Surgical Hand Hygiene Protocol

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During surgical hand hygiene using an alcohol-based antiseptic, why is it important to wash hands with soap and water for 15-30 seconds initially?

To activate the alcohol-based antiseptic.

To moisturize the skin and prevent dryness from the antiseptic.

To remove dirt and organic material that harbor microorganisms. (correct)

To ensure the antiseptic adheres properly to the skin.

When drying hands after surgical hand hygiene, it's acceptable to dry from the least clean area to the cleanest area, as long as you are using a sterile towel.

False (B)

After cleaning under the nails with a nail pick during surgical hand hygiene using an alcohol-based antiseptic, what is the next immediate step?

Dry hands with a paper towel

After applying an alcohol-based antiseptic during surgical hand hygiene, allow hands to ______ dry before applying sterile gloves.

air Signup and view all the answers

Match the following steps of surgical hand hygiene with their rationale:

Washing hands with soap and water = Removes dirt and organic material. Cleaning under nails with a nail pick = Removes microorganisms that are under nails. Applying alcohol-based antiseptic = Ensures coverage of all surfaces. Air drying hands = Ensures complete antisepsis. Signup and view all the answers

During the process of drying hands with a sterile towel, what movement should be employed and why?

Rotating motion to ensure all areas are dried sequentially and thoroughly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When using an alcohol-based antiseptic for surgical hand hygiene, it is acceptable to skip the initial hand washing with soap and water if no visible dirt is present.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to lean forward slightly when picking up a sterile towel during surgical hand hygiene?

Prevents accidental contact of arms with scrub attire Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of a scrub nurse to assist, what is the correct procedure for picking up a sterile gown?

Pick up the gown touching only the inner surface below the neck. (A) Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable for the staff member tying the sterile gown to touch the front of the gown as long as they avoid touching the areas near the surgical site.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to don surgical attire such as caps, shoe covers, eyewear, and masks prior to performing surgical hand hygiene?

To prevent contamination of the surgical field and to protect healthcare personnel from exposure to blood and body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

After donning a sterile gown, fingers should remain inside the sleeves to facilitate ______ gloving.

closed Signup and view all the answers

Match each step of donning a sterile gown with its rationale:

Don surgical cap, shoe covers, protective eyewear, and mask; perform surgical hand hygiene. = Prevents contamination of the surgical field and protects the nurse from exposure. Ask a circulating nurse to open sterile packages. = Avoids contamination of hands after surgical hand wash as outer wraps are unsterile. Pick up gown touching only the inner surface below the neck. = Prevents contamination of outer sterile surface. Maintain constant control of folded gown layers. = Prevents gown from brushing against unsterile surfaces. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a nurse to don a sterile gown before assisting with sterile procedures in the operating room?

To decrease the risk of contaminating sterile objects and prevent contamination by microorganisms shed from the nurse's skin. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When opening a sterile package, it is permissible to reach over the sterile field if you are wearing sterile gloves.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

When pouring a sterile solution onto a sterile field, why should the bottle's label be held in the palm of the hand?

To prevent the solution from wetting the label Signup and view all the answers

When opening sterile packages, one should use the inner surface of the package cover (except the ______ border) as a sterile field to handle other sterile items.

1-inch Signup and view all the answers

Match the method of gloving with the appropriate clinical setting or procedure type:

Open gloving = Dressing changes or urinary catheter insertions Closed gloving = Surgical procedures in the operating room after donning a sterile gown Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would compromise the sterility of a sterile field when pouring a sterile solution?

Holding the bottle high above the receiving container during pouring. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When opening a sterile package, it's acceptable to allow the flaps to spring back over the sterile contents if you are in a rush.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides preventing transmission of microorganisms, what other factor is important to consider when selecting sterile gloves?

Proper glove size Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would compromise the sterility of the gloving procedure and require you to start over with a new set sterile gloves?

Allowing the outer surface of the glove to touch the wrist during donning. (A) Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to use sterile gloves from a package that was found open, as long as the gloves themselves appear untouched and clean.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to glove the dominant hand first when performing open sterile gloving?

