Ch 5 Aseptic Technique Quiz 2

When a sterile item is hanging or extending over the sterile table edge, the scrub nurse:

• must watch closely that no one comes near it
  

• does not touch the part hanging below table level
  

• should pull it back onto the table so it does not become contaminated

• may use the item

Answer explanation

Anything falling or extending over a table edge is unsterile. The scrub person does not touch the part hanging below table level.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) relies on:

• opinion and tradition

• past evident practices

• current practices

• science and evidence

Answer explanation

Scientific investigation and discovery supersede old practices; it considers only the best on current study and proof. An example is double gloving in the old days was only done on orthopedic cases. The current practice is for all surgical personnel to double glove for all cases. This is due to EBP.

Scrub technique ends

• 2 in below the elbow

• just below the elbow

• at the elbow

• 2 in above the elbow

Answer explanation

The arm is scrubbed, including the elbow and the antecubital space to 2 in above the elbow.

Which statement best describes an effective surgical hand scrub?

• Time, no anatomical sequence

• Number of strokes, no anatomical sequence

• Time or number of strokes, hand to elbow sequence

• Number of strokes, elbow to hand sequence

Answer explanation

Time varies with the frequency of the scrub, the agent used, and the method used. The procedure may be time method or counted brush stroke, each of which follows an anatomical pattern of scrub ending 2 in above the elbow. All steps begin with hands and end with elbow, with the hands having most direct contact.

Which of the following is considered a break in technique?

• A sterile person turns his or her back to a nonsterile person or area when passing

• Sterile persons face sterile areas

• A sterile person sits or leans against a nonsterile surface

• Nonsterile persons avoid sterile areas

Answer explanation

Sitting or leaning against a nonsterile surface is a break in technique because a sterile person should keep contact with nonsterile areas to a minimum.

The surgical scrub is:

• sterilization of the skin

• mechanical cleansing of the skin

• chemical cleansing of the skin

• mechanical washing and chemical antisepsis of the skin

Answer explanation

The surgical scrub is the process of removing as many microorganisms from the hands and arms by mechanical washing and chemical antisepsis.

Which condition regarding sterile technique is NOT recommended?

• Sterile tables are set up just before the operation

• Sterile tables may be set up and safely covered until time of surgery

• Once sterile packs are open, someone must remain in the room to maintain vigilance

• Sterile persons pass each other back to back

The brush-stroke method of scrubbing prescribes the number of strokes required. Indicate the number for each: nails, fingers, hand (back and palm), and arms.

• 40, 30, 30, 30

• 40, 40, 20, 20

• 30, 20, 20, 20

• 30, 20, 10, 10

Answer explanation

The nails are scrubbed 30 strokes; all sides of each finger, 20 strokes; the back of the hand and palm, 20 strokes; and the arms, 20 strokes to 2 in above the elbow.

Standard precautions evolved from a practice called:

• universal

• aseptic technique

• EBP

• the method of thinking and doing

Answer explanation

Standard precautions evolved from a policy called universal precautions. They were originally established to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Which statement regarding the surgical scrub indicates INAPPROPRIATE preparation by the scrub?

• Wearing artificial nails are acceptable

• Nail polish may be worn, if not chipped

• Finger nails should not reach beyond fingertips

• Skin should be protected with a non–oil-based product

Answer explanation

Artificial nails are never acceptable in the operating room.