NCMA Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique 2

Question 1

What does the term 'strike-through contamination' mean in the context of a sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Contamination that occurs when moisture penetrates a sterile drape or wrapping, creating a pathway for microorganisms from the non-sterile surface beneath

Answer

Strike-through contamination occurs when moisture soaks through a sterile drape or wrapper, creating a 'bridge' between the non-sterile surface below and the sterile surface above, allowing microorganisms to migrate through the wet material.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in autoclave sterilization quality control?

Accepted Answer

To verify actual destruction of the most resistant bacterial spores, confirming the sterilization cycle was effective

Answer

Biological indicators contain live, heat-resistant bacterial spores (Geobacillus stearothermophilus). After the autoclave cycle, if spores are killed (negative culture), the cycle is confirmed effective. If spores survive (positive culture), the sterilizer is malfunctioning.

Question 3

During a sterile procedure setup, you notice the autoclave tape on an instrument pack has changed to a dark color but the expiration date on the package is 2 weeks past. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Discard the pack and resterilize the instruments; sterility is time- and event-related — expired packs are considered non-sterile

Answer

Sterile packages have expiration dates — past the expiration date, sterility cannot be guaranteed regardless of chemical indicator color. The chemical indicator only shows the pack was processed, not that sterility was maintained through storage.

Question 4

When setting up a sterile field for a minor surgical procedure, how far from the edge of the sterile drape must all sterile items be placed?

Accepted Answer

At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge, as the border is considered contaminated

Answer

The 1-inch border of a sterile drape is considered contaminated because it may have been touched during opening, touched the non-sterile surface beneath, or be at risk from environmental contamination. All sterile items must remain at least 1 inch inside the border.

Question 5

What is the correct method for passing a sterile instrument to the surgeon or physician during a minor procedure?

Accepted Answer

Hand the instrument handle-first to the physician using sterile transfer forceps or sterile-gloved hands, ensuring the tip remains sterile

Answer

Sterile instruments are passed handle-first, using sterile transfer forceps or sterile-gloved hands. This allows the physician to grasp the handle without the medical assistant touching the tip (which contacts the patient's sterile wound) and maintains sterile technique.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique 2