Chapter 10: Sterile Technique

Perry et al.: Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques, 9th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. When the following concepts are compared, which is most important in maintaining a safe
environment by following aseptic principles?
a. Performing a surgical hand scrub
b. Applying a sterile gown
c. Recognizing the importance of following aseptic principles
d. Applying a mask and protective eyewear
ANS: C
A nurse in an operating room follows a series of steps toward sterile technique, such as
applying a mask, protective eyewear, and a cap; performing a surgical hand scrub; and
applying a sterile gown and sterile gloves. In contrast, a nurse who is performing a sterile
dressing change at a patient’s bedside or in the home setting may only wash the hands and
apply sterile gloves. Regardless of the procedures followed or the setting, the nurse needs to
recognize the importance of following strict aseptic principles.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 257

OBJ: Identify principles of surgical asepsis. TOP: Aseptic Principles
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

2. The nurse is applying for a job at a local hospital. She wants to look her best for the
interview and decides to wear artificial nails. She does this knowing that artificial nails:
a. are appropriate in the ICU setting as long as the nurse washes her hands frequently.
b. can lead to fungal growth under the nail.
c. can actually lower the bacterial count on the hands because they cover the natural
nail.
d. are banned only in areas where patients are critically ill.
ANS: B
Numerous reports identify that fungal growth frequently occurs under artificial nails as a
result of moisture becoming trapped between the natural nail and the artificial nail. Because
of the risks for infection posed by artificial nail use, health care workers who have direct
contact with patients at high risk (e.g., those in intensive care units or operating rooms)
should not wear artificial nails. Health care workers who wear artificial nails or nail
extenders are more likely to harbor gram-negative pathogens on their fingertips, both before
and after handwashing. Many health care institutions have chosen to ban artificial nails and
extenders in all clinical areas, with the rationale that all patients are at risk for infection.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 257

OBJ: Identify principles of surgical asepsis. TOP: Artificial Nails
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

3. When removing the mask after an aseptic procedure, what should the nurse do first?
a. Remove gloves.
b. Untie top strings of mask.
 c. Untie bottom strings of mask.
d. Untie top strings and let mask hang.
ANS: A
Remove gloves first, if worn. This prevents contamination of hair, neck, and facial area by
contaminants on gloves. Untie the top strings of the mask after untying the bottom strings.
This prevents the top part of the mask from falling down over the clothing. If the mask falls
and touches the clothing, it will be contaminated.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 259

OBJ: Apply and remove a cap, mask, and eyewear correctly.
TOP: Removing the Mask KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

4. An appropriate principle of surgical asepsis is that:

a. the entirety of a sterile package is sterile once it is opened.
b. all of the draped table, top to bottom, is considered sterile.
c. an object held below the waist is considered contaminated.
d. if the sterile barrier field becomes wet, the dry areas are still sterile.
ANS: C
A sterile object or field out of the range of vision or an object held below a person’s waist is
contaminated. Once a sterile package is opened, a 2.5-cm (1-inch) border around the edges
is considered unsterile. Tables draped as part of a sterile field are considered sterile only at
table level. A sterile barrier that has been permeated by punctures, tears, or moisture must be
considered contaminated.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 262

OBJ: Perform the following skills: applying sterile gloves using open glove method,
preparing a sterile field, applying a sterile drape correctly. TOP: Sterile Field
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

5. A patient requires a sterile dressing change for a mid-abdominal surgical incision. An

appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement in maintaining sterile asepsis is to:
a. put sterile gloves on before opening sterile packages.
b. discard items that may have been in contact with the area below waist level.
c. place the povidone-iodine bottle well within the sterile field.
d. place sterile items on the very edge of the sterile drape.
ANS: B
A sterile object held below a person’s waist is considered contaminated. To maintain sterile
asepsis, discard items that may have been in contact with the area below waist level. Sterile
gloves are not put on before opening sterile packages, because the outside of the package is
not sterile. The nurse uses hand hygiene and opens sterile packages while being careful to
keep the inner contents sterile. Povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine are not considered sterile
solutions and require separate work surfaces for prepping. The edges of a sterile field are
considered to be contaminated. Sterile items should be placed in the middle of the sterile
field to maintain sterile asepsis.
 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 262
OBJ: Perform the following skills: applying sterile gloves using open glove method,
preparing a sterile field, applying a sterile drape correctly. TOP: Sterile Field
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