Improved dexterity Signup and view all the answers

When opening the inner glove package, you should keep the gloves on the wrapper's ______ surface to maintain sterility.

inside Signup and view all the answers

Match each action with its corresponding rationale in the sterile gloving procedure:

Perform thorough hand hygiene = Removes bacteria from skin surfaces. Lay the package on a clean, flat surface above waist level = Sterile objects held below the waist are considered contaminated. Touch only the glove's inside surface when gloving dominant hand = The inner edge of the cuff will lie against the skin. Identify right and left gloves = Prevents contamination by improper fit. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily determines the selection of appropriate transmission-based precautions?

Causative microorganism and its mode of transmission. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A single pair of non-sterile gloves is sufficient when handling sharp instruments in an isolation room.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides an N-95 respirator, what is another respiratory protection option for healthcare workers in contact with patients with airborne infections, especially if proper fit cannot be achieved with an N-95?

Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) Signup and view all the answers

A break in technique, when working with a sterile field or with sterile equipment, results in ______.

contamination Signup and view all the answers

Match the following isolation precautions with the corresponding diseases or conditions:

Airborne Precautions = Tuberculosis (TB) Contact Precautions = Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff) Droplet Precautions = Influenza Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to educate patients with AFB (acid-fast bacillus) about transmission methods?

To improve patient compliance and participation in care. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Standard surgical masks offer sufficient protection against airborne droplet nuclei, like those produced by a patient with TB.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What specific type of mask must be worn before entering the room of a patient under AFB isolation precautions?

N-95 respirator mask Signup and view all the answers

Surgical asepsis is the complete removal of all ______, including spores, from an object.

microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse do immediately after noticing a break in sterile technique?

Acknowledge the contamination and correct it immediately. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to inspect hands for abrasions, cuts, or open lesions before performing surgical hand hygiene?

To minimize the potential for microorganisms to reside on the hands. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During surgical hand hygiene, it is acceptable to allow water to run from the elbows down to the fingertips to ensure thorough rinsing.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

During surgical hand hygiene using the traditional method, why should hands be kept elevated above the elbows?

To allow water to flow from least to most contaminated areas. Signup and view all the answers

When performing surgical hand hygiene, after cleaning under the nails with a nail pick, the pick should be ______ after use.

discarded Signup and view all the answers

During the traditional method of surgical hand hygiene, when should you turn off the water to prevent accidental recontamination?

After rinsing and backing into the operating room with hands elevated (B) Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to use the same sponge for scrubbing both arms during surgical hand hygiene to conserve resources.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the proper technique for scrubbing each area of the hands and arms during surgical hand hygiene, including the number of strokes for different areas, the arm thirds and the total scrub time.

Scrub nails with 15 strokes, then scrub palm, sides of thumb and fingers, and posterior side of each hand with 10 strokes. Divide each arm into thirds and scrub each third 10 times, with a total scrub time of 5-10 minutes. Rinse the sponge and repeat for the other arm. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following actions with their rationale during surgical hand hygiene:

Wearing surgical shoe covers and a mask = Prevents contamination of hands with microorganisms from the air or exposure to splashes. Keeping hands above elbows = Ensures water flows from the least to most contaminated areas. Scrubbing each arm in thirds with antimicrobial detergent = Loosens and removes resident bacteria across all surfaces. Using a nail pick to clean under nails = Removes dirt and organic material that harbors microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

Under which of the following circumstances is a sterile object considered contaminated, according to the principles of sterile technique?

When the sterile object is held below a person's waist level. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to prepare a sterile field immediately before a planned procedure?

To minimize the risk of contamination from airborne particles and other environmental factors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Sterile objects held below waist level are considered sterile as long as they haven't touched anything.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

A sterile field is safe to leave unattended as long as it is within the range of vision.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using antiseptics like alcohol or CHG on human tissue prior to sterile procedures?

inhibit the growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a tear or break is found in the covering of a sterile object?

discard it Signup and view all the answers

According to sterile technique, a sterile object or field becomes contaminated by ______ exposure to air.

prolonged Signup and view all the answers

The term 'bacteriostatic' refers to a solution that prevents microorganisms from or .

moving/growing Signup and view all the answers

Match the action with the rationale for preparing a sterile field:

Wash hands thoroughly = Prevents spread of microorganisms Use supplies immediately after opening = Prevents exposure of sterile field and supplies to air contamination Select work surface above waist level = Considers sterile objects held below waist level contaminated Check dates and condition of package for sterility = Considers equipment stored beyond expiration date or a damaged package unsterile Signup and view all the answers

Match each scenario with its corresponding contamination outcome according to sterile technique:

Sterile object touches a clean object = Contaminated Sterile object touches another sterile object = Remains sterile Sterile object is exposed to moisture = Contaminated Sterile object is held above waist level = Remains sterile Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for patients to avoid sudden movements during a surgical aseptic procedure?

