Free Sterile Field & Draping Practice Questions

1. When draping the patient for a laparotomy, sterile drapes should be placed:

• From the non-sterile area toward the sterile area (far to near)
• From the operative site outward (near to far), with the first drape placed closest to the incision site
• All four drapes placed simultaneously by different team members
• Starting with the drape farthest from the surgical team

2. During a total joint replacement, the circulating nurse opens a sterile implant tray to the field. The surgical technologist notices the internal chemical indicator strip has not changed color. What does this indicate and what should be done?

• The indicator confirms sterility; proceed with using the implant
• The sterilization conditions may not have been met; do NOT use the implant and notify the circulating nurse to obtain a replacement
• The indicator is only for external use and has no bearing on the contents' sterility
• Re-sterilize the implant tray using immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS) and proceed

3. When donning a sterile gown, which area of the gown is considered sterile?

• The entire gown from neckline to hem
• The front of the gown from chest to waist level, and the sleeves from the cuff to 2 inches above the elbow
• Only the sleeves and gloved hands
• The front and back of the gown from shoulder to waist

4. A non-scrubbed team member needs to deliver a sterile item to the back table. Which method is CORRECT?

• Hand the item directly to the surgical technologist
• Open the outer wrapper using sterile technique and present the contents or flip/drop them onto the sterile field without reaching over it
• Place the wrapped item on the back table for the ST to unwrap later
• Toss the item onto the sterile field from a distance of 3 feet

5. During a long surgical procedure, the surgical technologist notices a small hole in the fingertip of their right glove. No one else on the team has noticed. What is the MOST appropriate action?

• Cover the hole with a sterile adhesive bandage and continue
• Immediately step back from the sterile field, inform the team, and have the circulator assist with regloving using an open or assisted gloving technique
• Wait until the next convenient break in the procedure to change gloves
• Place a second glove (double glove) over the compromised glove without informing anyone