NBSTSA Sterile Technique & Asepsis 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas

Answer

Steam autoclave

Answer

Dry heat oven

Answer

Boiling water

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Consider the entire sterile field contaminated

Answer

Accept the item if it was done quickly

Answer

Discard only the item that was passed over

Answer

Continue if the item did not touch the field

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Holding them at arm's length and shaking them open

Answer

Asking the circulator to spread them on the table

Answer

Placing them folded and then unfolding once all items are added

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Bacillus atrophaeus

Answer

Clostridium difficile

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

An instrument that was dropped and is urgently needed

Answer

Routine sterilization of instrument trays

Answer

Sterilizing implantable devices as a backup

Answer

All instruments used in total joint replacement

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Show that the pack has been exposed to the sterilization process

Answer

Confirm that sterilization conditions were met inside the pack

Answer

Replace biological indicator monitoring

Answer

Measure steam penetration to the pack center