Aseptic Techniques & Infection Control Flashcards

Which part of a sterile surgical gown is considered sterile?

Answer: The front from chest to sterile-field level and the sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff

The sterile area of a gown is the front from chest to table level and the sleeves from just above the elbow to the cuff.

A scrubbed technologist's glove is punctured during a case. Which glove technique can NOT be used to replace it?

Answer: Closed gloving

Once the hand has passed through the gown cuff, closed gloving can't be done because the cuff is already contaminated.

How should two scrubbed team members pass each other in the OR?

Answer: Back to back or face to face

Passing back to back or face to face keeps sterile fronts away from nonsterile backs.

When opening a sterile wrapped package onto the field, which part of the wrapper is considered nonsterile?

Answer: The 1-inch margin at the edges

The edges of a sterile wrapper, usually a 1-inch border, are considered nonsterile.

How should the circulator pour sterile balanced salt solution into a basin on the sterile field?

Answer: Pour slowly from high enough to avoid splashing, without touching the basin

Pouring without contact and without splashing prevents strike-through and keeps the field from being contaminated.

The surgeon drops a needle holder below the table edge, and it lands back on the sterile drape. What should the scrub do?

Answer: Treat it as contaminated and remove it from the field

Anything that falls below table level is contaminated and must be removed from use.

What should the team do when the sterility of an item on the field is in doubt?

Answer: Consider it contaminated

Aseptic principle: if in doubt, consider it contaminated.