Chapter 14 Aseptic Technique in Imaging

Question 1

Differentiate between medical and surgical asepsis.

Answer 1

• Medical asepsis is defined as any practice that helps reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.
• Surgical asepsis is defined as the complete removal of microorganisms and their spores from the surface of an object

Question 2

Surgical asepsis

Answer 2

• Administering an intra-venous contrast agent
• Reapplying a dressing
• Catheterization of the urinary bladder

Question 3

Medical asepsis

Answer 3

• Measuring vital signs

- Taking a flat plate image of the abdomen

Question 4

When entering a surgical suite and preparing to enter Zone 2, the radiographer must:

Answer 4

Change into a scrub suit, don shoe covers, and cover his/her hair

Question 5

List the three most common causes of contamination of a surgical site.

Answer 5

1. Microorganism blown into the surgical site
2. Use of contaminated instruments or gloves
3. A wet or damp sterile field

Question 6

Maintenance of the sterile field is the duty of only the circulating nurse.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

Disinfectants are categorized depending on their ability to disinfect. Alcohol is considered an inter-mediate-level disinfectant. This means that it:

Answer 7

May be used to disinfect thermometers and medication vials

Question 8

If there is a question about the sterility of an item, the radiographer must:

Answer 8

Consider it unsterile and replace it

Question 9

When opening a sterile wrapper, the fold closest to the radiographer is opened first.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

The purpose of the surgical scrub is:

Answer 10

To remove as many microbes as possible from the skin

Question 11

List three responsibilities of the radiographer in the operating room or special procedures room.

Answer 11

1. protecting himself and all persons in the OR and special procedure areasfrom radiation.
2. knowledge-able concerning the areas that are sterile.
3. He must pro-tect sterile areas and the patient from contamination.

Question 12

When preparing to enter the OR, the radiographer must don a lead apron. He may wear his radiation protection badge:

Answer 12

Outside the lead apron

Question 13

Any dressing removed in the imaging department must be considered:

Answer 13

Contaminated

Question 14

When sterile drapes are placed by the sterile person. The drape is placed:

Answer 14

In the area nearest the sterile person first

Question 15

If the radiographer is allergic to latex, he must:

Answer 15

Request gloves that are not of latex material

Question 16

Sterile technique must be used during a dressing change only if the dressing is not contaminated

Answer 16

False