VTNE Plan

Surgical Nursing: practice questions

2 original questions · 2 editor-approved · every choice explained.

Practice this topic

Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

Start practice
Surgical NursingDifficulty 3/5

While opening a pack, the circulating technician's sleeve passes directly over the open sterile field. What is the consequence?

  1. AThe field remains sterile because no direct contact with the drape occurred
  2. BThe field is contaminated and the affected items must be replaced
  3. CThe field is usable if the area passed over is covered with a sterile towel
  4. DThe field remains sterile provided the sleeve was clean and freshly laundered
Show answer and rationale

Correct: B. Passing non-sterile material over an open sterile field contaminates it, regardless of contact. The affected items are replaced rather than covered.

  • A — Contamination does not require contact when non-sterile material passes over the field.
  • C — Covering contamination does not restore sterility.
  • D — Laundered clothing is clean, not sterile.
Surgical NursingDifficulty 2/5

Why must instruments be cleaned before they are sterilised?

  1. ABecause detergents deactivate the chemical indicators used in packs
  2. BBecause sterilisation removes debris only from hinged box-lock joints
  3. CBecause organic debris shields microorganisms from the sterilising agent
  4. DBecause cleaning is required to keep the instruments visually presentable
Show answer and rationale

Correct: C. Organic material physically protects microorganisms from steam or gas, so sterilisation cannot be assured on a soiled instrument. Cleaning is a prerequisite, not a finishing step.

  • D — Appearance is not the reason sterility fails.
  • A — Indicators are not deactivated by appropriate cleaning agents.
  • B — Sterilisation does not remove debris at all.

Primary references

  1. VTNE Candidate Information Handbook — American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22