2026/2027
ABSA Study Guide New 2026/2027
Version: In-Depth Examination
Review Book Covering Practice
Quizzes, Assessment Strategies, and
Comprehensive Study Content
Question 1:
Which of the following is not considered part of a sterile field during a surgical
procedure?
A. Sterile drapes covering the operative site
B. Sterile instruments placed on a sterile table
C. Gloves of a sterile person who has folded his or her arms
D. The top surface of a properly draped Mayo stand
Correct Answer: C. Gloves of a sterile person who has folded his or her arms
Rationale: Gloves are considered sterile only when they remain within the sterile field
and are visible. When a sterile person folds their arms, the gloves may come into
contact with nonsterile areas of the gown, compromising sterility. Sterile drapes,
instruments, and properly maintained sterile work surfaces remain part of the sterile
field when aseptic principles are followed.
Question 2:
The presence of only one living microorganism on an instrument or object indicates
that the item is:
A. Sterile
B. Disinfected
C. Decontaminated
D. Contaminated
Correct Answer: D. Contaminated
Rationale: Sterility means the complete absence of all living microorganisms,
including spores. The presence of even a single viable microorganism renders an
object contaminated. Disinfection and decontamination reduce microbial load but do
not guarantee sterility. Therefore, any microbial presence invalidates sterile status.
,2026/2027
Question 3:
Which statement regarding the use of surgical masks is FALSE?
A. Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth.
B. Masks should be changed when moist.
C. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
D. Masks help reduce the dissemination of respiratory droplets.
Correct Answer: C. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
Rationale: Surgical masks should be secured according to manufacturer
recommendations. Crisscrossing ties may compromise fit and effectiveness. Properly
worn masks reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and should fully cover the nose
and mouth. Moist masks lose filtering efficiency and should be replaced promptly.
Question 4:
When draping a sterile table, the scrub nurse should drape from:
A. Side to side, protecting gloves with towel clips
B. Back to front, exposing the hands
C. Front to back, protecting gloves by cuffing the drape edge
D. Center outward, allowing gloves to touch the table edge
Correct Answer: C. Front to back, protecting gloves by cuffing the drape edge
Rationale: Draping is performed from front to back to prevent contamination of sterile
attire. Cuffing the drape edge protects the scrub nurse's gloves from contacting
unsterile surfaces. Failure to follow proper draping technique increases the risk of
contamination and compromise of the sterile field.
Question 5:
The primary purpose of the surgical hand scrub performed by members of the surgical
team is to render the skin:
A. Free from all microorganisms permanently
B. Surgically clean
C. Sterile for 24 hours
D. Resistant to contamination
Correct Answer: B. Surgically clean
Rationale: Surgical hand antisepsis significantly reduces transient and resident
microorganisms but does not sterilize the skin. Human skin cannot be rendered
,2026/2027
permanently sterile. The goal is to achieve a surgically clean state that minimizes the
risk of introducing microorganisms into the operative field.
Question 6:
Which of the following items should NOT be considered sterile after steam
sterilization?
A. Stainless steel retractors
B. Suction tips attached to tubing
C. Wrapped surgical forceps
D. Metal basins properly processed
Correct Answer: B. Suction tips attached to tubing
Rationale: Complex assemblies such as suction tips attached to tubing may prevent
adequate steam penetration. Similarly, items bound with rubber bands or assembled in
ways that obstruct steam contact may not achieve sterility. Instruments that allow
unrestricted steam penetration are generally suitable for steam sterilization.
Question 7:
Because it offers the least risk of contamination, the preferred method of gloving
during gowning is:
A. Open gloving; it may always be used for glove replacement
B. Closed gloving; it cannot be used when replacing only one glove during surgery
C. Assisted gloving; it is used exclusively for glove replacement
D. Open gloving; it is preferred for all sterile procedures
Correct Answer: B. Closed gloving; it cannot be used when replacing only one
glove during surgery
Rationale: Closed gloving provides maximum protection because the hands remain
within the gown sleeves while gloves are donned. During surgery, when a single
glove becomes contaminated, the open-glove technique is generally used because the
gown sleeves are already exposed and closed gloving is no longer practical.
