Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which are the potential sources for surgical infection? (Select all that apply)
Which are the potential sources for surgical infection? (Select all that apply)
Which statement regarding the use of masks is false?
Which statement regarding the use of masks is false?
The soaking of moisture through unsterile layers to sterile layers or vice versa is:
The soaking of moisture through unsterile layers to sterile layers or vice versa is:
Which statement concerning the use of boiling water as a sterilizing agent is false?
Which statement concerning the use of boiling water as a sterilizing agent is false?
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The OR ventilating system ensures controlled air supply: ___ air exchanges per hour are recommended for infection control and a ___ percent humidity is mandatory.
The OR ventilating system ensures controlled air supply: ___ air exchanges per hour are recommended for infection control and a ___ percent humidity is mandatory.
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Which draping principle is false?
Which draping principle is false?
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Which are not essential considerations in the design of an OR suite?
Which are not essential considerations in the design of an OR suite?
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Which statement regarding sterile items is false?
Which statement regarding sterile items is false?
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When is the open glove technique preferred over the closed glove technique?
When is the open glove technique preferred over the closed glove technique?
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The first step in the decontamination process of instruments after a procedure should be:
The first step in the decontamination process of instruments after a procedure should be:
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Which antiseptic solutions are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms?
Which antiseptic solutions are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms?
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Which statement regarding sterile technique is false?
Which statement regarding sterile technique is false?
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Which is (are) used to check the effectiveness of sterilizers?
Which is (are) used to check the effectiveness of sterilizers?
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Which statement concerning ethylene oxide sterilization is false?
Which statement concerning ethylene oxide sterilization is false?
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Predisposing factors that substantially increase the risk of infection are: 1.duration of operation, 2.invasive monitoring techniques, 3.indiscriminate use of antibiotics, 4.gastrointestinal surgery, 5.prosthetic devices?
Predisposing factors that substantially increase the risk of infection are: 1.duration of operation, 2.invasive monitoring techniques, 3.indiscriminate use of antibiotics, 4.gastrointestinal surgery, 5.prosthetic devices?
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An area of a gown considered sterile is (are) the ___, while the ___ is (are) considered unsterile.
An area of a gown considered sterile is (are) the ___, while the ___ is (are) considered unsterile.
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Which is the major source of contamination in the operating room?
Which is the major source of contamination in the operating room?
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Which is (are) not effective method (s) of disinfection in an operating room?
Which is (are) not effective method (s) of disinfection in an operating room?
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Which statement concerning pathogenic Streptococci species of microorganism is false?
Which statement concerning pathogenic Streptococci species of microorganism is false?
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The preferred method of sterilization for heat-sensitive items and anesthesia equipment when EO sterilization is impractical is soaking in:
The preferred method of sterilization for heat-sensitive items and anesthesia equipment when EO sterilization is impractical is soaking in:
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Which is considered a disadvantage in the use of muslin as wrapper material for sterile packs and items?
Which is considered a disadvantage in the use of muslin as wrapper material for sterile packs and items?
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Which statement regarding hexachlorophene as an antiseptic solution is false?
Which statement regarding hexachlorophene as an antiseptic solution is false?
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Completely unwrapped items may be sterilized in a flash sterilizer at ___ pounds of pressure, ___ degrees F, for ___ minutes.
Completely unwrapped items may be sterilized in a flash sterilizer at ___ pounds of pressure, ___ degrees F, for ___ minutes.
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The foundation for the practice of strict aseptic and sterile technique is:
The foundation for the practice of strict aseptic and sterile technique is:
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Factors that have adverse effects on the shelf life of sterile items include:
Factors that have adverse effects on the shelf life of sterile items include:
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Study Notes
Surgical Infection Sources
- All listed items are potential sources of surgical infection: circulating air, patient's bronchial tree, scrub team's hair, patient's blood, instruments, and skin.
- Circulating air can carry airborne pathogens and microorganisms.
- The patient's bronchial tree may harbor respiratory pathogens released during intubation.
