ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which action is a violation of sterile technique?

1. Gowns must be sterile in the front down to the waist

2. Sterile gloves must be kept above waist level

3. Individuals in sterile dress may pass each other face to face

4. A sterile field should not be left unattended

The correct answer is: A sterile field should not be left unattended

The action that is a violation of sterile technique is leaving a sterile field unattended. A sterile field is created to maintain the integrity of sterile items and prevent contamination. When it is left unattended, there is an increased risk of non-sterile items or individuals contaminating the field, which could compromise the sterility of the instruments or materials present. To ensure sterility, it is essential to monitor the sterile field continuously; this means that a sterile field must always have a person in attendance or should be covered if it must be left for any reason. This principle is critical in surgical and clinical environments to minimize the risk of infection and ensure patient safety. The other actions listed are part of established sterile technique practices. For example, gowns are designed to maintain sterility, and sterile gloves must remain above the waist to prevent contamination from non-sterile areas. Furthermore, individuals in sterile attire passing face-to-face is permissible if it is done carefully, as long as they maintain the integrity of their sterile attire.