ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Where is the "sterile corridor" located?

1. Just outside the OR room

2. Immediately inside each OR room door

3. Between the draped patient and the instrument table

4. At the foot end of the draped patient

The correct answer is: At the foot end of the draped patient

The sterile corridor is defined as the area between the draped patient and the instrument table within an operating room. This space is critical for maintaining a sterile field and ensuring that the instruments and supplies used during a surgical procedure do not become contaminated. In the sterile corridor, healthcare professionals can perform interventions or retrieve instruments while minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens. Maintaining the integrity of this area is essential for patient safety and infection control during surgical procedures, as it serves as a barrier between the sterile environment around the patient and the non-sterile environment outside the immediate surgical field. Understanding the specific location of the sterile corridor is vital for surgical teams to prioritize cleanliness and safety during operations, thereby reducing the risk of surgical site infections.