Fundamentals of Nursing Q 435
A newly hired at Nurseslabs Medical Center is assigned to the OR Department. Which action demonstrates a break in sterile technique?
A. Remaining 1 foot away from non sterile areas.
B. Placing sterile items on the sterile field.
C. Avoiding the border of the sterile drape.
D. Reaching 1 foot over the sterile field.
Correct Answer: D. Reaching 1 foot over the sterile field.
Reaching over the sterile field while wearing sterile garb breaks the sterile technique. While observing sterile technique, healthcare workers should remain 1 foot away from non-sterile areas while wearing sterile garb, place sterile items needed for the procedure on the sterile drape, and avoid coming in contact with the 1-inch border of the sterile drape. The principles of the Sterile Technique are applied in various ways. If the principle itself is understood, the applications of it become obvious. A strict aseptic technique is needed at all times in the Operating Room.
Option A: Sterile persons avoid leaning over an unsterile area; non-sterile persons avoid reaching over a sterile field. Unsterile persons do not get closer than 12 inches from a sterile field.
Option B: Persons who are sterile touch only sterile articles; persons who are not sterile touch only unsterile articles. If in doubt about the sterility of anything consider it not sterile. If a non-sterile person brushes close consider yourself contaminated.
Option C: Sterile persons keep contact with sterile areas to a minimum. Do not lean on the sterile tables or on the draped patient. Do not lean on the nurse’s mayo tray.