Sterile Technique

Every question here, with the answer

1. A nurse in an outpatient office is assigned to process reusable surgical instruments using equipment that applies high-pressure steam for a designated amount of time. Which process is the nurse using?

   1. Sanitization to remove visible soil only
   2. Chemical sterilization with formaldehyde
   3. Physical sterilization using an autoclave
   4. Chemical disinfection with a narrower-spectrum chemical

   Answer: Physical sterilization using an autoclave

   An autoclave uses high-pressure steam and is a method of physical sterilization. Sanitization only removes visible soil, and chemical methods use disinfectants or sterilants rather than steam.

2. Before initiating a sterile procedure at the bedside, which actions should the nurse take to help ensure sterility? Select all that apply.

   1. Bring a second pair of sterile gloves in case sterility is broken.
   2. Ensure all working surfaces are clean and dry.
   3. Verify that all needed supplies are within the expiration date.
   4. Perform hand hygiene before starting the procedure.
   5. Place supplies far out of reach so they do not touch the sterile field.

   Answer: Bring a second pair of sterile gloves in case sterility is broken., Ensure all working surfaces are clean and dry., Verify that all needed supplies are within the expiration date., Perform hand hygiene before starting the procedure.

   The section lists hand hygiene, clean and dry work surfaces, checking needed supplies and expiration dates, and having a second pair of sterile gloves as critical steps. Supplies should be kept in reach, not far away, to prevent rubbing against things or dropping.

3. The nurse places a sterile package on a clean, dry surface and notices that the wrapper is intact but the expiration date has passed. What is the best nursing action?

   1. Replace it with a package that is intact and within the expiration date.
   2. Disinfect the outside of the package and continue.
   3. Use the package only if the top flap is pointed down.
   4. Open the package because the wrapper is intact.

   Answer: Replace it with a package that is intact and within the expiration date.

   The nurse must inspect sterile supplies to ensure they are both intact and within the expiration date. An intact wrapper alone is not enough if the package is expired.

4. A nurse needs to pour a sterile solution into a sterile bowl on the sterile field. Which technique should the nurse use?

   1. Hold a sealed, unexpired solution 6 in (15 cm) away and pour slowly from the side into the sterile bowl.
   2. Pour directly over the center of the sterile field to keep the stream controlled.
   3. Use the solution without checking whether it is sealed or unexpired.
   4. Pour quickly to reduce the time the solution container is open.

   Answer: Hold a sealed, unexpired solution 6 in (15 cm) away and pour slowly from the side into the sterile bowl.

   The correct technique is to verify the solution is sealed and unexpired, pour from 6 in (15 cm) away, and pour from the side rather than directly over the field. Pouring slowly helps prevent splashing, which could break sterility.

5. A nurse is sorting items after patient care. Which items are examples of semicritical or noncritical items that the section identifies as requiring disinfection rather than sterilization? Select all that apply.

   1. Blood pressure cuff
   2. Endoscope
   3. Chest tube
   4. Respiratory therapy equipment
   5. Bed linens
   6. Needle

   Answer: Blood pressure cuff, Endoscope, Respiratory therapy equipment, Bed linens

   Endoscopes and respiratory therapy equipment are listed as semicritical items, and blood pressure cuffs and bed linens are listed as noncritical items; these are disinfected. Needles and chest tubes are critical items and require sterilization.