CSFA Aseptic Technique and Sterilization 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which condition is most likely to compromise the sterility of an event-related sterile package?
- Exceeding a calendar-based expiration date
- Physical damage, moisture exposure, or packaging compromise (Correct answer)
- Storage in a room with low humidity
- Handling by multiple sterile team members
Correct answer: Physical damage, moisture exposure, or packaging compromise
Event-related sterility is maintained until the packaging is physically compromised by damage, moisture, or breach, not simply by time elapsed.
Question 2: During hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, which materials are incompatible with this process?
- Stainless steel instruments with lumens
- Cellulose-based materials such as paper or linen (Correct answer)
- Silicone and some plastics
- Titanium implants
Correct answer: Cellulose-based materials such as paper or linen
Cellulose-based materials absorb hydrogen peroxide and interfere with plasma formation, making them incompatible with this sterilization method.
Question 3: What is the correct sequence for surgical hand antisepsis using a surgical hand scrub?
- Scrub hands, then wrists, then forearms up to 2 inches above the elbow
- Scrub fingernails and subungual areas first, then hands, wrists, and forearms (Correct answer)
- Scrub forearms first, then wrists, then hands and nails last
- Scrub hands and forearms simultaneously using circular motions
Correct answer: Scrub fingernails and subungual areas first, then hands, wrists, and forearms
Surgical hand antisepsis begins with subungual areas and nails (highest microbial load), then progresses distally to proximally through hands, wrists, and forearms.
Question 4: When applying sterile gloves using the closed-glove technique, the hands must remain:
- Extended beyond the cuffs of the gown before the first glove is applied
- Inside the cuffs of the gown throughout the entire gloving process (Correct answer)
- Bare and visible to ensure accurate placement of the glove
- At the side until the circulator presents the glove
Correct answer: Inside the cuffs of the gown throughout the entire gloving process
In the closed-glove technique, hands remain inside the gown cuffs until gloves are fully applied, preventing ungloved hands from contaminating the sterile gown exterior.
Question 5: Which factor most critically determines the efficacy of sterilization by steam autoclave?
- The color change of external chemical indicators on the package
- Adequate contact of saturated steam with all surfaces at correct temperature and time (Correct answer)
- The age and brand of the autoclave equipment
- The number of items loaded into the sterilizer chamber
Correct answer: Adequate contact of saturated steam with all surfaces at correct temperature and time
Steam sterilization efficacy depends on saturated steam making direct contact with all surfaces at the correct temperature for the required time.
Question 6: A scrub technologist notices a hole in the outer wrap of a sterile pack just before opening it. The correct action is to:
- Use the pack if the inner wrap appears intact
- Return the pack to sterile processing for repackaging and re-sterilization (Correct answer)
- Cover the hole with sterile tape and proceed
- Open the pack carefully and inspect the inner contents under a light
Correct answer: Return the pack to sterile processing for repackaging and re-sterilization
Any breach in the outer packaging invalidates sterility and requires the item to be returned for repackaging and re-sterilization.
Question 7: Which of the following best defines 'contamination' in the context of surgical aseptic technique?
- The presence of any microorganism on an instrument, regardless of quantity
- Contact of a sterile item or field with any non-sterile surface or substance (Correct answer)
- Infection of a patient's wound site postoperatively
- Failure of the autoclave to reach the target sterilization temperature
Correct answer: Contact of a sterile item or field with any non-sterile surface or substance
In surgical asepsis, contamination specifically means a sterile item or field has made contact with a non-sterile surface or substance, rendering it no longer sterile.
CSFA Aseptic Technique and Sterilization 5
Which condition is most likely to compromise the sterility of an event-related sterile package?