The circulating nurse in the perioperative area is observing the surgical technologist while applying a sterile gown and gloves to care for a patient having an appendectomy

Question

Which of the following behaviors indicate to the nurse that the procedure has been done correctly? (Select all that apply.) a. Surgical cap and face mask are in place.
b. Surgical technologist ties the back of the gown.
c. Surgical technologist touches only inside of gown.
d. Surgical technologist slips arms into arm holes simultaneously.
e. Surgical technologist uses hands covered by sleeves to open gloves.
f. Fingers are extended fully into both gloves.

Answer 1

C, D, E, F
To maintain sterility, the surgical technologist (ST) touches the inside of the gown that will be against the body. Arms are slipped simultaneously into the gown to prevent contamination. Using the sleeves covering the hands maintains the principle of sterile only touching sterile. Extending the fingers fully into both gloves ensures that the ST has full dexterity while using the sterile gloved hand. Surgical cap, face mask, and eye wear are applied before entering the surgical area and completing the surgical scrub. Reaching behind to tie the back of the gown will contaminate the sterile area of the gown.