Question 8:
Which directive regarding loading a pressure steam sterilizer is INCORRECT?
A. Allow steam circulation around packages.
B. Place packs loosely to facilitate steam penetration.
C. Load liquids first to prevent spillage on packs.
D. Avoid overloading the chamber.
, 2026/2027
Correct Answer: C. Load liquids first to prevent spillage on packs.
Rationale: Sterilizer loading should prioritize proper steam circulation rather than spill
prevention. Loading liquids first is not a recommended principle and may interfere
with effective sterilization. Proper arrangement, spacing, and avoidance of
overcrowding are essential for successful sterilization.
Question 9:
Which method is considered the most reliable means of monitoring sterilizer
effectiveness?
A. Chemical indicator tape
B. Temperature records
C. Pressure gauge readings
D. Biological spore testing
Correct Answer: D. Biological spore testing
Rationale: Biological indicators containing resistant bacterial spores provide the most
accurate assessment of sterilization effectiveness. Mechanical monitors and chemical
indicators confirm exposure to sterilization conditions but cannot verify microbial
destruction. Spore testing remains the gold standard for sterilization monitoring.
Question 10:
If a surgical preparation site contains a colostomy or draining sinus that cannot be
isolated from the operative area, the site should be scrubbed:
A. First with reusable sponges
B. Simultaneously with the clean operative field
C. Last using sponges once and then discarding them
D. Only after draping is complete
Correct Answer: C. Last using sponges once and then discarding them
Rationale: Areas with high bacterial contamination are prepared last to prevent the
transfer of microorganisms to cleaner regions. Single-use sponges reduce the risk of
spreading contaminants. This technique follows the principle of moving from clean
areas toward contaminated areas during skin preparation.
Question 11:
At the end of each surgical case, operating room floors should be:
A. Swept dry and mopped weekly
B. Flooded with detergent-germicide and wet-vacuumed
ABSA Study Guide New 2026/2027
Version: In-Depth Examination
Review Book Covering Practice
Quizzes, Assessment Strategies, and
Comprehensive Study Content
Question 1:
Which of the following is not considered part of a sterile field during a surgical
procedure?
A. Sterile drapes covering the operative site
B. Sterile instruments placed on a sterile table
C. Gloves of a sterile person who has folded his or her arms
D. The top surface of a properly draped Mayo stand
Correct Answer: C. Gloves of a sterile person who has folded his or her arms
Rationale: Gloves are considered sterile only when they remain within the sterile field
and are visible. When a sterile person folds their arms, the gloves may come into
contact with nonsterile areas of the gown, compromising sterility. Sterile drapes,
instruments, and properly maintained sterile work surfaces remain part of the sterile
field when aseptic principles are followed.
Question 2:
The presence of only one living microorganism on an instrument or object indicates
that the item is:
A. Sterile
B. Disinfected
C. Decontaminated
D. Contaminated
Correct Answer: D. Contaminated
Rationale: Sterility means the complete absence of all living microorganisms,
including spores. The presence of even a single viable microorganism renders an
object contaminated. Disinfection and decontamination reduce microbial load but do
not guarantee sterility. Therefore, any microbial presence invalidates sterile status.
,2026/2027
Question 3:
Which statement regarding the use of surgical masks is FALSE?
A. Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth.
B. Masks should be changed when moist.
C. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
D. Masks help reduce the dissemination of respiratory droplets.
Correct Answer: C. Ties may be tied crisscross on top of the head.
Rationale: Surgical masks should be secured according to manufacturer
recommendations. Crisscrossing ties may compromise fit and effectiveness. Properly
worn masks reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and should fully cover the nose
and mouth. Moist masks lose filtering efficiency and should be replaced promptly.
