterile barrier (drape or packaging), creating a pathway for microorganisms and contaminating the field.

Question 2

Which sterilization method leaves the most toxic residue that requires extended aeration before the item is safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization

Answer

EtO leaves toxic ethylene oxide residue that requires a mandatory aeration period (often 8–12+ hours) before items are safe for patient use.

Question 3

A scrubbed team member accidentally bumps into an unsterile mayo stand. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Consider the gown contaminated and change it immediately

Answer

Any contact between a sterile gown and an unsterile surface contaminates the gown; the scrubbed person must regown immediately.

Question 4

Which action ensures proper sterile technique when a circulator opens a rigid sterilization container for the scrub person?

Accepted Answer

The circulator holds the container while the scrub person retrieves items, or tips the tray onto the sterile field

Answer

The scrub person retrieves items from the container held by the circulator, or the circulator tips sterile contents onto the sterile field, preventing the unsterile exterior from entering the sterile field.

Question 5

Which indicator is considered the gold standard for confirming sterilization efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Biological indicator using resistant bacterial spores

Answer

Biological indicators using resistant spores are the gold standard because they directly test whether the sterilization process killed microorganisms.

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR - Certification Exam Practice Test

CNOR Surgical Asepsis and Sterility 5