Sterile Technique & Asepsis Flashcards

Which sterilization method is preferred for heat-sensitive surgical instruments?

Answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas

Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is preferred for heat-sensitive items because it operates at low temperatures.

What is the correct action when a circulator passes a non-sterile item over the sterile field?

Answer: Consider the entire sterile field contaminated

Any non-sterile item passing over the sterile field contaminates it because particles may fall from above onto the field.

During case setup, sterile drapes must be placed on the back table by:

Answer: Unfolding them from the center outward while keeping hands above table level

Drapes are unfolded from the center outward while keeping hands above table level to prevent contamination of the sterile field from below.

Which biological indicator organism is used to verify steam autoclave sterilization efficacy?

Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are the standard biological indicator for steam (moist heat) sterilization monitoring.

A flash (immediate use) steam sterilization cycle is appropriate for:

Answer: An instrument that was dropped and is urgently needed

Flash sterilization is reserved for emergency situations such as when a critical instrument is dropped and immediately needed, not for routine processing.

The purpose of a chemical indicator (Class 1 process indicator) placed on the outside of a sterilization pack is to:

Answer: Show that the pack has been exposed to the sterilization process

Class 1 indicators (e.g., autoclave tape) only confirm exposure to the sterilization process, not that sterilization conditions were achieved.