ASATT National Certification Exam (NCE) Practice Exam

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What is the most common source of pathogens in the intraoperative setting?

Healthcare workers

The surgical patient

The most common source of pathogens in the intraoperative setting is the surgical patient. This is due to the fact that every patient carries a unique microbiome, which includes a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. During surgery, especially when the skin barrier is breached, these pathogens can enter the surgical site and potentially lead to infections.

The patient's flora, particularly from areas such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract, serves as a reservoir for pathogens. The likelihood of these pathogens being present in the surgical site increases when procedures involve deeper tissues, especially if proper aseptic techniques are not strictly adhered to. Therefore, understanding and mitigating the risk posed by the patient's own microbial flora is critical in maintaining sterile conditions and preventing intraoperative infections.

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Environmental surfaces

Medical equipment

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