1. The nurse on the surgical team and the surgeon have completed a surgery. After

donning gloves, gathering instruments, and placing in the transport carrier, what is

the next step in handling the instruments used during the procedure?

a. Sending to central sterile for cleaning and sterilization

b. Sending to central sterile for cleaning and disinfection

c. Sending to central sterile for cleaning and boiling

d. Sending to central sterile for cleaning

ANS: A

Surgical instruments need to be cleaned and sterilized. Disinfecting, boiling, or

cleaning is not utilized on critical items that will be reused on patients in the

hospital environment. Items that are used on sterile tissue or in the vascular system

present a high risk of infection if they become contaminated with bacteria.

2. The nurse is observing a family member changing a dressing for a patient in the

home health environment. Which observation indicates the family member has a

correct understanding of how to manage contaminated dressings?

a. The family member places the used dressings in a plastic bag.

b. The family member saves part of the dressing because it is clean.

c. The family member removes gloves and

gathers items for disposal. The family

member wraps the used dressing in toilet

tissue before

d. placing in trash.

ANS: A

Contaminated dressings and other infectious, disposable items should be placed in