6. Which patient may the nurse suspect will be at risk for a latex allergy?
a. Patient with food allergies
b. Patient with diabetes
c. Patient with arthritis
d. Patient with hypertension
ANS: A
Individuals at risk for latex allergy include those with a history of food allergies. Patients
with diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension are not at increased risk for latex allergies.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 266

OBJ: Identify individuals at risk for latex allergy. TOP: Latex Allergy
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

7. Which of the following is an appropriate technique for the nurse to use when performing
sterile gloving?
a. Put the glove on the nondominant hand first.
b. Interlock the hands after both gloves are applied.
c. Pull the cuffs down on both gloves after gloving.
d. Grasp the outside cuff of the other glove with the gloved hand.
ANS: B
After the second glove is on, interlock the hands above waist level. Be sure to touch only
sterile sides. Gloving of the dominant hand first improves dexterity. The cuffs usually fall
down after application. With a gloved dominant hand, slip fingers underneath the second
glove’s cuff. The cuff protects gloved fingers. Sterile touching sterile prevents glove
contamination.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 269

OBJ: Perform the following skills: applying sterile gloves using open glove method,
preparing a sterile field, applying a sterile drape correctly.
TOP: Applying Sterile Gloves KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

8. The nurse is preparing to insert a urinary catheter. The package is dry but shows signs of
yellowing inside the plastic wrapper, as if the package was wet at one time. What should the
nurse do?
a. Use the package because it is dry at present.
b. Consider the outer package contaminated, but the inner package sterile.
c. Discard the entire package as contaminated.
d. Open the package and consider the 1-inch border as contaminated.
ANS: C
 A sterile barrier that has been permeated by punctures, tears, or moisture must be considered
contaminated. If there is any question or doubt of an item’s sterility, the item is considered
to be unsterile. Once a sterile package has been opened, a 2.5-cm (1-inch) border around the
edges is considered unsterile.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 257

OBJ: Explain the importance of organization and caution when using surgical aseptic
techniques. TOP: Principles of Surgical Asepsis
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

9. A type I hypersensitivity to latex is evident if the nurse assesses:

a. localized swelling.
b. skin redness and itching.
c. runny eyes and nose and cough.
d. tachycardia, hypotension, and wheezing.
ANS: D
Type I allergic reaction is a true latex allergy that can be life threatening. Reactions vary on
the basis of the type of latex protein and the degree of individual sensitivity, including local
and systemic. Symptoms include hives, generalized edema, itching, rash, wheezing,
bronchospasm, difficulty breathing, laryngeal edema, diarrhea, nausea, hypotension,
tachycardia, and respiratory or cardiac arrest. Type IV hypersensitivity is a cell-mediated
allergic reaction to chemicals used in latex processing. Reaction, including redness, itching,
and hives, can be delayed up to 48 hours. Localized swelling, red and itchy or runny eyes
and nose, and coughing may develop. Irritant dermatitis is a nonallergic response
characterized by skin redness and itching.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Text reference: p. 266

OBJ: Identify individuals at risk for latex allergy.
TOP: Levels of Latex Reactions KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

10. A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a dressing change using surgical aseptic technique.
The nurse gathers supplies to prepare the sterile field using a packaged drape. Which option
correctly describes how the nurse should set up the field?
a. Don sterile gloves before opening the packaged drape.
b. Clean the bottle of irrigation solution with alcohol before placing the bottle on the
field.
c. Avoid dropping sterile supplies close to the 1-inch border around the drape.
d. Leave the sterile field unattended to obtain needed supplies.
ANS: C
The exterior border of the sterile drape is presumed contaminated, so all supplies must be
kept within the sterile portion. Dropping supplies too close to the 1-inch border risks having
them bounce off the sterile area. Nonsterile supplies are never to be placed on the sterile
field. The sterile field is never to be out of the nurse’s line of sight. Sterile gloves will not be
applied until the sterile field is set up, and items needed to deliver care are ready for use.
Applying them earlier in the process risks having them become contaminated.
 DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 264
OBJ: Prepare a sterile field and use a sterile drape correctly.
TOP: Using Surgical Asepsis KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

