Final answer:
The goal of b) sterilization of skin is not a standard objective of surgical prep because it is not possible to achieve complete sterilization of the skin. Surgical prep aims to significantly reduce microbial load and prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The objective of surgical prep that does not align with the standard goals is b) sterilization of skin. Sterilization refers to the process of completely removing or killing all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and spores. However, it is not feasible to achieve complete sterilization of the skin due to the presence and rapid regrowth of skin microflora. On the other hand, the other objectives listed, such as removal of dirt, skin oil, and microbes from the skin (a), reduction of bacterial count (c), and prevention of regrowth of microbes for several hours (d), are attainable and accurate descriptions of surgical preparation practices.
Surgical scrubbing involves reducing the microbial load on the skin's surface to prevent introduction of these microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. It is important to note that while the prep does significantly decrease the number of microorganisms, aseptic technique must be maintained throughout the procedure to avoid contamination and infection, like sepsis. The purpose here is to reduce the risk of postoperative infections, not to achieve a truly sterile skin surface, which is not possible.