To prevent contamination of sterile items. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to discard the outer cover of a sterile drape after lifting the drape from its packaging?

To prevent the outer cover from contaminating the sterile field. (B) Signup and view all the answers

It is acceptable to touch sterile supplies with ungloved hands as long as you have washed them thoroughly.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

When placing a sterile drape, it is acceptable to reach over the intended work surface if necessary to ensure proper placement.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended border around the edge of a sterile drape that should be considered contaminated?

1 inch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?

Cleaning removes foreign material, disinfection eliminates many microorganisms, sterilzation eliminates all microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

When performing a surgical hand scrub, hands should be held ______ to permit downward water flow, preventing contamination.

above elbows Signup and view all the answers

In the context of infection control, any object that comes into contact with potentially infectious material is considered ______.

contaminated Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of closed gloving technique?

To prevent contamination of the sterile gown worn by the healthcare provider. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions poses the HIGHEST risk of contaminating a sterile field?

Prolonged conversation directly over the sterile field. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of performing a surgical hand scrub?

To remove debris, transient microorganisms, and reduce the resident microbial count while inhibiting growth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Using sterile gloves allows a nurse to touch any surface, sterile or non-sterile, without compromising the sterility of the gloves or the sterile field.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to best practices, where should sterile items be stored to maintain their integrity until use?

Clean, enclosed storage cabinets, separate from dirty equipment Signup and view all the answers

During sterilization, chemical tapes change ______ signaling that the sterilization process was successful; failure to change indicates it was not.

color Signup and view all the answers

Match the scenario with the appropriate action regarding a sterile package:

Package is wet = Discard or return to supply area Expiration date has passed = Discard item Tape color hasn't changed = Do not use item Package is intact and dry = Item is safe to use Signup and view all the answers

When pouring sterile solutions, which part of the bottle is considered sterile?

The inside of the bottle and inside of bottle cap. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to assemble all equipment and supplies before beginning a sterile procedure?

To prevent the need to leave the sterile field unattended, which could lead to contamination. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to guidelines, sterile items are safe to use indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact and dry.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

When collecting a blood culture specimen, why is it recommended to perform venipuncture at two different sites?

To decrease the likelihood of both specimens being contaminated by skin flora. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When collecting a stool specimen, it is acceptable to collect the sample directly from the toilet bowl to ensure a representative sample.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the critical steps in the blood culture collection process that minimize contamination and ensure accurate results.

Performing venipuncture at two different sites; injecting 10 mL of blood into each bottle; securing tops of bottles, labeling specimens, completing requisition, and sending to the laboratory. Signup and view all the answers

When collecting a urine specimen from a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter, it is essential to use an ______ swab pad, syringe, and needle to collect specimens if the patient has an indwelling urinary catheter.

alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Match each specimen type with the appropriate collection consideration:

Wound Culture = Clean site with sterile water or saline solution before specimen collection. Blood Culture = Perform venipuncture at two different sites to minimize contamination from skin flora. Stool Culture = Collect feces from the bedpan, not the toilet. Urine Culture (Indwelling Catheter) = Use an alcohol swab pad, syringe, and needle to collect specimens. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following scenarios is surgical asepsis least critical?

Administering an intramuscular injection. (C) Signup and view all the answers

When performing surgical hand hygiene, it is acceptable to use regular hand soap if surgical scrub solutions are unavailable

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key differences in the aseptic techniques used in an operating room versus at a patient's bedside during a dressing change.

Operating room: Donning a mask, protective eyewear, cap; surgical hand hygiene; sterile gown and gloves. Bedside: Hand hygiene, sterile gloves, and maintaining a sterile area. Signup and view all the answers

When inserting IV lines and administering injections, the nurse avoids contamination of sterile equipment by not talking unnecessarily over it or touching the sterile items with nurses' ______ gloves.

clean Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is most important to ensure proper handling and transport of collected specimens?

Ensuring the specimen container has a biohazard symbol on the outside. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Sterile Gown Application

Steps to correctly wear a sterile gown in surgery.

Surgical Hand Hygiene

Washing hands thoroughly before donning sterile attire.