Aseptic Technique and Sterilization Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Aseptic Technique and Sterilization flashcards as text
Which condition is most likely to compromise the sterility of an event-related sterile package?
Answer: Physical damage, moisture exposure, or packaging compromise
Event-related sterility is maintained until the packaging is physically compromised by damage, moisture, or breach, not simply by time elapsed.
During hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, which materials are incompatible with this process?
Answer: Cellulose-based materials such as paper or linen
Cellulose-based materials absorb hydrogen peroxide and interfere with plasma formation, making them incompatible with this sterilization method.
What is the correct sequence for surgical hand antisepsis using a surgical hand scrub?
Answer: Scrub fingernails and subungual areas first, then hands, wrists, and forearms
Surgical hand antisepsis begins with subungual areas and nails (highest microbial load), then progresses distally to proximally through hands, wrists, and forearms.
When applying sterile gloves using the closed-glove technique, the hands must remain:
Answer: Inside the cuffs of the gown throughout the entire gloving process
In the closed-glove technique, hands remain inside the gown cuffs until gloves are fully applied, preventing ungloved hands from contaminating the sterile gown exterior.
Which factor most critically determines the efficacy of sterilization by steam autoclave?
Answer: Adequate contact of saturated steam with all surfaces at correct temperature and time
Steam sterilization efficacy depends on saturated steam making direct contact with all surfaces at the correct temperature for the required time.
A scrub technologist notices a hole in the outer wrap of a sterile pack just before opening it. The correct action is to:
Answer: Return the pack to sterile processing for repackaging and re-sterilization
Any breach in the outer packaging invalidates sterility and requires the item to be returned for repackaging and re-sterilization.
Which of the following best defines 'contamination' in the context of surgical aseptic technique?
Answer: Contact of a sterile item or field with any non-sterile surface or substance
In surgical asepsis, contamination specifically means a sterile item or field has made contact with a non-sterile surface or substance, rendering it no longer sterile.