1. Nurses commonly use surgical asepsis in which of the following situations? (Select all that
apply.)
a. In labor and delivery areas
b. When inserting an intravenous catheter
c. When treating patients with surgical incisions or burns
d. When inserting a urinary catheter
e. When dressing an MRSA-positive wound
ANS: A, B, C, D
Although nurses commonly practice surgical asepsis in operating rooms, labor and delivery
areas, and major diagnostic or special procedure areas, they use surgical aseptic techniques
at the patient’s bedside in three primary situations: (1) during procedures that require
intentional perforation of a patient’s skin (e.g., insertion of intravenous [IV] catheters), (2)
when the skin’s integrity is broken as the result of a surgical incision or burns, and (3)
during procedures that involve insertion of devices or surgical instruments into normally
sterile body cavities (e.g., insertion of a urinary catheter). Dressing an MRSA-positive
wound is not one of the three primary situations that impact skin integrity.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 257

OBJ: Discuss settings in which you will use surgical aseptic techniques.
TOP: Surgical Asepsis KEY: Nursing Process Step: Intervention
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

2. The patient has just had a tracheostomy tube placed and is expectorating copious amounts of
sputum that he coughs forcefully from his tracheostomy tube. The patient also is suspected
of having methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in his sputum. The nurse is
preparing to suction the patient to clear his airway. Which of the following will the nurse
need to wear if following standard precautions? (Select all that apply.)
a. Mask
b. Goggles
c. Gown
d. Sterile gloves
ANS: A, B, C, D
Standard precautions are used for potential contact with blood and all body fluids. The use
of standard precautions calls for the wearing of masks in combination with eye protection
devices such as goggles or glasses with solid side shields whenever splashes, spray, splatter,
or droplets of blood or other potentially infectious fluids may occur. These barriers keep the
eyes, nose, and mouth free from exposure. Similarly, you wear gowns when there is risk of
being splattered with blood or other infectious materials. All health care institutions need to
provide to all employees at risk for exposure personal protective equipment and instructions
for its use.
 DIF: Cognitive Level: Synthesis REF: Text reference: p. 257
OBJ: Identify principles of surgical asepsis.
TOP: Standard Precautions KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

3. A sterile field consists of which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. Sterile tray
b. Work surface draped with a sterile towel
c. Table covered by a large sterile drape
d. Patient’s bedside table
ANS: A, B, C
A sterile field may consist of a sterile kit or tray, a work surface draped with a sterile towel
or wrapper, or a table covered with a large sterile drape. A patient’s bedside table is not
sterile but can be a work surface where a sterile field can be applied.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 261

OBJ: Perform the following skills: applying sterile gloves using open glove method,
preparing a sterile field, applying a sterile drape correctly. TOP: Sterile Field
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

COMPLETION

1. _____________ is one practice designed to make and maintain objects and areas free from
pathogenic microorganisms.

ANS:
Surgical asepsis

Surgical asepsis or aseptic techniques and practices are designed to make and maintain
objects and areas free from pathogenic microorganisms.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Text reference: p. 257

OBJ: Describe conditions when you use surgical asepsis. TOP: Surgical Asepsis
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Intervention MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

2. The minimum standard for infection control as established by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) is _______________.

ANS:
standard precautions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established standard precautions as the
minimum standard for infection control. Standard precautions are used for potential contact
with blood and all body fluids.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Text reference: p. 257

 OBJ: Discuss settings in which you will use surgical aseptic techniques.
TOP: Standard Precautions KEY: Nursing Process Step: Intervention
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

3. When performing sterile aseptic procedures, the nurse must create a _____________ in
which objects can be handled with minimal risk for contamination.

ANS:
sterile field

When performing sterile aseptic procedures, the nurse must have a work area in which
objects can be handled with minimal risk for contamination. A sterile field serves such a
purpose.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 261

OBJ: Perform the following skills: applying sterile gloves using open glove method,
preparing a sterile field, applying a sterile drape correctly. TOP: Sterile Field
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

OTHER

1. Which is the appropriate sequence to use when applying sterile attire?

a. Apply sterile gloves.
b. Secure hair.
c. Don protective eyewear.
d. Apply hair cover.
e. Wash hands.
f. Apply mask.

ANS:
E, B, D, F, C, A

The correct sequence is wash hands, secure hair, apply hair cover, apply mask, don
protective eyewear, and apply sterile gloves.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Text reference: p. 259

OBJ: Don sterile attire. TOP: Sterile Attire
KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity