Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique Quiz

Surgical Asepsis or Sterile Technique

• The purpose of surgical asepsis or sterile technique is to prevent contamination of a patient, healthcare provider, or equipment, reducing the risk of infection.

Sterile Field

• A sterile field should include only necessary items, such as sterile gloves, instruments, and supplies, to minimize the risk of contamination.
• All items placed on a sterile field must be sterile.

Contamination

• A sterile object or field becomes contaminated when it comes into contact with a non-sterile object or surface.
• Contamination can occur through direct contact, airborne transmission, or capillary action.
• Capillary action leads to contamination of a sterile surface when a fluid or moisture flows from a non-sterile surface to a sterile surface through a narrow channel or passageway.

Sterile Field or Container

• An item or surface is considered contaminated in a sterile field or container if it comes into contact with a non-sterile object or surface.
• Any item or surface that is touched by an unsterile glove or object is considered contaminated.

Working with Fluids

• To prevent contamination of a sterile area, avoid splashing or spilling fluids, and handle them carefully to minimize the risk of leakage.

Leaving the Room

• If it is necessary to leave the room when working with a sterile tray, cover the tray with a sterile drape or cover to prevent contamination.

Contamination of Sterile Object

• Actions that can result in contamination of a sterile object include:
  • Touching the object with an unsterile glove or object.
  • Placing the object on a non-sterile surface.
  • Allowing the object to come into contact with a non-sterile fluid or moisture.

Sterile Supplies

• To ensure the sterility of sterile supplies, handle them carefully, and store them in their original packaging or in a sterile container.
• Keep the work area above the waist when assembling supplies for a sterile procedure to prevent contamination from the floor or lower surfaces.

Dated Labels or Chemical Tapes

• The purpose of using dated labels or chemical tapes on sterile supplies is to ensure that they are used within a specific time period and to track their expiration dates.

Pouring Sterile Solution

• To maintain the sterility of a sterile solution when pouring, use a sterile pouring technique, and avoid touching the lip or nozzle of the container to a non-sterile surface.

Inspecting Supplies

• It is important to inspect the supply for package integrity and sterility before using it in a sterile procedure to ensure that it is not damaged or contaminated.

Opening Packages

• The recommended method for opening packages of sterile supplies is to use a sterile technique, such as tearing or cutting the package with a sterile instrument, to minimize the risk of contamination.

Sterile Supplies Storage

• Sterile supplies should never be kept in the same room as dirty equipment to prevent cross-contamination.