Question

A nurse is setting up and assisting in a sterile surgical procedure. According to the principles of surgical asepsis, which of the following statements made by the nurse demonstrates understanding?

A. The surgeon holds a surgical instrument out of view of the surgical field and below waist level, but does not touch anyone or anything. This instrument is still considered sterile and may be used.
B. The skin must be sterile prior to the start of the procedure.
C. The edges of a sterile field are also considered to be sterile.
D. The tray is considered to be unsterile if a blood-soaked gauze from the patient is placed back onto the tray.

Answer 1

According to the principles of surgical asepsis, the nurse should understand the importance of sterile skin, sterile edges of a field, and avoiding contamination on the tray.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the principles of surgical asepsis, the nurse should understand the following:

• The skin must be sterile prior to the start of the procedure.
• The edges of a sterile field are also considered to be sterile.
• The tray is considered to be unsterile if a blood-soaked gauze from the patient is placed back onto the tray.

These principles help in maintaining a sterile surgical field and reducing the risk of contamination and sepsis.