Question 1

The recommended temperature for sterilization in an autoclave is

Accepted Answer

The recommended temperature for sterilization in an autoclave is 121° to 123° C. This temperature is high enough to kill all microorganisms, including spores.

Question 2

The invasion of body tissue by pathogens,which proliferate and damage tissues is _______________________.

Accepted Answer

The definition given perfectly fits the concept of infection. Contamination refers to the presence of harmful substances on a surface or in an environment. Spores refer to reproductive structures of some organisms. Germicides are substances that kill germs, but do not necessarily relate to the invasion of body tissues by pathogens.

Question 3

Under which of the following post-operative conditions should a patient call the office immediately?

Accepted Answer

All of these post-operative conditions are potential signs of complications and should be reported to the physician or surgeon immediately for evaluation and potential treatment. Redness around the operative site could indicate infection, bleeding could indicate an issue with wound healing or the need for stitches, fever or swelling could indicate infection or inflammation, and increasing or severe pain could indicate a problem such as nerve damage or surgical error. It is always better to err on the side of caution and report any issues promptly to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Question 4

In which phase of wound healing is fibrin most involved?

Accepted Answer

Fibrin is most involved in the first phase of wound healing, also known as the hemostatic phase. Fibrin forms a clot or scab to prevent further bleeding and to provide a scaffold for the migration of cells involved in the subsequent phases of healing.

Question 5

____________ is the complete destruction of organisms on instruments or equipment that will enter the patient's body.This technique is mandatory for any procedure that invades the body's skin or tissues,such as surgery.

Accepted Answer

Surgical asepsis must be used when any body tissue is entered.

Question 6

Reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level is called

Accepted Answer

Sanitization is the process of cleaning an item so that the number of pathogens is reduced.

Question 7

Which of the following is (are)true about the autoclave process?

Accepted Answer

All of these statements are true about the autoclave process. Steam under pressure is used to simultaneously heat and wet the objects being sterilized, which ultimately destroys microorganisms once the cycle is complete and the chamber has cooled.

Question 8

Which of the following passes through to a body organ or cavity?

Accepted Answer

A perforated wound is a penetrating wound that passes through to a body organ or cavity, such as a gunshot wound. An incised wound has a clean edge and is made with a cutting instrument. An incised wound may be the result of surgery, an accident, or a knife wound. A lacerated wound has torn or mangled tissues and is made by a dull or blunt instrument. A penetrating or puncture wound is caused by a sharp, slender object, such as a needle or ice pick, and passes through the skin into the underlying tissues.

Question 9

What is the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization is the complete destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial endospores. Disinfection, germicide, and sanitization all refer to reducing the number of microorganisms to a level that is considered safe and free of harmful pathogens, but they do not necessarily result in the complete destruction of all microbial life.

Question 10

Which of the following instruments would be damaged by the high temperature and steam under pressure of autoclaves and must be disinfected after each procedure?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopes used in endoscopy are the only instrument mentioned that would be damaged by the high temperature and steam under pressure of autoclaves. They must be disinfected after each procedure to prevent the spread of infection.

Question 11

Venipunctures or injections must be practiced using which of the following protocols?

Accepted Answer

Anytime the skin or a mucous membrane is punctured or pierced, as in venipunctures or injections, surgical aseptic techniques must be practiced. Urinary catheterizations, biopsies, and dressing changes on open wounds are performed using sterile technique.

Question 12

The provider must have the patient's written informed consent before beginning any surgical procedure.This legal requirement is met simply by having the patient sign an operative permit.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true, as obtaining written informed consent from the patient for any surgical procedure is indeed a legal requirement. However, the second statement is false, as an operative permit is not the same as informed consent. While an operative permit may include information about the surgical procedure, it does not necessarily ensure that the patient has been fully informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure, and that they have voluntarily agreed to undergo the procedure. Informed consent typically involves a detailed discussion between the provider and patient about the proposed procedure, including potential risks, benefits, and alternatives, as well as the patient's preferences and concerns. Additionally, informed consent requires that the patient has capacity to make healthcare decisions, and that their decision to undergo the procedure is voluntary and not coerced. A signed informed consent document is typically part of the medical record for the procedure, but it is not the same as an operative permit.

Question 13

Which statement is not true about informed consent for surgery?

Accepted Answer

The medical assistant may assist in the process of obtaining informed consent, but it is typically the responsibility of the physician or surgeon to obtain the consent directly from the patient.

D is also not true, as a patient can still give informed consent after receiving preoperative medication, as long as they are still able to understand the information provided and make a decision.

Question 14

Which of the following bandage materials is superior for covering round narrow surfaces such as fingers or toes?

Accepted Answer

Seamless tubular gauze bandage is the best choice for covering round narrow surfaces such as fingers or toes because they conform to the shape of the body part and provide a protective covering without slipping or bunching up. Plain roller gauze, wrinkled crepe-type roller bandage, and elastic bandage are not as effective for this purpose.

Question 15

Which of the following aseptic procedures is performed on blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes after each use?

Accepted Answer

Disinfection is the appropriate aseptic procedure to be performed on blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes after each use. Sanitization may not be enough to eliminate all microorganisms. Sterilization is not necessary for these items between each use in a healthcare setting.

Question 16

The LEEP excisional procedure is considered which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The LEEP excisional procedure uses electrosurgery to remove abnormal cervical tissue.

Question 17

Which of the following may cause incomplete autoclave sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Wet steam and residual air are both factors that can contribute to incomplete sterilization in an autoclave. Fast exhaust is not a factor that directly affects sterilization efficacy.

Question 18

Which of the following endoscopes is rigid?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopes may be rigid (e.g., laparoscope or hysteroscope), semirigid, or flexible (colonoscopes, bronchoscopes, gastroscopes). All are delicate and expensive and require extreme care in handling to protect them from damage.

Question 19

__________ is the destruction of microbes after they leave the body.

Accepted Answer

The answer of __________ is the destruction of microbes after...

Question 20

Which of the following methods is the most current absolute indication that the proper sterilization time,temperature,and steam have been maintained?

Accepted Answer

Rapid-readout biological indicators are the most current absolute indication that the proper sterilization time, temperature, and steam have been maintained. This is because they contain spores that are extremely resistant to sterilization and are monitored using advanced technology that can quickly detect their presence or absence after a sterilization cycle. Autoclave tape and spore strip indicators are useful indicators of sterilization, but they do not provide as reliable or immediate results as rapid-readout biological indicators.

Quiz 33: Surgical Asepsis and Assisting With Surgical Procedures