NBSTSA Sterile Technique & Asepsis 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method of sterilization is most appropriate for heat-sensitive laparoscopic camera systems?
- Steam autoclave at 132°C
- Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization (Correct answer)
- Dry heat oven sterilization
- Flash sterilization at 134°C
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization operates at low temperatures and is the preferred method for heat-sensitive endoscopic and electronic equipment.
Question 2: A sterile field has been set up for a case scheduled in 30 minutes, but the case is now delayed 4 hours. What should the scrub do?
- Cover the field with a sterile drape and leave it undisturbed
- Keep the OR doors closed and the field can remain set for up to 8 hours
- Tear down the sterile field and re-set when the case is imminent (Correct answer)
- Have the circulator check the field every hour and document integrity
Correct answer: Tear down the sterile field and re-set when the case is imminent
Sterile fields should not be left unattended for extended periods; the field should be torn down and a new one established when the case is ready to proceed.
Question 3: When is it acceptable to reach across an unsterile area to retrieve an item on the opposite side of the sterile field?
- If the unsterile area is below waist level
- If the reach is quick and clothing does not touch the sterile field
- Never; the scrub must walk around the sterile field (Correct answer)
- Only if wearing a double layer of sterile gloves
Correct answer: Never; the scrub must walk around the sterile field
Scrubbed personnel must never reach across an unsterile area because their unsterile back and sides could contaminate the sterile field.
Question 4: Which of the following actions maintains the sterility of a suture packet being opened by the circulator onto the sterile field?
- Tossing the suture onto the sterile field from arm's length
- Peeling the packet open and presenting it to the scrub without reaching over the field (Correct answer)
- Laying the packet on the edge of the back table for the scrub to retrieve
- Dropping the suture from the open packet onto the back table
Correct answer: Peeling the packet open and presenting it to the scrub without reaching over the field
The circulator peels open the outer wrapper and presents the sterile inner contents to the scrub, who removes them without the circulator crossing the sterile boundary.
Question 5: A sterile team member must move past another sterile team member in a tight operative corridor. How should they pass?
- One passes with back to the other's back (Correct answer)
- One passes facing the unsterile field while the other stands still
- One turns to face unsterile areas while the other passes behind
- Either person may turn in any direction as long as distance is maintained
Correct answer: One passes with back to the other's back
Sterile team members pass each other back-to-back to keep sterile surfaces (front of gown) from contacting unsterile back surfaces.
Question 6: Which Spaulding classification category applies to surgical instruments that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system?
- Non-critical
- Semi-critical
- Critical (Correct answer)
- Intermediate
Correct answer: Critical
Critical items, per the Spaulding classification, contact sterile tissue or the vascular system and require sterilization before use.
Question 7: During a procedure, the scrub technologist suspects that a glove may have been punctured by a needle. What is the correct response?
- Finish the immediate task then change gloves at the next convenient break
- Notify the surgeon, remove the hand from the field, and change gloves immediately (Correct answer)
- Double-glove over the suspected puncture and continue
- Ask the circulator to inspect the glove without removing it
Correct answer: Notify the surgeon, remove the hand from the field, and change gloves immediately
A suspected glove puncture is a break in sterile technique requiring immediate glove change to restore the sterile barrier.
NBSTSA Sterile Technique & Asepsis 5
Which method of sterilization is most appropriate for heat-sensitive laparoscopic camera systems?