FREE Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Aseptic Technique and Sterilization Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a procedure, the CSFA observes a circulating nurse, who is not gowned and gloved, reach over the sterile back table to retrieve an item from the far side.
What is the most appropriate immediate action for the CSFA to take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately state that the field has been contaminated and request that all potentially affected items be removed and replaced.

Answer

Ask the surgeon if they believe the field is still sterile.

Answer

Wait until the end of the procedure to report the incident to the charge nurse.

Answer

Say nothing to avoid conflict and continue with the procedure.

Question 2

A critical, non-porous, non-lumened surgical instrument is accidentally dropped on the floor mid-procedure. The surgeon states it is urgently needed to complete the case. According to AORN and AAMI guidelines, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Process the instrument using an Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) cycle, ensuring it is first cleaned, placed in a validated rigid container, and transported aseptically.

Answer

Wipe the instrument with an alcohol-based wipe and return it to the sterile field.

Answer

Submerge the instrument in glutaraldehyde for 10 minutes before returning it to the field.

Answer

Process the instrument using the shortest available IUSS cycle without a container to save time.

Question 3

A wrapped set of heavy orthopedic instruments needs to be sterilized for a case later in the day. Which of the following represents the minimum exposure time and temperature for a gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes at 250°F (121°C)

Answer

4 minutes at 270°F (132°C)

Answer

15 minutes at 250°F (121°C)

Answer

10 minutes at 270°F (132°C)

Question 4

A biologic indicator (BI) used to monitor the efficacy of a steam sterilization cycle contains spores from which microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer

Clostridium difficile

Question 5

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of surgical asepsis regarding movement and positioning within the sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Scrubbed personnel should pass each other back-to-back or face-to-face.

Answer

The back of a sterile gown is considered sterile and may face the field.

Answer

A sterile field may be set up and left unattended if the room is secured.

Answer

The edges of a sterile container are considered sterile once the package is opened.

Question 6

When performing a traditional surgical hand scrub using an antimicrobial soap and brush, the CSFA must ensure they scrub their hands and arms to what anatomical level?

Accepted Answer

Two inches above the elbow.

Answer

To the midpoint of the forearm.

Answer

Four inches above the wrist.

Answer

To the level of the elbow.

During a procedure, the CSFA observes a circulating nurse, who is not gowned and gloved, reach over the sterile back table to retrieve an item from the far side.What is the most appropriate immediate action for the CSFA to take?

During a procedure, the CSFA observes a circulating nurse, who is not gowned and gloved, reach over the sterile back table to retrieve an item from the far side.
What is the most appropriate immediate action for the CSFA to take?