Question 4:
When draping a sterile table, the scrub nurse should drape from:
A. Side to side, protecting gloves with towel clips
B. Back to front, exposing the hands
C. Front to back, protecting gloves by cuffing the drape edge
D. Center outward, allowing gloves to touch the table edge
Correct Answer: C. Front to back, protecting gloves by cuffing the drape edge
Rationale: Draping is performed from front to back to prevent contamination of sterile
attire. Cuffing the drape edge protects the scrub nurse's gloves from contacting
unsterile surfaces. Failure to follow proper draping technique increases the risk of
contamination and compromise of the sterile field.
Question 5:
The primary purpose of the surgical hand scrub performed by members of the surgical
team is to render the skin:
A. Free from all microorganisms permanently
B. Surgically clean
C. Sterile for 24 hours
D. Resistant to contamination
Correct Answer: B. Surgically clean
Rationale: Surgical hand antisepsis significantly reduces transient and resident
microorganisms but does not sterilize the skin. Human skin cannot be rendered
,2026/2027
permanently sterile. The goal is to achieve a surgically clean state that minimizes the
risk of introducing microorganisms into the operative field.
Question 6:
Which of the following items should NOT be considered sterile after steam
sterilization?
A. Stainless steel retractors
B. Suction tips attached to tubing
C. Wrapped surgical forceps
D. Metal basins properly processed
Correct Answer: B. Suction tips attached to tubing
Rationale: Complex assemblies such as suction tips attached to tubing may prevent
adequate steam penetration. Similarly, items bound with rubber bands or assembled in
ways that obstruct steam contact may not achieve sterility. Instruments that allow
unrestricted steam penetration are generally suitable for steam sterilization.
Question 7:
Because it offers the least risk of contamination, the preferred method of gloving
during gowning is:
A. Open gloving; it may always be used for glove replacement
B. Closed gloving; it cannot be used when replacing only one glove during surgery
C. Assisted gloving; it is used exclusively for glove replacement
D. Open gloving; it is preferred for all sterile procedures
Correct Answer: B. Closed gloving; it cannot be used when replacing only one
glove during surgery
Rationale: Closed gloving provides maximum protection because the hands remain
within the gown sleeves while gloves are donned. During surgery, when a single
glove becomes contaminated, the open-glove technique is generally used because the
gown sleeves are already exposed and closed gloving is no longer practical.
Question 8:
Which directive regarding loading a pressure steam sterilizer is INCORRECT?
A. Allow steam circulation around packages.
B. Place packs loosely to facilitate steam penetration.
C. Load liquids first to prevent spillage on packs.
D. Avoid overloading the chamber.
, 2026/2027
Correct Answer: C. Load liquids first to prevent spillage on packs.
Rationale: Sterilizer loading should prioritize proper steam circulation rather than spill
prevention. Loading liquids first is not a recommended principle and may interfere
with effective sterilization. Proper arrangement, spacing, and avoidance of
overcrowding are essential for successful sterilization.
Question 9:
Which method is considered the most reliable means of monitoring sterilizer
effectiveness?
A. Chemical indicator tape
B. Temperature records
C. Pressure gauge readings
D. Biological spore testing
Correct Answer: D. Biological spore testing
Rationale: Biological indicators containing resistant bacterial spores provide the most
accurate assessment of sterilization effectiveness. Mechanical monitors and chemical
indicators confirm exposure to sterilization conditions but cannot verify microbial
destruction. Spore testing remains the gold standard for sterilization monitoring.
Question 10:
If a surgical preparation site contains a colostomy or draining sinus that cannot be
isolated from the operative area, the site should be scrubbed:
A. First with reusable sponges
B. Simultaneously with the clean operative field
C. Last using sponges once and then discarding them
D. Only after draping is complete
Correct Answer: C. Last using sponges once and then discarding them
Rationale: Areas with high bacterial contamination are prepared last to prevent the
transfer of microorganisms to cleaner regions. Single-use sponges reduce the risk of
spreading contaminants. This technique follows the principle of moving from clean
areas toward contaminated areas during skin preparation.
Question 11:
At the end of each surgical case, operating room floors should be:
A. Swept dry and mopped weekly
B. Flooded with detergent-germicide and wet-vacuumed
