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

Question

Which behaviors indicate to the nurse that the procedure by the surgical technologist is correct? (Select all that apply.)
a. Ties the back of own gown
b. Touches only the inside of gown
c. Slips arms into arm holes simultaneously
d. Extended fingers fully into both of the gloves
e. Uses hands covered by sleeves to open gloves
f. Applies surgical cap and face mask in the operating suite

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, D, E
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 to open gloves. 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.