Aseptic Technique True/False Questions

If there is a suspicion that a glove has been punctured, it is necessary to change it even if there is no visible tear. This is because punctures may not always be immediately visible, and a punctured glove can compromise its protective barrier, allowing for potential contamination or exposure. Therefore, it is important to err on the side of caution and replace the glove to ensure safety.

During a surgical scrub, it is important to avoid harsh friction with the brush because it can lead to irritation and skin breakdown. Harsh friction can cause damage to the skin, making it more susceptible to infection. By avoiding harsh friction, healthcare professionals can protect their skin and maintain its integrity during the surgical scrub process.

This statement is false. Hand washing is necessary even if gloves are worn. While gloves provide a barrier between the hands and potentially harmful substances, they are not foolproof. There is still a risk of contamination if gloves are not worn properly or if they tear. Additionally, hand washing is important for removing dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands, which may not be effectively removed by gloves alone. Therefore, hand washing should always be practiced regardless of whether gloves are worn or not.

The statement suggests that the edges of a wrapper are considered sterile. However, this is not true. The edges of a wrapper are not automatically considered sterile. Sterility is typically achieved through proper packaging and sealing techniques, not just by the edges of the wrapper. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

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 processes like disinfection or the use of antiseptics to reduce the number of microorganisms on the surface of the tissue, minimizing the risk of infection during surgery.

The statement suggests that the term "sterile" does not have any degrees or levels. It is a binary concept, meaning that an item can only be classified as either sterile or not sterile. There are no in-between states or levels of sterility. Therefore, the statement is true.

The interaction among team members during the gowning and gloving process can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and effectiveness of the surgical procedure. This is because the way team members communicate and work together during this initial stage can set the tone for the rest of the procedure. A positive and collaborative interaction can foster a sense of trust and teamwork, leading to better coordination and outcomes. Conversely, a negative or disorganized interaction can create tension and hinder effective communication, potentially compromising patient safety and surgical success.

An open-gloving technique is indeed used when performing urinary catheterization. This technique involves putting on sterile gloves in a way that the hands do not touch the outside of the gloves, ensuring aseptic conditions during the procedure. This is important to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infection.

The statement is false because in a surgical procedure, the gloves are always removed after the gown. This is done to ensure that any potential contaminants on the gloves do not come into contact with the surgical gown, which is considered to be a higher level of protection. Removing the gown first would risk contaminating the gloves and potentially compromising the sterile field. Therefore, the correct sequence is to remove the gown first and then the gloves.

The statement suggests that sterile personnel must pass each other back to front, which means they must cross paths in a way that minimizes the risk of contamination. However, this is not true. Sterile personnel are required to pass each other front to front to maintain a sterile environment. Passing back to front would increase the risk of contamination as it involves turning around and potentially exposing the sterile area to non-sterile elements.

The statement that the amount of space that should be left between sterile and nonsterile surfaces is 2 to 4 inches is false. The correct answer is likely that there is no specific amount of space that needs to be left between sterile and nonsterile surfaces. The distance required may vary depending on the specific situation and guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or regulatory bodies.

Sterile supplies should never be left open prior to a case, regardless of the time limit or the surgeon's approval. It is crucial to maintain the sterility of the supplies to prevent any risk of infection during the surgical procedure. Leaving sterile supplies open for any duration can expose them to contaminants in the environment, rendering them unsterile and potentially harmful to the patient. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that it is recommended to leave sterile supplies open for more than 2 hours with the surgeon's approval.

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 must remove the contaminated gloves and reglove themselves following the proper sterile technique. This ensures that the sterile field is maintained and reduces the risk of infection or contamination during the surgical procedure.