Aseptic Technique True/False

Explanation
The statement is stating that the term "sterile" is absolute, meaning there is no middle ground. An item can only be classified as either sterile or not sterile, there is no in-between. This means that there are no degrees of sterility, it is a binary condition.

Explanation
Only sterile items can be placed on the sterile field because the purpose of a sterile field is to maintain a sterile environment, free from microorganisms that can cause infections. Placing non-sterile items on the sterile field would contaminate it and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, only sterile items should be used on the sterile field to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infections.

Explanation
In a surgical procedure, it is important to maintain sterility. The correct sequence for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) is to remove the gown first, followed by the gloves. This is because the gown is considered the outermost layer and removing it first helps prevent contamination of the gloves and hands. Therefore, the given answer "false" is correct.

Explanation
If a glove is suspected to have been punctured, it is important to change it even if there is no visible tear. This is because a puncture may not always be immediately visible, and even a small puncture can compromise the integrity of the glove, allowing for the transmission of pathogens. Therefore, it is better to err on the side of caution and replace the glove to ensure proper protection.

Explanation
If the surgical technologist contaminates his or her gloves intraoperatively, it is not the responsibility of a sterile team member to reglove him or her. Instead, the surgical technologist should follow proper protocol and change their own gloves to prevent further contamination.

Explanation
The statement that the edges of a wrapper are considered sterile is false. Wrappers are typically not sterile as they can come into contact with various surfaces and may be exposed to contaminants. Therefore, it is important to handle wrappers with caution and not assume that their edges are sterile.

Explanation
The statement suggests that the interaction among team members during the gowning and gloving process has a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and success of the surgical procedure. This implies that a positive and efficient interaction can contribute to a smooth and successful surgery, while a negative or disorganized interaction may have adverse effects. Therefore, it is important for team members to communicate effectively and work together harmoniously during this crucial stage of preparation.

Explanation
An open-gloving technique is commonly used when performing urinary catheterization. This technique involves putting on sterile gloves in a way that the hands are exposed to the air, reducing the risk of contamination. By using this technique, healthcare professionals can ensure a safer and more hygienic procedure for inserting a urinary catheter.

Explanation
In closed gloving, the correct sequence is to first don the gloves and then pull the gown cuffs over the gloves. This ensures that the gloves are properly secured and protected by the gown. Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation
Harsh friction with the brush during surgical scrub can indeed cause irritation and skin breakdown. The skin is delicate and excessive friction can lead to damage, redness, and even sores. Therefore, it is important to use gentle, circular motions while scrubbing to effectively clean the hands without causing harm to the skin.

Explanation
This statement is true because living tissue, such as organs or body parts, cannot be completely sterilized due to the presence of microorganisms within the tissue. However, it can be rendered surgically clean through the use of antiseptics and disinfectants to minimize the number of microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection during surgery.

Explanation
This statement is false because wearing gloves does not eliminate the need for hand washing. While gloves provide a barrier between the hands and potential contaminants, they can still become contaminated themselves. Additionally, gloves can develop small tears or punctures that may not be visible to the wearer, allowing contaminants to come into contact with the hands. Therefore, proper hand hygiene, including hand washing, should always be practiced even when wearing gloves.

Explanation
The statement is false because sterile personnel should not pass each other back to front. In a sterile environment, it is important to maintain a unidirectional flow to prevent contamination. Passing each other back to front would disrupt this flow and increase the risk of introducing contaminants. Sterile personnel should always pass each other front to back to maintain the integrity of the sterile field.

Explanation
The statement is false because it is not recommended to leave sterile supplies open prior to a case for more than 2 hours, regardless of whether the surgeon gives approval or not. Leaving sterile supplies open for an extended period can increase the risk of contamination and compromise the sterility of the supplies. Therefore, it is important to follow proper protocols and guidelines to maintain the sterility of supplies in a healthcare setting.

Explanation
The given statement is false. The correct answer is false because the amount of space that should be left between sterile and nonsterile surfaces is actually 12 to 24 inches. This is to ensure that there is a sufficient distance between the two surfaces to prevent any potential contamination or transfer of microorganisms from the nonsterile surface to the sterile one.