Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique Flashcards
6 cards from real NCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Surgical Asepsis and Sterile Technique flashcards as text
What does the term 'strike-through contamination' mean in the context of a sterile field?
Answer: Contamination that occurs when moisture penetrates a sterile drape or wrapping, creating a pathway for microorganisms from the non-sterile surface beneath
Strike-through contamination occurs when moisture soaks through a sterile drape or wrapper, creating a 'bridge' between the non-sterile surface below and the sterile surface above, allowing microorganisms to migrate through the wet material.
What is the purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in autoclave sterilization quality control?
Answer: To verify actual destruction of the most resistant bacterial spores, confirming the sterilization cycle was effective
Biological indicators contain live, heat-resistant bacterial spores (Geobacillus stearothermophilus). After the autoclave cycle, if spores are killed (negative culture), the cycle is confirmed effective. If spores survive (positive culture), the sterilizer is malfunctioning.
During a sterile procedure setup, you notice the autoclave tape on an instrument pack has changed to a dark color but the expiration date on the package is 2 weeks past. What should you do?
Answer: Discard the pack and resterilize the instruments; sterility is time- and event-related — expired packs are considered non-sterile
Sterile packages have expiration dates — past the expiration date, sterility cannot be guaranteed regardless of chemical indicator color. The chemical indicator only shows the pack was processed, not that sterility was maintained through storage.
When setting up a sterile field for a minor surgical procedure, how far from the edge of the sterile drape must all sterile items be placed?
Answer: At least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge, as the border is considered contaminated
The 1-inch border of a sterile drape is considered contaminated because it may have been touched during opening, touched the non-sterile surface beneath, or be at risk from environmental contamination. All sterile items must remain at least 1 inch inside the border.
What is the correct method for passing a sterile instrument to the surgeon or physician during a minor procedure?
Answer: Hand the instrument handle-first to the physician using sterile transfer forceps or sterile-gloved hands, ensuring the tip remains sterile
Sterile instruments are passed handle-first, using sterile transfer forceps or sterile-gloved hands. This allows the physician to grasp the handle without the medical assistant touching the tip (which contacts the patient's sterile wound) and maintains sterile technique.
After completing a minor surgical procedure, how should contaminated surgical instruments be initially handled before autoclaving?
Answer: Wear heavy-duty PPE, rinse or pre-soak instruments to remove gross contamination, then clean (manually or in ultrasonic cleaner), rinse, dry, inspect, wrap, and then sterilize
Reprocessing sequence for surgical instruments: (1) Wear PPE (heavy utility gloves); (2) Rinse/pre-soak (enzymatic solution) to prevent drying of organic material; (3) Clean (manual scrubbing or ultrasonic cleaner); (4) Rinse thoroughly; (5) Dry completely; (6) Inspect for function and damage; (7) Package/wrap; (8) Sterilize by autoclave.