AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

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Study for the AST Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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During surgery, what is the primary purpose of a sterile field?

To enhance visibility
To reduce the risk of infection
To contain instruments
To speed up the procedure

The correct answer is: To reduce the risk of infection

The primary purpose of a sterile field during surgery is to reduce the risk of infection. Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial in surgical settings to minimize the introduction of pathogens that can lead to surgical site infections. A sterile field is established using sterile drapes and instruments, ensuring that any contact with the surgical site is made only with equipment that has been properly sterilized. While factors such as visibility, organization of instruments, and efficiency during the procedure are important, they do not represent the primary aim of a sterile field. The foremost concern in any surgical procedure is patient safety and infection control, making the reduction of infection risk the central focus of maintaining a sterile field.