NBSTSA Trivia 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sterilization method uses ethylene oxide (EtO)?
- Flash sterilization
- Chemical vapor sterilization
- Low-temperature gas sterilization (Correct answer)
- Dry heat sterilization
Correct answer: Low-temperature gas sterilization
Ethylene oxide is a low-temperature gas sterilant used for heat-sensitive instruments that cannot withstand steam autoclave temperatures.
Question 2: Which instrument is designed specifically for cutting bone during orthopedic surgery?
- Metzenbaum scissors
- Rongeur (Correct answer)
- Adson forceps
- Kelly clamp
Correct answer: Rongeur
A rongeur is a heavy, hinged instrument with cupped jaws used to bite away bone tissue.
Question 3: What term describes the transfer of microorganisms from a contaminated source to a sterile area via contact?
- Aerosol transmission
- Direct contact contamination (Correct answer)
- Airborne contamination
- Vector transmission
Correct answer: Direct contact contamination
Direct contact contamination occurs when a sterile item touches a non-sterile surface, person, or object.
Question 4: Which nerve block technique involves injecting anesthetic around the brachial plexus for upper extremity surgery?
- Epidural block
- Spinal block
- Axillary block (Correct answer)
- Pudendal block
Correct answer: Axillary block
An axillary block targets the brachial plexus in the axilla to anesthetize the entire arm below the shoulder.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a fenestrated drape in the surgical field?
- To absorb blood from the incision
- To create a sterile barrier with an opening over the operative site (Correct answer)
- To cover non-sterile equipment near the field
- To insulate the patient from heat loss
Correct answer: To create a sterile barrier with an opening over the operative site
A fenestrated drape has a cut-out (fenestration) that exposes only the operative site while maintaining sterility around it.
Question 6: Which type of wound closure involves approximating wound edges using metal staples?
- Primary closure
- Secondary closure
- Delayed primary closure
- Mechanical stapled closure (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Mechanical stapled closure
Mechanical stapled closure uses surgical staplers to rapidly close skin or internal tissues with metal staples.
Question 7: Which scrub technique is recognized by the AORN as the evidence-based alternative to the traditional brush-stroke method?
- Waterless scrub with alcohol-based hand rub (Correct answer)
- Betadine paint scrub
- Three-minute hand wash
- Glove-only technique
Correct answer: Waterless scrub with alcohol-based hand rub
AORN recognizes alcohol-based hand rubs as an evidence-based surgical hand antisepsis method when hands are not visibly soiled.
NBSTSA Trivia 4
Which sterilization method uses ethylene oxide (EtO)?