ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

Which of the following describes the term 'aseptic technique'?

1. a procedure that reduces the risk of infection

2. a method to entertain patients

3. a way to improve patient communication

4. a technique for billing patients

The correct answer is: a procedure that reduces the risk of infection

Aseptic technique is fundamentally about reducing the risk of infection during medical procedures. This involves practices that prevent contamination by pathogens, thereby safeguarding both the patients and healthcare workers from infections that could arise during diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. The concept includes a variety of strategies, such as hand hygiene, the use of sterile instruments and supplies, maintaining a clean environment, and utilizing proper procedural techniques. Aseptic technique is crucial in settings like surgery, where minimizing infection risk is paramount for successful patient outcomes. Other choices, while relevant to healthcare, do not pertain specifically to aseptic technique. For example, methods to entertain patients or improve communication relate more to patient experience and support, rather than infection control. Billing patients pertains to the financial aspects of healthcare rather than any clinical procedure or practice. Therefore, the focus of aseptic technique is squarely on infection prevention, making the description that it is a procedure that reduces the risk of infection the accurate choice.