Basic Concepts — Asepsis, Sterilization & Infection Control
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIE
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
1. What does “asepsis” refer to in the surgical context?
A. Absence of all microorganisms and spores
B. Absence of infectious organisms
C. Absence only of bacteria, but not viruses
D. Absence only of viruses and fungi
Answer: B. Asepsis is defined as the absence of infectious organisms.
Docsity+1
2. Which of the following is considered the primary method to reduce
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
A. Using sterile gloves only
B. Hand hygiene (handwashing or antiseptic hand rub)
C. Sterilizing all surfaces with alcohol wipes
D. Double gloving in all surgeries
Answer: B. Hand hygiene has been recognized as the primary method for
decreasing HAIs. Docsity+1
3. In a sterile field, what happens if a sterile instrument touches an unsterile
surface?
A. It remains sterile if touched briefly
B. It becomes contaminated and must be replaced or re-sterilized
C. Only the surface is contaminated but instrument remains safe
D. Sterility is maintained if glove was sterile
Answer: B. Sterility is lost when a sterile object contacts an unsterile
surface; contamination occurs.
,4. The concept of being aware of potential or actual contamination during
surgery and acting to prevent infection is called:
A. Decontamination
B. Sterile technique
C. Cleaning
D. Sterile conscience
Answer: D. “Sterile conscience” refers to that awareness and responsibility
to maintain sterility. study.com+1
5. When should you apply surgical mask, eye protection (goggles/face shield),
and shoe covers (as part of OR attire)?
A. Immediately after entering the OR, before gown/gloves
B. Right after surgical hand scrub
C. After gown and gloves are on
D. Only if patient is known to be infectious
Answer: B. Personal protective equipment (mask, goggles, shoe covers)
should be applied after surgical hand scrub and before sterile gown/gloves.
Scribd+1
6. Which is not an indication for using full sterile technique?
A. Inserting a sterile catheter into a body cavity
B. Any procedure involving broken skin
C. Dressing a simple external abrasion
D. Using a sharp instrument like a scalpel
Answer: C. A sterile technique is required for invasive procedures; a simple
abrasion may only require clean technique if not deep or invasive. (i.e. full
sterile technique not always indicated for minor external wound care)
7. Which of the following sterilization methods is most effective at killing
bacterial spores?
A. Boiling water for 10 minutes
B. Autoclaving (steam under pressure at 121°C or above)
C. Alcohol immersion
D. Wiping with antiseptic solution
, Answer: B. Autoclaving (steam under pressure) is the standard sterilization
method effective against spores. South Carolina State Assembly of AST+1
8. For a gravity-displacement autoclave sterilizer, which post-cycle step is
required?
A. Drying cycle
B. Aeration cycle
C. Immediate opening for ventilation
D. Rinsing with sterile water
Answer: A. Gravity-displacement sterilizers require a drying cycle because
steam condensation leaves items wet. South Carolina State Assembly of AST
9. The daily “Bowie-Dick test” is used to verify the effectiveness of which type
of sterilizer?
A. Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizer
B. Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer
C. Pre-vacuum steam sterilizer
D. Peracetic acid sterilizer
Answer: C. The Bowie-Dick test ensures air removal in a pre-vacuum
sterilizer so steam can penetrate effectively. South Carolina State Assembly
of AST
10.True or False: You can make a person’s hands sterile with any standard hand
scrub procedure.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. It is impossible to render hands completely sterile — hand
hygiene reduces microbial load, but sterility of hands is not achievable.
Docsity+1
11.What is the major source of bacteria in the operating room environment?
A. Instruments
B. Air flow systems
C. People (staff, patient)
D. Surgical drapes
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIE
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. What does “asepsis” refer to in the surgical context?
A. Absence of all microorganisms and spores
B. Absence of infectious organisms
C. Absence only of bacteria, but not viruses
D. Absence only of viruses and fungi
Answer: B. Asepsis is defined as the absence of infectious organisms.
Docsity+1
2. Which of the following is considered the primary method to reduce
healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)?
A. Using sterile gloves only
B. Hand hygiene (handwashing or antiseptic hand rub)
C. Sterilizing all surfaces with alcohol wipes
D. Double gloving in all surgeries
Answer: B. Hand hygiene has been recognized as the primary method for
decreasing HAIs. Docsity+1
3. In a sterile field, what happens if a sterile instrument touches an unsterile
surface?
A. It remains sterile if touched briefly
B. It becomes contaminated and must be replaced or re-sterilized
C. Only the surface is contaminated but instrument remains safe
D. Sterility is maintained if glove was sterile
Answer: B. Sterility is lost when a sterile object contacts an unsterile
surface; contamination occurs.
,4. The concept of being aware of potential or actual contamination during
surgery and acting to prevent infection is called:
A. Decontamination
B. Sterile technique
C. Cleaning
D. Sterile conscience
Answer: D. “Sterile conscience” refers to that awareness and responsibility
to maintain sterility. study.com+1
5. When should you apply surgical mask, eye protection (goggles/face shield),
and shoe covers (as part of OR attire)?
A. Immediately after entering the OR, before gown/gloves
B. Right after surgical hand scrub
C. After gown and gloves are on
D. Only if patient is known to be infectious
Answer: B. Personal protective equipment (mask, goggles, shoe covers)
should be applied after surgical hand scrub and before sterile gown/gloves.
Scribd+1
6. Which is not an indication for using full sterile technique?
A. Inserting a sterile catheter into a body cavity
B. Any procedure involving broken skin
C. Dressing a simple external abrasion
D. Using a sharp instrument like a scalpel
Answer: C. A sterile technique is required for invasive procedures; a simple
abrasion may only require clean technique if not deep or invasive. (i.e. full
sterile technique not always indicated for minor external wound care)
7. Which of the following sterilization methods is most effective at killing
bacterial spores?
A. Boiling water for 10 minutes
B. Autoclaving (steam under pressure at 121°C or above)
C. Alcohol immersion
D. Wiping with antiseptic solution
, Answer: B. Autoclaving (steam under pressure) is the standard sterilization
method effective against spores. South Carolina State Assembly of AST+1
8. For a gravity-displacement autoclave sterilizer, which post-cycle step is
required?
A. Drying cycle
B. Aeration cycle
C. Immediate opening for ventilation
D. Rinsing with sterile water
Answer: A. Gravity-displacement sterilizers require a drying cycle because
steam condensation leaves items wet. South Carolina State Assembly of AST
9. The daily “Bowie-Dick test” is used to verify the effectiveness of which type
of sterilizer?
A. Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizer
B. Hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilizer
C. Pre-vacuum steam sterilizer
D. Peracetic acid sterilizer
Answer: C. The Bowie-Dick test ensures air removal in a pre-vacuum
sterilizer so steam can penetrate effectively. South Carolina State Assembly
of AST
10.True or False: You can make a person’s hands sterile with any standard hand
scrub procedure.
A. True
B. False
Answer: A. It is impossible to render hands completely sterile — hand
hygiene reduces microbial load, but sterility of hands is not achievable.
Docsity+1
11.What is the major source of bacteria in the operating room environment?
A. Instruments
B. Air flow systems
C. People (staff, patient)
D. Surgical drapes
