How can you tell if a surgical pack has been sterilized?

A. The peel pack will be sealed all the way around.
B. The sterilizer's initials will be written on the pack.
C. The indicator tape hash marks will appear black.
D. The indicator tape hash marks will disappear.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sterilization is confirmed by the chemical indicator tape, which changes color (e.g., hash marks turn black) after exposure to the sterilization process, indicating the pack has been properly sterilized.

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You are assigned to observe in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. What will you do before leaving the unit to go to lunch?

A. Change from hospital scrubs back into street clothes.
B. Cover your scrubs with a laboratory coat or cloth isolation gown.
C. Wear shoe covers over your shoes and a patient gown over your scrubs.
D. No special precautions are needed when you leave the unit for lunch.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Covering scrubs with a laboratory coat or isolation gown prevents contamination of the sterile environment when returning to the cardiac catheterization laboratory after leaving for lunch.

Which are restricted areas in the hospital to help maintain surgical asepsis?

A. Burn units
B. Pediatric units
C. Heart catheterization laboratories
D. Surgical suites
E. Delivery rooms
F. Cardiac care units

Correct Answer: C,D,E

Rationale: Restricted areas like heart catheterization laboratories, surgical suites, and delivery rooms require strict surgical asepsis to minimize infection risk due to invasive procedures performed there.

Caring for a patient with severe burns should use which technique?

A. Sterile
B. Clean

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Caring for severe burns requires sterile technique to prevent infection in exposed tissues that lack normal skin barriers.

You obtain a package of commercially prepared sterile gauze. To ensure it is sterile prior to opening it, you will

A. Check the hash marks on the tape to see the color.
B. Check the stamped expiration date on the package.
C. Examine the package for any open or unsealed areas.
D. Look for the date and initials of the person who sterilized the package.

Correct Answer: B,C

Rationale: To ensure sterility, check the expiration date to confirm the gauze is still valid and examine the package for any tears or unsealed areas that could compromise sterility. Hash marks and initials are not typically used for commercially prepared gauze.

You have put on sterile gloves and want to dispose of the wrapper before you proceed. How will you do this?

A. Wad up the wrapper into a small ball and toss it toward the trash can without bending over.
B. Carefully pick up the wrapper in the middle and bend at the waist to ensure that it drops into the trash can.
C. Use your elbow to nudge the wrapper off of the surface and onto the floor; then you can pick it up later.
D. Grasp the wrapper in the middle, far away from the unsterile outer margin, and drop it from waist height into the trash can.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: To maintain sterility, grasp the wrapper in the middle with sterile gloves, away from the unsterile outer margin, and drop it into the trash can from waist height to avoid contaminating the sterile field or gloves.