Sterilization & Infection Control Flashcards

The 'one-inch rule' related to sterile draping means:

Answer: The sterile field edge is considered one inch from the table edge, and items within that border are unsterile

The one-inch border at the edge of a draped table is considered unsterile because it may have contacted an unsterile surface when placed.

Peracetic acid (PAA) sterilization systems are best suited for:

Answer: Endoscopes and heat-sensitive devices that can be immersed

Peracetic acid systems like STERIS provide rapid liquid sterilization ideal for heat-sensitive, immersible instruments such as endoscopes.

A surgical team member who is unscrubbed (circulator) should maintain what minimum distance from the sterile field?

Answer: 12 inches

Unscrubbed personnel should remain at least 12 inches from the sterile field to prevent contamination by inadvertent contact.

When sterilizing a container system (rigid sterilization container), the filter or valve must be:

Answer: Checked for integrity before use and replaced if damaged or wet

Container filters and valves must be inspected before each use; damaged or moist filters compromise sterile barrier integrity and must be replaced.

Residual ethylene oxide (EO) left in materials after sterilization is dangerous because it:

Answer: Is toxic and can cause tissue injury if items are not properly aerated

EO is a toxic gas; sterilized items must undergo aeration to allow residual EO to off-gas before patient contact to prevent tissue damage.

The surgical technologist notices a torn outer wrap on a sterile instrument set just before opening it. The correct action is to:

Answer: Consider the set contaminated, remove it from service, and have it reprocessed

Any compromise to the outer packaging renders the sterile barrier unreliable; the set must be removed and reprocessed.

Which microorganism is MOST resistant to sterilization and requires the highest level of processing to eliminate?

Answer: Bacterial endospores such as Bacillus anthracis

Bacterial endospores are the most resistant form of microbial life and serve as the standard challenge organism for verifying sterilization efficacy.