Consider the following statements regarding the principles of aseptic technique practiced in operating room : 1. All material that enters the sterile field must be sterile 2. The parts of gown worn by surgical team considered sterile are the front from chest to table level and sleeves up to 2 inches above elbow 3. A wide margin of safety is maintained between sterile and unsterile field 4. Tables are sterile at table top and up to 4 inches below it Which of the statement(s) given above is/are NOT correct?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Explanation

The statement that tables are sterile up to 4 inches below the tabletop is incorrect.
According to the principles of surgical asepsis, only the top surface of a draped table is considered sterile.
The sides and any part of the drape falling below the tabletop are considered contaminated and must not be touched by sterile personnel or instruments.

Option A: This option suggests only statement 2 is incorrect. However, statement 2 accurately describes the sterile areas of a surgical gown.
Option B: This option incorrectly identifies statements 2 and 3 as incorrect. Both are standard, correct principles of aseptic technique.
Option C: This option incorrectly identifies statements 1 and 3 as incorrect. Both are fundamental and correct principles of maintaining a sterile environment.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration showing the sterile and unsterile areas of a surgical gown. The front from chest to waist and sleeves from elbows to cuffs are highlighted as sterile, while the neckline, shoulders, and back are shown as unsterile.
Visual 2: Diagram - An image of a draped instrument table, clearly marking the top surface as 'Sterile' and the edges and sides below the tabletop as 'Unsterile'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Principles of surgical asepsis in the operating room as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Strict adherence to aseptic principles is the most critical factor in preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), a major cause of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs.
Nurses in the OR (scrub and circulating) are responsible for creating and maintaining the sterile field. Any breach, such as a non-sterile item touching the field or a sterile item dropping below waist level, must be immediately identified and corrected.
What if? - If a sterile instrument is accidentally dropped and touches the side of the draped table, it is considered contaminated. The scrub nurse must discard that instrument and obtain a new sterile one. It cannot be used on the patient.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and note the negative keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the false statement.
Evaluate each of the four numbered statements individually based on your knowledge of operating room procedures and aseptic technique.
Statement 1: Is it true that everything in a sterile field must be sterile? Yes, this is the basis of asepsis.
Statement 2: Recall the sterile areas of a gown. Is it the front (chest to table) and sleeves? Yes, this is correct.
Statement 3: Is a safety margin required? Yes, to prevent accidental contamination.
Statement 4: Think about a draped table. Is it sterile below the top surface? No, only the flat top is considered sterile.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.