AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

How should a sterile field be maintained during surgery?

1. By covering with a sterile sheet

2. By minimizing movement near the field

3. By using antiseptic agents

4. By ensuring all instruments are autoclaved

The correct answer is: By minimizing movement near the field

Maintaining a sterile field during surgery is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring patient safety. Minimizing movement near the sterile field is essential because excessive movement can dislodge sterile items or introduce airborne contaminants. When personnel are careful and limit their actions around the field, they help to maintain the integrity of the sterile environment, reducing the risk of microbes coming into contact with the surgical site. Covering the sterile field with a sterile sheet can help protect it from contaminants, but it does not address the issue of movement, which is a more significant concern during an active surgical procedure. While the use of antiseptic agents is important for cleaning the surgical area and preparing the patient, it does not directly maintain the sterility of the field itself. Additionally, ensuring that all instruments are autoclaved is a critical step in preparation, but once the instruments are introduced to the sterile field, maintaining sterility is primarily about movement and environmental control. Thus, minimizing movement near the sterile field is a vital practice for maintaining sterility during surgery.