CSFA Aseptic Technique and Sterilization Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a procedure, the CSFA observes a circulating nurse, who is not gowned and gloved, reach over the sterile back table to retrieve an item from the far side. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the CSFA to take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately state that the field has been contaminated and request that all potentially affected items be removed and replaced.

Answer

A core principle of aseptic technique is that non-sterile individuals or items must never cross over the sterile field. When this occurs, the field is considered contaminated. The CSFA has a duty to advocate for patient safety by immediately identifying the breach so the team can take corrective action, which includes removing and replacing any compromised supplies or drapes.

Question 2

A critical, non-porous, non-lumened surgical instrument is accidentally dropped on the floor mid-procedure. The surgeon states it is urgently needed to complete the case. According to AORN and AAMI guidelines, what is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Process the instrument using an Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS) cycle, ensuring it is first cleaned, placed in a validated rigid container, and transported aseptically.

Answer

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization (IUSS), formerly known as 'flash sterilization,' should be kept to a minimum and used only in urgent situations. The complete, proper procedure must be followed, which includes thorough cleaning and decontamination, placement in a closed, rigid sterilization container validated for IUSS, running the manufacturer-specified cycle, and aseptic transfer to the sterile field.

Question 3

A wrapped set of heavy orthopedic instruments needs to be sterilized for a case later in the day. Which of the following represents the minimum exposure time and temperature for a gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle?

Accepted Answer

30 minutes at 250°F (121°C)

Answer

For wrapped instruments in a gravity displacement sterilizer, the steam must adequately penetrate the packaging and the dense instrument load. The recognized minimum exposure time to achieve sterilization under these conditions is 30 minutes at 121°C (250°F).

Question 4

A biologic indicator (BI) used to monitor the efficacy of a steam sterilization cycle contains spores from which microorganism?

Accepted Answer

Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Answer

Biological indicators are the most reliable method for monitoring sterilization efficacy because they directly test the lethality of the process. For steam sterilization, BIs contain spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, a thermophilic bacterium that is highly resistant to moist heat, ensuring that if it is killed, less resistant organisms have also been eliminated.

Question 5

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of surgical asepsis regarding movement and positioning within the sterile field?

Accepted Answer

Scrubbed personnel should pass each other back-to-back or face-to-face.

Answer

To maintain sterility, scrubbed surgical team members must pass one another in a way that prevents contact between a sterile front and a non-sterile back. Therefore, they should pass either by turning back-to-back or by facing each other at a safe distance. The front of a sterile gown is considered sterile from chest to the level of the sterile field; the back is always considered non-sterile.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Aseptic Technique and Sterilization Questions and Answers