,NUR 170 Exam 1 | Concepts of Medical-
Surgical Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Which term describes the complete elimination of all microorganisms,
including spores, from an object?
A) Surgical asepsis
B) Medical asepsis
C) Disinfection
D) Standard precautions
Correct Answer: Surgical asepsis
Rationale: Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) destroys all microorganisms and
spores. Medical asepsis reduces organisms. Disinfection kills most pathogens
but not spores. Standard precautions apply to all patients.
2. When preparing a sterile field, the nurse must keep the field at or above
which level?
A) Knee level
B) Waist level
C) Chest level
D) Eye level
Correct Answer: Waist level
,Rationale: A sterile field is maintained at or above waist level because areas
below the waist are considered contaminated. This principle prevents accidental
contact with non‑sterile surfaces.
3. The nurse is pouring sterile solution into a container on a sterile field. The
bottle should be held no more than which height above the container?
A) 2‑3 inches
B) 4‑6 inches
C) 8‑10 inches
D) 12‑14 inches
Correct Answer: 4‑6 inches (10‑15 cm)
Rationale: Pouring from 4‑6 inches prevents splashing that could contaminate
the field. Holding the bottle higher increases splash risk; holding it lower risks
touching the sterile container.
4. According to the principles of sterile technique, which action contaminates a
sterile field?
A) Opening sterile packages away from the body
B) Preparing the field immediately before use
C) Turning away from the sterile field
D) Keeping sterile items in direct line of sight
Correct Answer: Turning away from the sterile field
, Rationale: Turning away from the field breaks sterility because the nurse can no
longer guarantee the field remained unexposed. The other actions maintain
sterility.
5. Which client is at greatest risk for developing a healthcare‑associated
infection (HAI)?
A) An older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter
B) An adolescent with a fractured tibia
C) A middle‑aged adult after an appendectomy
D) A school‑age child receiving oral antibiotics
Correct Answer: An older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter
Rationale: Invasive devices like urinary catheters bypass natural defenses, and
advanced age reduces immune function. Together they create the highest risk
for HAIs.
6. The nurse is assessing a postoperative client in acute pain. Which
physiological response is expected?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Increased heart rate and blood pressure
C) Bradycardia and hypotension
D) Hyperthermia and diaphoresis
Correct Answer: Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Surgical Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. Which term describes the complete elimination of all microorganisms,
including spores, from an object?
A) Surgical asepsis
B) Medical asepsis
C) Disinfection
D) Standard precautions
Correct Answer: Surgical asepsis
Rationale: Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) destroys all microorganisms and
spores. Medical asepsis reduces organisms. Disinfection kills most pathogens
but not spores. Standard precautions apply to all patients.
2. When preparing a sterile field, the nurse must keep the field at or above
which level?
A) Knee level
B) Waist level
C) Chest level
D) Eye level
Correct Answer: Waist level
,Rationale: A sterile field is maintained at or above waist level because areas
below the waist are considered contaminated. This principle prevents accidental
contact with non‑sterile surfaces.
3. The nurse is pouring sterile solution into a container on a sterile field. The
bottle should be held no more than which height above the container?
A) 2‑3 inches
B) 4‑6 inches
C) 8‑10 inches
D) 12‑14 inches
Correct Answer: 4‑6 inches (10‑15 cm)
Rationale: Pouring from 4‑6 inches prevents splashing that could contaminate
the field. Holding the bottle higher increases splash risk; holding it lower risks
touching the sterile container.
4. According to the principles of sterile technique, which action contaminates a
sterile field?
A) Opening sterile packages away from the body
B) Preparing the field immediately before use
C) Turning away from the sterile field
D) Keeping sterile items in direct line of sight
Correct Answer: Turning away from the sterile field
, Rationale: Turning away from the field breaks sterility because the nurse can no
longer guarantee the field remained unexposed. The other actions maintain
sterility.
5. Which client is at greatest risk for developing a healthcare‑associated
infection (HAI)?
A) An older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter
B) An adolescent with a fractured tibia
C) A middle‑aged adult after an appendectomy
D) A school‑age child receiving oral antibiotics
Correct Answer: An older adult with an indwelling urinary catheter
Rationale: Invasive devices like urinary catheters bypass natural defenses, and
advanced age reduces immune function. Together they create the highest risk
for HAIs.
6. The nurse is assessing a postoperative client in acute pain. Which
physiological response is expected?
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Increased heart rate and blood pressure
C) Bradycardia and hypotension
D) Hyperthermia and diaphoresis
Correct Answer: Increased heart rate and blood pressure
