Question

During a surgical procedure a provider requests sterile solution from a medical assistant, which of the following actions should the assistant take?

1) Provide the required sterile solution immediately
2) Ask the provider for clarification on the type of sterile solution required
3) Consult the patient's medical records to determine the type of sterile solution required
4) Inform the provider that sterile solution is not available

Answer 1

A medical assistant must prepare the requested sterile solution by diluting a concentrated stock solution using aseptic technique in a sterile field and confirm solution specifics with the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a provider requests a sterile solution during a surgical procedure, the medical assistant should follow aseptic technique protocols to maintain sterility. The assistant must make the proper solution from an intravenous (IV) bag of sterile solution by using a syringe to draw up the required amount of a concentrated, sterile stock solution, such as potassium chloride (KCl), and inject it into the IV bag. It is crucial to dilute it to the appropriate concentration, which requires performing a dilution calculation.

Strict adherence to aseptic protocols is essential to preventing contamination of sterile surfaces and avoiding a patient’s risk for sepsis. This includes practicing techniques like holding bottles or tubes at an angle during transfer, passing the opening through a flame to discourage airborne contaminants, and using proper pipette methods with a pipump. Medical assistants should confirm with the provider on the specifics of the sterile solution required and ensure all actions are completed in a sterile field.