Page 74 - ractice Exam Questions and rationales

The indicator strip darkens.
Rationale: An instrument pack is considered sterile if the indicator strip on the package darkens.
The strip darkens according to sterility so if the strip is light that is an indication the package is
not sterile. If the autoclave tape is black, the package is not necessarily sterile because the
autoclave tape is based on temperature. If the temperature gets higher, the tape does darken, but
this is not a good indicator of sterility. The 20-minute, 250 degree cycle is the typical cycle used
to sterilize, however this is not the best way to ensure an instrument pack is sterile. Some
packages may need a longer cycle. If the autoclave door is unlocked, the sterilization cycle is
complete. However, this also is not the best option because some packages may need a longer
cycle, therefore the dark indicator strip is the best way to tell if an instrument pack is sterile.
A patient presents to the urgent care office reporting a burn that occurred a few minutes ago from
hot coffee. The left wrist is painful, red, swollen and has blisters. The medical assistant takes the
patient directly to an exam room. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant
take next?

A. Apply an ointment to the area

B. Apply a sterile dressing to the area

C. Place the wrist under cool running water

D. Have the patient put on a gown

Your response:
Place the wrist under cool running water
Correct response:
Place the wrist under cool running water
Rationale: Every burn should be evaluated before proceeding with treatment. This scenario
describes the burn and symptoms in detail. The burn site should be placed under cool running
water to both soothe and clean the area. The physician will then evaluate the burn and determine
the course of treatment. The physician may later direct the medical assistant to apply an ointment
to the area, and possibly a sterile dressing. Directing the patient to change into a gown is not a
good idea. The wrist should be treated immediately, and is accessible without a gown. It is
important to remove any clothing that may be in contact with the burn, not introduce fresh
clothing.
A medical assistant is positioning a patient for sigmoidoscopy. Which of the following positions
would be appropriate for the procedure?

A. lithotomy

B. Trendelenburg

C. supine

D. Sims