- Scrub team's hair can shed bacteria if not properly covered.
- While normally sterile, circulating blood can harbor infections in cases of bacteremia.
- Improved sterilization of instruments and maintenance of skin integrity are critical for infection control.
Mask Usage in OR
- Masks should only be handled by the strings to maintain sterility.
- Masks must be changed between procedures to ensure effectiveness.
- False practice: crossing the strings behind the head does not improve aeration.
- Cloth or gauze masks no longer meet standards for operating room use.
Strike-through Phenomenon
- Strike-through occurs when moisture penetrates through unsterile to sterile layers, compromising sterilization.
Boiling Water as a Sterilizing Agent
- Boiling water is ineffective for sterilization; instead, it serves as a high-level disinfection method.
- Spores survive boiling temperatures; hence, adequate sterilization requires other measures.
OR Ventilation Standards
- Recommended: 25 air exchanges per hour for infection control.
- Optimal humidity for suppressing static electricity is 50%.
Draping Principles
- Accurate draping is vital; always begin with the near side of the table to avoid contamination.
- Cuffing drapes over gloved hands is essential, and erroneous drapes should be discarded.
OR Suite Design Considerations
- Non-essential design factors include windows, top-floor location, and central corridors.
- Essential considerations involve traffic control and supply flow systems.
Handling Sterile Items
- Sterile packages falling to the floor must be discarded to avoid contamination.
- A covered sterile setup should not be used later in the day due to increased contamination risk.
Gloving Techniques
- The open glove technique is ideal for changing gloves during procedures, while closed techniques are better for initial gloving.
Instrument Decontamination
- Initial decontamination should begin with mechanical cleaning using a decontamination washer-sterilizer to reduce microbial load.
Effective Antiseptics
- Iodophors and chlorhexidine gluconate are effective against both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms.
- Alcohol is generally not classified as an antiseptic in this context.
Sterile Technique Basics
- Sterility is maintained only at the table surface.
- Proper opening of peel-open packages involves careful handling, not tearing.
Monitoring Sterilization Effectiveness
- Biological spore strips are the most reliable method for assessing sterilizer effectiveness, as they directly test microbial kill.
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Considerations
- PVC wrappers are not recommended due to absorption risks; permeable materials are preferred for ethylene oxide sterilization.
Infection Risk Factors
- Factors such as operation duration, invasive monitoring, and prosthetic devices significantly elevate surgical site infection risks.
Gowning Sterility Zones
- The sleeves of surgical gowns are sterile; the neck area is considered unsterile.
Major Contamination Source
- Personnel movements and sterile technique breaches present the highest contamination risk in operating rooms.
Disinfection Methods
- Mercurial compounds and fogging are ineffective disinfection methods in the operating room due to safety and effectiveness concerns.
Streptococci Characteristics
- Incorrect fact: Streptococci are gram-positive, not gram-negative organisms, and are easy to destroy via steam sterilization.
Alternative Sterilization Methods
- Activated glutaraldehyde is the preferred choice for sterilizing heat-sensitive items when ethylene oxide is impractical.
Muslin Wrapper Disadvantages
- Muslin requires laundering to maintain its moisture and sterility, which can introduce contamination risks and is time-intensive.
Hexachlorophene Properties
- Hexachlorophene is not soluble in water; it needs an emulsifier, contrary to its description.
Flash Sterilization Standards
- Flash sterilization parameters for unwrapped items include 27 pounds of pressure at 270°F for 3 minutes.
Foundation of Aseptic Technique
- A surgical conscience is essential for strict adherence to aseptic techniques, ensuring personal accountability for sterile practices.
Shelf Life Factors for Sterility
- Open cabinets, high temperatures, and extreme humidity negatively impact the shelf life of sterile items, while dust covers protect them.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the principles of aseptic technique in surgical settings. It explores potential sources of surgical infection and the importance of maintaining sterility during procedures. Use the reference numbers to find the correct answers and deepen your understanding of aseptic practices.
